Elmer Crowell The Sherer Running Willet

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

Born in East Harwich, Massachusetts, Elmer Crowell possessed an early fascination with ornithology and hunting. These passions led to a career as a market gunner in the late 1800s. In 1898 Dr. John C. Phillips Jr. (1876-1938), a sportsman who was also a prominent member of Boston society and a prolific author, asked Crowell to manage his Wenham Lake hunting camp. Upon seeing Crowell’s masterful carvings, Phillips and the camp’s affluent guests persuaded Crowell to make decoys for them. The resulting decoys from this early period are some of the most desirable bird carvings ever made.

The provenance of this rare decoy is exceptional having descended through one family since its creation. Concerning Joseph F. Sherer, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving" authors O'Brien and Olney write, "In the early 1900s, Joseph F. Sherer hunted with Crowell and George D. Flynn, the largest landowner on Martha’s Vineyard at the time." Through this relationship as hunting compatriots, Mr. Sherer acquired Crowell carvings directly from the Harwich maker, including this pristine willet in vibrant breeding plumage. Birds from the Sherer rig are known for their exceptional quality and incredible condition.

This is the only working Crowell willet decoy in this distinct plumage known. Excellent original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: Joseph F. Sherer Collection, acquired directly from the artist Private Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 164, Sherer rig yellowlegs decoys illustrated, pp. 206-207, related decorative willet illustrated.

Provenance

Joseph F. Sherer Collection, acquired directly from the artist Private Collection, by descent from the above