Elmer Crowell The Davenport Turned-head Golden Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930 10 in. tall

This carving was made by Crowell for Everett Banfield Davenport and it has remained with his descendants for nearly a century. In addition to its quality, condition, and appeal, its discovery is especially notable considering the rarity of this striking model depicting a golden plover in full breeding plumage. Indeed, a review of the “Father of American Bird Carving” book and “Songless Aviary” catalog reveal no comparables. A study of decades of auction records reveals a single related carving from the esteemed John S. duMont Collection.

This carving remains in excellent original condition with no loss or repairs after almost one hundred years. A reminder of the perils of time, this plover is an earthquake survivor. During a quake, this bird was fortunate to remain intact on a shelf while another Crowell from the Davenport estate suffered a break in a fall.

This carving features a turned head, a decorative variation Crowell took seriously. He applied the head, affixing it perfectly with a special two-ended screw. Counterbalancing the turn and detail of the head and bill, the wings have slight separation at their tips and they bend to the left over a canted tail, giving the bird a lively posture. The plumage is striking with high contrast, soft blending, bright yellows and golds, and a pronounced white S-curve from the head to the wing.

The underside of the base is signed with Crowell’s pristine rectangular stamp. Excellent original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Everett Banfield Davenport Collection, acquired from the artist Private Collection, Concord MA, by descent

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, no related examples illustrated.

Provenance

Everett Banfield Davenport Collection, acquired from the artist Private Collection, Concord MA, by descent