Elmer Crowell The Sherer Snipe

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1912 8 in. tall, 9 3/4 in. long

Although a rare species for the maker, the word "snipe" has been a common term in the hunter's lexicon for centuries. In the late-eighteenth century British soldiers in India coined the verb “to snipe” when referring to a challenging target, as the erratically flying snipe are notoriously erratic and elusive, making them difficult birds to shoot. Thus, to be called a sniper was a term of respect paid when delivering a days' bag of snipe to market.

This exemplary snipe displays exceptional detail, including auricular feathers below the eyes, similar to the reaching curlew on the cover of Copley's Sporting Sale 2007 catalog. This snipe exhibits Crowell’s expertly blended “wet-on-wet” dry brush feathering from bill tip to its split wings and tail with incised feather detail.

The bird is mounted on long wire legs and a traditional carved "stone" base. The maker demonstrates his thorough knowledge of the species by painting three black ovals in front of the snipe's feet to denote the bird's method of foraging. Similar to a slow-moving sewing machine, the jack snipe methodically probes the earth for invertebrates.

The provenance of this rare mantle bird is exceptional having descended through one family since its creation. Concerning Joseph F. Sherer, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving" authors O'Brien and Olney write, "In the early 1900s, Joseph F. Sherer hunted with Crowell and George D. Flynn, the largest landowner on Martha’s Vineyard at the time." Through this relationship as hunting compatriots, Mr. Sherer acquired Crowell carvings directly from the Harwich maker, including this one. Birds from the Sherer Collection are known for their exceptional quality and incredible condition. The underside of the base displays the maker's crisp oval brand. Excellent original paint with light wear, hairline crack in neck, minimal chips to wing and tail tips. Typical flaking to leg putty.

Provenance: Joseph F. Sherer Collection, acquired directly from the artist Private Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Sporting Sale 2007," July 26, 2007, lot 198 and front cover, related example illustrated. Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 206, wet-on-wet painting technique described.

Provenance

Joseph F. Sherer Collection, acquired directly from the artist Private Collection, by descent from the above