Elmer Crowell Rare Canvasback Drake

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1940 15 1/2 in. long

As a highly regarded gamekeeper and breeder of waterfowl, Crowell possessed a thorough knowledge of the avian anatomy, which is on full display with this "king of ducks." This decorative decoy by Crowell is exceptional in that the maker rarely gave such special attention to his carved feather groups. The body is fitted with a turned head with rasped feather detail and a long sweeping bill true to the species. In addition to carved primaries and tail feathers, it has slight wing separation down the back and deeply carved scapulars and flanks. This drake was finished with blended and detailed paint from head to tail.

The underside is signed in ink "A.E. Crowell, Cape Cod, 1940" and struck twice with his rectangular stamp. Original paint with even wear, tight crack in neck with flake in front, original age line along right side, and early minor spot touch-up to sides and neck.

Provenance: A Massachusetts Estate Private Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 116 and 151, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

A Massachusetts Estate Private Collection, acquired from the above