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

Early Black Duck
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1910
15 1/2 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 and proud breast that relates to the birds Crowell made for his renowned patron John C. Phillips. It was finished with the maker's signature feathering.

Original paint with gunning wear, check in underside, and tight cracks at base of neck.

Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts

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.