157A. Exceedingly rare pre brand widgeon hen, Elmer Crowell, East Harwich, Massachusetts, last quarter 19th century. Carved, crossed wingtips and fluted tail. Gouge feather carving on back, ice dip. Slightly turned head. Exceptional wet on wet paint blending with good patina. Branded “CWW” three times in underside for Charles W. Whittier. Original paint with very slight wear; minor roughness to tip of tail.
157A Detail
Provenance: Berry/Kalinsky collection. Lot 233 in the Julia & Guyette April 1989 auction. (25,000 - 35,000)
157A Detail
Charles W. Whittier (Massachusetts) was a member at the Swan Island Club in North Carolina in the last quarter of the 19th century. Whittier’s rig consisted mostly of widgeon and pintails, most of which are repainted. Bill Mackey is credited with finding most of the Crowell decoys shipped to the club when buying in the area around 1960. 55