Elmer Crowell Rare Canvasback

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1935 15 in. long

As a highly regarded gamekeeper and breeder of waterfowl, Crowell possessed a thorough knowledge of avian anatomy, which is on full display with this "king of ducks."

The body is fitted with a turned head with rasped feather detail and a long sweeping bill true to the species. This drake was finished with exceptional blended and detailed paint features from head to tail. The underside is signed with his rectangular stamp.

This decoy was passed down in a Duxbury, Massachusetts, family that was friends with Dr. George Ross Starr Jr. Excellent original paint with light wear, including minor craquelure on lower edges of breast. Neck seam appears original.

Provenance: Private Collection, Duxbury, Massachusetts

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 116, related Cook collection drake illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Duxbury, Massachusetts