Elmer Crowell Black Bellied Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 This early “dust jacket” plover is painted in emerging plumage. A related example is pictured on the cover of American Bird Decoys by William J. Mackey, Jr. The bird’s details include: raised heart-shaped carving to the top of each wing, fully carved concave primaries that join at the tips, and deeply carved wing separation between the primary tips. A hollowed-out cut bores through to the dropped tail. There is an original inset metal sleeve inside the stick hole.

Crowell’s “dust jacket” plovers are amongst the most highly sought after shorebird decoys; less than eighteen examples in original paint are thought to exist. Original paint with even gunning wear; hairline check to right side of the body – original to the piece; minor paint loss to face around eyes and bill; original bill has a hairline crack.

Provenance: Commissioned by Harry V. Long, Cohasset, Massachusetts Private collection, by descent in the family

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, "The Harry V. Long Collection of A. Elmer Crowell Decoys", The Sporting Sale, Boston, MA, 2009, P. 68, 77-79, exact bird illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys", Ephrata, PA, 1972, pp. 48, 51, related birds illustrated. Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A.E. Crowell & Son", Hyannis, MA, 1992, pp. 43, 49, 59, related birds illustrated. John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys", Exton, PA, 1990, dust jacket cover and p. 119, related birds illustrated. Joe Engers, ed., "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys", San Diego, CA, 1990, p. 53, related bird illustrated. Guyette & Schmidt, Inc., "North American Decoys at Auction, November 8-9, 2004", cover and pp. 82-83, related bird illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.", Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 14-15, related birds illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys", New York, NY, 1965, dust jacket cover, color plate 3, related birds illustrated. Donna Tonelli, "Top of the Line Hunting Collectibles", Atglen, PA, 1998, p. 87, related bird illustrated.

Provenance

Commissioned by Harry V. Long, Cohasset, Massachusetts Private collection, by descent in the family