Elmer Crowell Kingfisher With American Perch

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930 8 1/4 in. tall

A rare and exceptional female belted kingfisher mantel carving with its original, and notably detailed, yellow perch within its bill. The bowed head has a lively saw-tooth crest and the tail has incised feather detail.

The carving is signed and rectangular-stamped by the maker on the underside of the ornately carved and painted base. Excellent original paint with light wear, touch-up to toes, perch's pectoral fin, and to several minute spots, including sides and tip of bill.

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. 265, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Cape Cod