Elmer Crowell Mallard Drake

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930 16 in. long

Crowell carved relatively few mallard decoys, with this example displaying exemplary form and paint. The pronounced breast sweeps to a drawn-back and pleasing head that turns to the right. The head has crisp rasped finishing, eye grooves, and bill detail. The body is finished with his excellent wet-on-wet feather blending. The long sweeping body exhibits the maker's coveted raised wings and carved tail feathers. The underside of this prized decoy was fitted with two large poured weights and a felt covering to sit atop the mantel.. Original paint with even wear, some craquelure at base of tail, and touch-up to neck seam.

Provenance: Private Collection, Cape Cod

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 35, related drake illustrated, p. 37, related hen illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Cape Cod