Elmer Crowell Killdeer

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1898 A very early, tack eye, mantle bird carving with rarely seen carved bill and tail feather detail. Mounted on an unusually small rock base. Crowell's bases become larger over time to prevent the birds from toppling over. The date "1898" is written on the bottom and an impression, likely added later, of Crowell's oval brand. Blended feathering with fine painted detail found on Crowell's early work. Original paint with touch up to gesso on both thighs and one foot. Very tip of the bill and a paint flake at the back of the neck have been professionally restored.

Literature: Joe Engers, "2007 Year in Review: The Decoy at Auction" Decoy Magazine, Year in Review, 2007, p. 29.