Lot # | 28 |
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Estimate | 200,000.00 - 300,000.00 USD |
Group - Category | Antiques & Collectibles - weapons & hunting gear |
Lead | Preening Black Duck |
Description |
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1900
15 by 6 1/4 by 6 1/2 in.
An early, pre-brand, decoy that conveys the maker’s complete understanding of the species and command of his craft. This full-bodied black duck exhibits excellent form, clean lines, and a head that fully extends back over the left side. The head reveals meticulously blended paint and refined carving details. The crossed and raised wing tips are inserted into the body and are finished with carved primaries. Over three inches of the left wing tip is lifted in the air. The tail also features carved feather detail. The body displays wet-on-wet dry brush feathering and an exceptional surface.
Black duck decoys were Crowell’s most requested species with hundreds carved in typical straight head positions. His preening models are rare and reside in the country’s top private and museum collections. The Magazine Antiques further cemented the iconic status of the Crowell preening black duck when they chose a related example for their September 1989 cover. With its exceptional condition, perfect proportions, and raised wing feathers this decoy ranks among the finest.
Outstanding original paint and condition, one wing tip has been reset twice.
Provenance: Private Collection, purchased directly from the artist, c. 1905-1910
Helen and Louis Josef Collection, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, by descent from the above
Private Collection, purchased from the estate of the above, September 13th, 2001
Literature: David S. Webster and William Kehoe, "Decoys at Shelburne Museum," Burlington, VT, 1961, p. 23, No. D-43-W, similar decoy illustrated.
Adele Earnest, "The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings," New York, NY, 1965, p. 172, plate 148, similar decoy illustrated.
Gene and Linda Kangas, "Decoys," Paducah, KY, 1992, p. 111, plate 156, similar decoy illustrated.
Donna Tonelli, "Top of the Line Hunting Collectibles," Atglen, PA, 1998, p. 87, similar decoy illustrated.
The Magazine Antiques, September 1989, front cover, similar decoy illustrated.
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Name | The Sporting Sale 2015 |
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Auctioneer | Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC |
Type | Internet Absentee Bidding |
Date(s) | 7/25/2015 |
Saturday, July 25 10am | |
Preview Date/Time | Friday, July 24 5:30pm - 7:30pm Saturday, July 25 8am-10am |
Checkout Date/Time | Saturday, July 25 10am - 5pm |
Location | The Radisson Hotel
180 Water Street Plymouth, MA 02360 |
Buyer Premium | Buyer's Premium 20% |
Description |
The Sporting Sale 2105
July 25 10am
The Radisson Hotel
180 Water Street
Plymouth, MA
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Bid Amount | Bid Increment |
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0.00 - 1,000.00 | 50.00 USD |
1,000.01 - 3,000.00 | 100.00 USD |
3,000.01 - 5,000.00 | 250.00 USD |
5,000.01 - 10,000.00 | 500.00 USD |
10,000.01 - 30,000.00 | 1,000.00 USD |
30,000.01 - 50,000.00 | 2,500.00 USD |
50,000.01 - 100,000.00 | 5,000.00 USD |
100,000.01 - 9,999,999.99 | 10,000.00 USD |
Currency | USD |
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Buyer Premium | Buyer's Premium 20% |
Payment Terms |
Successful bidders are to pay for their purchases during or immediately after the sale or upon receipt of an invoice. Payment may be made by cash or good check payable to Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC. WE ONLY ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR REGISTRATION PURPOSES, NOT FOR PAYMENT. If payment is not made within 30 days of receipt of invoice, Copley Fine Art Auctions reserves the right to charge the credit card left upon registration. The auction house reserves the right to hold property until checks clear. A monthly service charge of 1.5% will be added to unpaid balances beginning 30 days after the sale date. A $50.00 fee will be added for returned checks. If a check fails to clear after the second deposit, the purchaser will be held responsible for any and all fees incurred until we have collected good funds. All bidders holding a valid Massachusetts or out of state resale number must provide their certificate or a copy thereof while registering. Failure to do so will subject the bidder to a mandatory 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax on purchases.
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