Elmer Crowell Winthrop-rig Pintail Pair

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 19 1/2 and 16 1/4 in. long

An excellent pair of cork decoys with wooden heads and a wooden sprig in the drake. The wooden bottom boards were marked with Crowell's crisp oval brand and the "F. WINTHROP" brand. The hen's rig brand has been carved out.

Robert Winthrop is remembered as being instrumental in the formation of Ducks Unlimited, one of the largest, private, nonprofit organizations in the world.

Elmer Crowell, along with Thomas Gelston and Lou Rathmell, are known for their mastery of cork. Other examples from this important rig have been held in the O'Brien and McCleery collections. Original paint with moderate wear, hen has touch-up to neck and body seams, and restored tail tip.

Provenance: Fred Winthrop Rig, acquired from the artist, c. 1920 Robert Winthrop, by descent from the above Private Collection, Washington State

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 176, rigmate pair illustrated. Richard W. Oliver and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, "The First Annual Auction of Decoys & Antique Sporting Collectibles," February 12, 1987, front cover, rigmate pintails illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, January 22–23, 2000, lot 65, rigmate illustrated. Copley Fine Art Auctions, “The Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Collection of Important American Sporting Art and Decoys, Sessions III,” July, 2018, lot 70, rigmates illustrated.

Provenance

Fred Winthrop Rig, acquired from the artist, c. 1920 Robert Winthrop, by descent from the above Private Collection, Washington State