Elmer Crowell Sherer Rig Golden Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 10 1/4 in. long

This golden plover is a testament to the quality of Crowell's early workmanship. The provenance of this carving is exceptional, having resided in 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 companions, Mr. Sherer acquired Crowell carvings directly from the Harwich maker, including this pristine golden plover in vibrant breeding plumage.

Birds from the Sherer rig are known for their exceptional quality and condition. This shorebird has a seldom-seen upright posture and proud breast.

This decoy also provides true insight into Crowell's wet-on-wet painting procedure. Under the tail and on the neck, tight lines remain imprinted in the original paint from Crowell resting the still-wet bird on an edge while applying the extensive blended feathering. Crowell's own penciled "2" rig marking is behind the stick hole; any of Elmer's writing on a shorebird decoy is very rare. Excellent original paint with small dent in back left of head, and a few original painting lines around neck.

Provenance: Joseph F. Sherer Rig, acquired from the maker Private Collection, by descent in the family

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 139, 251, 146, 164, and back inside cover, Sherer discussed, his shorebirds illustrated.

Provenance

Joseph F. Sherer Rig, acquired from the maker Private Collection, by descent in the family