Elmer Crowell Hudsonian Curlew

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 13 3/4 in. long

An early Crowell shorebird decoy with writing on the underside that appears to be by William Mackey and Lloyd Johnson, identifying this as a Hudsonian curlew. Since the bill is replaced, this bird may have begun as a willet decoy. An incised "M" rig marking can be seen behind the stick hole. Original paint with heavy gunning wear to wood and some darkening. Replaced bill and restored wing tip chip.

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 141, related decoy illustrated.