Elmer Crowell Half-size Bobwhite Quail

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930 6 1/2 in. tall

Today quail are not commonly associated with Cape Cod; however, they were fairly abundant in Crowell's time, and he both hunted and raised them. This bird was displayed at Evelyn Thayer Chace's sporting retreat, Twickenham Plantation, in Beaufort County, South Carolina. This male displays bright plumage, incised tail carving, and the maker's rectangular stamp on the bottom. Original paint with light wear, small paint rub to top of crest, and minor putty loss to legs.

Provenance: Evelyn Thayer Chace Collection 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, pp. 15, 42, 183, related life-size carvings illustrated.

Provenance

Evelyn Thayer Chace Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above