Reggie Birch Swan

Reggie Birch (b. 1953) Chincoteague, VA, c. 2020 33 in. long

A grand, hollow swan with the maker's incised signature on the underside. This carving represents the maker at his very finest. The work's S-shaped neck illustrates Birch's carving prowess as only a few birds with this form are known to exist. The pinnacle example of this form is the legendary Canada goose carving made by Elmer Crowell for important patron Harry V. Long (1857-1949), which Copley sold for over $650,000 in 2009. Original paint and wear.

Provenance: Estate of Paul W. Masengarb

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr., “The Harry V. Long Collection of A. Elmer Crowell Decoys,” Boston, MA, 2009, front cover, frontispiece, and pp. 62-66, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Estate of Paul W. Masengarb