Elmer Crowell Lesser Yellowlegs

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

An exquisite small mantel bird with a turned head mounted on a carved clamshell base. This specific execution is notable for its particularly fine paint, thin neck and bill, and split wing-tip carving above the arched tail. The underside of the base is signed with Crowell's rectangular stamp and inked inscriptions. Excellent original paint with light wear. Tight neck crack has been reset.

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 214-215, related yellowlegs illustrated.