Elmer Crowell Rare Brant

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

$7,200
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $8,000–$12,000under estimate
Sold Jul 2023at Copley, July 2023

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesBrantSize19"ConditionExcellentPaintOriginal

The catalog record

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 19 in. long

A rare species for the maker with his early oval brand on the underside. The breast features Crowell's signature rasp finish and the dry surface exhibits his wet-on-wet blending. An early example in exceptional condition, this is one of the finest brant by the maker know to exist. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear and a chip to tail has been darkened.

Provenance: Emerson and Isabelle Tuttle Collection, acquired c. 1925 Private Collection, by descent in the family Private Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 195 (underside) and 256, exact bird illustrated. Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A. E. Crowell & Son," Hyannis, MA, 1992.

Provenance

Emerson and Isabelle Tuttle Collection, acquired c. 1925 Private Collection, by descent in the family Private Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Elmer Crowell Brant to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Apr 2026—Original$7,800
Nov 2025ExcellentOriginal$2,100
Nov 2025ExcellentOriginal$840
Jul 2025—Original$54,000
Jul 2025ExcellentOriginal$1,500

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Elmer Crowell sales