Elmer Crowell Bobwhite Quail

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, 1932 8 1/4 in. tall

This rare upright life-size quail has a storied past having been in several prominent collections. A notation on the underside by Crowell expert and decoy curator Gigi Hopkins relates, "Bobwhite (male symbol). One of 4 birds ordered in 1929 by Mark Hopkins, then of Dover, Mass. Made by Mr. Crowell in 1932-'33. Original cost - $7.50." Mark Hopkins was Gigi’s father and she lived with this bird for decades. Details include exceptional paint, carved tail feathers, and a raised crest. The maker's rectangular stamp and Gigi's signature also grace the bottom of the base next to an empty slot for Charles Hunter's collection tag. Original paint with light wear, touch-up along legs and a spot on crown.

Provenance: Mark Hopkins Collection, acquired from the maker Gigi Hopkins Collection, by descent from the above Charles Hunter Collection Private Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 15, exact bird illustrated.

Provenance

Mark Hopkins Collection, acquired from the maker Gigi Hopkins Collection, by descent from the above Charles Hunter Collection Private Collection