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THBThe Sherer Snipe, A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
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
LiveJul 9, 2021
Lots 1-246 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (246)
- Lot Description
The Sherer Snipe
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1912
8 in. tall, 9 3/4 in. long
Although a rare species for the maker, the word "snipe" has been a common term in the hunter's lexicon for centuries. In the late-eighteenth century British soldiers in India coined the verb ?to snipe? when referring to a challenging target, as the erratically flying snipe are notoriously erratic and elusive, making them difficult birds to shoot. Thus, to be called a sniper was a term of respect paid when delivering a days' bag of snipe to market.
This exemplary snipe displays exceptional detail, including auricular feathers below the eyes, similar to the reaching curlew on the cover of Copley's Sporting Sale 2007 catalog. This snipe exhibits Crowell?s expertly blended ?wet-on-wet? dry brush feathering from bill tip to its split wings and tail with incised feather detail.
The bird is mounted on long wire legs and a traditional carved "stone" base. The maker demonstrates his thorough knowledge of the species by painting three black ovals in front of the snipe's feet to denote the bird's method of foraging. Similar to a slow-moving sewing machine, the jack snipe methodically probes the earth for invertebrates.
The provenance of this rare mantle bird is exceptional having descended through one family since its creation. Concerning Joseph F. Sherer, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving" authors O'Brien and Olney write, "In the early 1900s, Joseph F. Sherer hunted with Crowell and George D. Flynn, the largest landowner on Martha?s Vineyard at the time." Through this relationship as hunting compatriots, Mr. Sherer acquired Crowell carvings directly from the Harwich maker, including this one. Birds from the Sherer Collection are known for their exceptional quality and incredible condition. The underside of the base displays the maker's crisp oval brand.
Excellent original paint with light wear, hairline crack in neck, minimal chips to wing and tail tips. Typical flaking to leg putty.
Provenance: Joseph F. Sherer Collection, acquired directly from the artist
Private Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Sporting Sale 2007," July 26, 2007, lot 198 and front cover, related example illustrated. Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 206, wet-on-wet painting technique described.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.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Copley Fine Art Auctions does not handle the shipping of any items. Shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Once your payment has cleared, and we have received your authorized shipping release form items may be released for shipment. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items. Buyers should allow up to four weeks for shipment. Please be aware that internet bidders may NOT not pick up their items at the sale. Items will be available for pick up by appointment or by shippers five days after the sale.
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