Makers / Elmer Crowell / Black Duck

Elmer Crowell Black Duck

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930

$5,700
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $2,500–$3,500over estimate
Sold Feb 2021at Copley, February 2021

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesBlack DuckPoseTurned headSize15"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930 15 in. long

A classic working Crowell decoy with a slightly turned head. The underside is struck with two rectangular Crowell stamps. One of the finest examples from Crowell's middle period that we have handled. Outstanding original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: John Dillon Collection

Literature: Adele Earnest, "The Art of The Decoy: American Bird Carvings," New York, NY, 1965, p. 171, related example illustrated. Brian Cullity, “The Songless Aviary: The World of A. E. Crowell & Son,” Hyannis, MA, 1992, p. 64, related example illustrated.

Provenance

John Dillon Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Elmer Crowell Black Ducks to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
26 Sep 2026——$42,000
26 Sep 2026——$3,960
Jul 2026——$36,000
Jul 2026—Original$5,400
Jul 2026—Original$4,800

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Elmer Crowell sales