Elmer Crowell Golden Plover In Winter Plumage

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 9 1/2 in. long

A very early shorebird mantel carving in rarely seen winter plumage. The plover, exhibiting a split tail with incised carving detail on the tail, is mounted on a detailed faux carved and painted rock base with Crowell's early oval brand on the bottom.

This decorative as well as the following lot have remained as a pair since they were acquired together from a Mount Desert Island estate. Original paint with minimal wear and minor craquelure around head and on base.

Provenance: Private Collection, Mount Desert Island, Maine Thomas and Nancy Hennessey Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 218, 219, related plover illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Mount Desert Island, Maine Thomas and Nancy Hennessey Collection, acquired from the above