Early Crossed-Wing Black Duck Decoy by A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)

Lot 28

About Seller

65 Sharp Street
Hingham, MA 02043
United States

Copley Fine Art Auctions is the world's leading American sporting art auction company. Located in Hingham, MA, Copley specializes in antique decoys and 19th- and 20th-century American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Principal Stephen O'Brien Jr., a fourth-generation sportsman with a refined colle...Read more

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About Auction

The Winter Sale 2023, Day 1 by Copley Fine Art Auctions

Live

The Winter Sale 2023, Day 1

By Copley Fine Art Auctions

Feb 24, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-02-24 10:00:00 2023-02-24 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Winter Sale 2023, Day 1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-winter-sale-2023-day-1-11939 Lots 1-337 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com

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Lot Description

Early Crossed-Wing Black Duck
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1910
16 3/4 in. long

Black duck decoys were Crowell's signature species. When "The Magazine Antiques" chose a Crowell raised-wing example for their September 1989 cover, it cemented the iconic status of the maker's black duck.

This carving has a refined plump body, proud breast, and detailed carving that relates to the birds Crowell made for his renowned patron Dr. John C. Phillips. It was finished with the crossed and incised primaries and tail feathers.

This early pre-brand example has until recently resided with the New England family who hunted over it. It remains in dry, untouched gunning condition.
Original paint with gunning wear to the wood in places.

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 232-233, black ducks illustrated.

Condition

Please email condition report requests to colin@copleyart.com. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.
Shipping Info
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