Elmer Crowell Cross-wing Black Duck

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 An early pre-brand decoy by this most famous Cape Cod carver. The decoy exhibits glass eyes, bill detail, crossed and raised wing tips, and layered tail feathers. A preening rigmate is featured in the photograph of Dr. George Ross Starr, opposite the decoy collector's tribute page of the 1986 Bourne auction catalog; "The Rare Collection of George Ross Starr, Jr. M.D." and is listed as lot 441 in that sale. In original paint with even gunning wear, a reset head, and professional restoration to an age crack along the back by Gigi Hopkins.

Provenance: Private Collection, Duxbury, Massachusetts

Literature: Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A.E. Crowell & Son," Sandwich, MA, 1992, p. 63, similar decoys illustrated. Shirley and John Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1990, p. 150, similar example illustrated. Richard Bourne, "The Rare Decoy Collection of George Ross Starr, Jr., M.D.", Hyannis, MA, 1986, lot 441, similar example illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Duxbury, Massachusetts