Elmer Crowell Early Goldeneye Drake

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 15 in. long

A rare working decoy that appears to have avoided the rigors of hunting. Few, if any, makers were more successful at boiling waterfowl species down to their most basic elegant lines. The underside bears an early strike of Crowell's oval brand. This exact decoy was selected for the Ward Museum's "Massachusetts Masters" exhibition and book. Excellent original paint with light wear, including a few minor rubs along lower sides.

Literature: John Clayton, “Massachusetts Masters: Decoys, Shorebirds, and Decorative Carvings,” The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University, 2010, p. 83, exact decoy illustrated. Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 159, oval brands illustrated. Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “Massachusetts Masters: Decoys, Shorebirds and Decorative Carvings,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University, LeMay Gallery, October 1, 2010-January 23, 2011.