Elmer Crowell Sherer Rig Canada Goose

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 22 1/2 in. long

"Unquestionably the best example of a Crowell goose we have seen." - Ted Harmon, describing a rigmate, July 2013

An outstanding example from one of Crowell's most sought-after rigs of working goose decoys. The tack-eyed head has carved bill detail with strong rasped feathering along the back. The body is full and well-formed with soft wet-on-wet blending, tight three-tone stippling, and an oval brand on the bottom.

Ted Harmon acquired two rigmates to this carving, one of which he kept in his personal collection. The other he offered at auction as "Unquestionably the best example of a Crowell goose we have seen." That decoy was collected by Jim Doherty. Excellent original paint with light wear, original tight line along left side, a couple typical cracks along bottom, and a ding in right shoulder. A few old white spots on back.

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, pp. 139 and 46, Sherer listed and a related goose illustrated. Decoys Unlimited, "Annual Summer Decoy Auction," July 2013, lot 119, Sherer rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

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