Elmer Crowell Turned-head "dust Jacket" Yellowlegs

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 11 3/4 in. long

An exceedingly rare "dust jacket" style yellowlegs. Birds of this species with the maker's incised primaries rarely come to light. The most famous yellowlegs with this early treatment is the open-bill calling yellowlegs from the gunning rig of Harry V. Long.

This example, with its cranked and lifted head attitude, showcases the maker's unique ability to capture the semblance of movement in gunning decoys perhaps better than any other maker. Original paint with even gunning wear, a crack behind knot in tail, a bill tip repair, and some glue residue around neck lines.

Provenance: Grant Nelson Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 64, color plate III, and dust jacket, related decoys illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, pp. 48, 51, related decoys illustrated. John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1990, dust jacket, related decoys illustrated. Jeff Waingrow, "American Waterfowl Decoys," New York, NY, 1985, pp. 90-91 and back cover, related decoy illustrated. Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Harry V. Long Collection of A. Elmer Crowell Decoys," The Sporting Sale, Boston, MA, 2009, front dust jacket and lot 64, related decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Grant Nelson Collection