Elmer Crowell Sherer Rig Black-bellied Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 10 in. long

This well-fed working black-bellied plover decoy features Elmer Crowell's plump and upright pose and impeccable provenance. It was finished with the maker’s crisp brushwork, portraying full breeding plumage. This decoy emanates from the rig of Joseph Sherer, a patron and hunting companion of Crowell’s. It has remained in the family for over a century since it was acquired from Crowell. A rigmate to the previous lot, it is also in pristine condition. Crowell's distinct penciled "8" rig marking is behind the stick hole; his writing on shorebird decoys is very rare. Excellent original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Joseph F. Sherer Rig, acquired from the maker Private Collection, by descent in the family

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 139, 251, 146, 164, and back inside cover, Sherer discussed, his shorebirds illustrated.

Provenance

Joseph F. Sherer Rig, acquired from the maker Private Collection, by descent in the family