Elmer Crowell Exceptional Black Duck

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930 15 3/4 in. long

Black duck decoys were Crowell’s signature species with hundreds carved in his standard-grade form. His carved-feather models are far more rare and reside in the country’s top private and museum collections. "The Magazine Antiques" further cemented the iconic status of Crowell’s black duck when they chose a raised-wing example for their September 1989 cover.

The head reveals meticulously blended feather paint and refined carving details. The body displays the maker's exceptional wet-on-wet dry brush feathering. The feather paint works in concert with the extensive carved feather detail, starting with the coverts and moving down to the wingtips, which are both crossed and raised. The tail also showcases the carver's sharp incising. The underside bears two rectangular Crowell stamps and an inked "A. E. Crowell" signature. Outstanding original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1990, pp. 106-150, related decoys illustrated. Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection