Elmer Crowell Early Hollow Black-bellied Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1895 13 1/4 in. long

This exceedingly rare hollow Crowell plover, along with two other known rigmates, are the maker's earliest documented shorebird decoys. They are most likely from his personal gunning rig and used to harvest birds for both the maker's own table fare and for market. Other than these three examples, no other hollow shorebirds by the maker have surfaced. This bold plover exhibits several of the features seen in his later "dust-jacket" decoys, including a large size and fastidious attention to plumage patterns. The intricate brushwork speaks of a young man with an acute sense for detail. The flared bill tip, square "beetlehead," and long split tail show anatomical knowledge rarely matched by other makers. In excellent original paint with even gunning wear, touch-up at base of reset bill, and a hairline crack in neck.

Provenance: Joseph B. French Collection John Dinan Collection Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 218, fig. A, exact decoy illustrated. Stephen O'Brien, Jr. Fine Arts, Sporting Art catalog, 2002, # 27, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Joseph B. French Collection John Dinan Collection Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry Collection