Elmer Crowell Black Duck

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1925 16 1/2 in. long

Black duck decoys were Crowell’s signature species and "The Magazine Antiques" cemented the iconic status of the maker's black duck when they chose a raised-wing example for their September 1989 cover.

This carving hails from the rig of W. H. Wood. He hunted over it, though apparently very little, with his sons on the "sweet water" of Wellfleet's Great Pond. This gunning service is evidenced by the pellet still imbedded in one cheek. The back of head and breast display the maker's signature rasp treatment. The underside bears the Crowell oval brand. Excellent original paint with light gunning wear, touch-up at neck seam of reset head.

Provenance: W. H. Wood Rig Private Collection, Georgia

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 232-233, black ducks illustrated.

Provenance

W. H. Wood Rig Private Collection, Georgia