Elmer Crowell The Du Mont Bobwhite Quail Pair

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1912 8 1/4 in tall.

This pair hails from the distinguished du Mont Collection of early Elmer Crowell carvings. The collection and stories of Crowell were first presented publicly by John Sanderson du Mont, a third-generation friend and patron of A. Elmer Crowell. His great aunt and uncle were Roland C. du Mont (1859–1906) and Addie D. Nickerson (1859–1955), and John's father was Horatio S. du Mont (1886–1970).

In a 1987 Sporting Classics article introduced by Alan Haid, the younger du Mont recalled, “My father, either at my request or when doing errands, would drop me at Crowell's where I would sit quietly and watch him carve and paint. He never objected.” He also recounts, "Recognizing Crowell's ability, my father assembled a collection of 21 shorebird and duck heads, some miniatures, and a series of life-size bird carvings. Mother's diary indicates that most of these were collected by 1917." The du Monts are remembered for early, exceptional, and rare Crowell carvings; this pair was featured on the front cover of “The John S. du Mont Collection” catalog in 2007 when it was sold by Northeast Auctions.

The pair has remained together for over 110 years, and each retains a crisp and complete oval brand on the underside of the early articulated bases. Each features fine paint atop beautifully sculpted bodies. The cock’s head is finished with a subtle crest and is turned ninety degrees. Crowell succeeded at creating a charming chemistry between this pair.

“Much has been written about Elmer’s duck and goose hunting, but he was also enthusiastic about hunting upland game and fishing. He is remembered telling stories about building quail runs…” -Brian Cullity, “Songless Aviary” Original paint with very light wear, minor areas of craquelure on lower edges of hen's base and left side of breast. Minimal touch-up around small reset chip at top base of hen's bill. Minimal spot of touch-up to small flake under drake's right eye and three pin-head spots on his right shoulder. Some typical repair to thighs and toes. Overall very good paint and condition.

Provenance: Horatio S. du Mont Collection, acquired from the artist John S. du Mont Collection, by descent Private Collection, Greenwich, Connecticut

Literature: Northeast Auctions, "The John S. du Mont Collection," Portsmouth, NH, August 19, 2007, p. 13, Brian Cullity quote, front cover and lot 712, exact pair illustrated. Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 15, 208-209, 262, 280, related carvings, including a du Monte Collection male, illustrated and discussed. Brian Cullity, “The Songless Aviary: The World of A. E. Crowell & Son,” Hyannis, MA, 1992, p. 85, Heritage Plantation Collection pair illustrated. John S. duMont, “[Elmer Crowell’s] Decoys”, Sporting Classics, January/February, 1987, p. 70-73, Crowell and duMont discussed.

Provenance

Horatio S. du Mont Collection, acquired from the artist John S. du Mont Collection, by descent Private Collection, Greenwich, Connecticut