Elmer Crowell Dowitcher

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 An exceptional working Crowell shorebird decoy displaying glass eyes, fine painted detail, and a split tail with painted primaries. Describing a similar shorebird carving in his book "American Wildfowl Decoys," Jeff Waingrow writes, "Crowell's dowitcher decoy is a transitional carving, displaying the virility of his earlier work with a measure of new refinement found in the later examples. It possesses enough of the best qualities from each period, however to deserve a place among the finer examples of Crowell shorebirds." Outstanding original paint with minor gunning wear including a rub to the wing tip. Reset crack in original bill.

Provenance: Private Collection, Midwest

Literature: Donna Tonelli, "Top of the Line Hunting Collectibles," Atglen, PA, 1998, p. 88 similar examples illustrated. Paul A. Johnsgard, "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form," Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 20 B, similar decoy illustrated. Jeff Waingrow, "American Wildfowl Decoys," New York, NY, 1989, p. 97, similar example illustrated. Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A.E. Crowell & Son," Sandwich, MA, 1992, p. 49, plate 1, similar bird illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Midwest