Elmer Crowell Rare Life-size Purple Finch

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1926 5 3/4 in. long

This life-size finch carving is rare and may be unique. This carving and the wren in this sale hail from the West Collection of Crowell's life-sized songbirds. Dr. Davenport A. West and Mrs. Dorothy Phelps West resided in New York City's Upper East Side where he practiced medicine. The couple's passion for Crowell likely developed during their time at a summer home on Cape Cod. Correspondence between the Wests and Crowell between 1925 and 1927 list both this finch and the wren. The West's sizeable Crowell order, and delivery, suggests that these previously unknown patrons held some of the artist's finest life-sized songbirds. This base, along with the next lot's, feature a stamp rarely seen.

The underside is marked with the maker's "High Class Decoys of Every Description" ink stamp, and inked signature, and a penciled "2." Excellent original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: Dr. Davenport and Mrs. Dorothy Phelps West Collection, acquired from the maker Private Collection, Cape Cod

Provenance

Dr. Davenport and Mrs. Dorothy Phelps West Collection, acquired from the maker Private Collection, Cape Cod