Seven major works by famed decoy carver A. Elmer Crowell will be auctioned July 15-16, in Plymouth, MA, as part of Copley Fine Art Auction’s 2009 Sporting Sale.
Originally commissioned by prominent New England sportsman Harry V. Long between 1910 and 1920, and descended through the Long family, this extraordinary group has never before been offered on the market. They are on display through May 10, 2009, at the Massachusetts Audubon Visual Arts Center.
Of the historic group of carvings, Copley Fine Art Auctions’ chairman Stepeh B. O’Brien, Jr. said, “This is the most important collection of A. Elmer Crowell works to have ever come up for auction. There had been whispers of the existence of these birds for years and to have the opportunity to bring them to market is an honor for our firm. We have estimated the group between $1.6-$2.6 million collectively. However, these birds are some of the pinnacle works by one of the world’s most revered decoy and folk art carvers of all time, so in some regards, the estimates are irrelevant.
Included in this iconic group is the third and final piece of Crowell’s famed “Long Trinity” of Canada geese. Estimated at $600-$900,000, this exquisite sculpture is carved in a nesting position and is considered by experts to be one of the finest waterfowl carvings in existence.
For more information contact (617) 536-0536 or visit www.copleyart.com