Elmer Cromwell decoys???

Troy Fields

Troy Fields

Well-known member
Hey guys, I saw a couple nice old black duck decoys yesterday. No signature or anything identifing but was told they were made by Elmer Cromwell. Can anyone shed some light? Thanks.
 
what was the asking price? if it was into 5 figures, maybe. go see if you can find any at the Guyette & Schmidt website
 
Could this be a bit of a mis-ID? A mix of Elmer Crowell, $1500 isn't going to sniff one of his black duck decoys, and Ed Cromwell? Not sure what Ed's are worth. Maybe Ed had a kid he named Elmer?

Tim
 
Elmer Crowell used two different brands or stamps on the bottom of his carved birds and decoys. I would consider sending photos of the birds to Guyette and Schmidt decoy auctioneers for authentication. I believe they charge a small fee for that service.

Depending on condition Crowell decoy can range from $3-$5,000 up to over a million. (Two Crowell decoys were sold by private sale three years ago or so for just over a million each).

So I'd do some homework before I plopped down any cash.
 
Crowell did carve for some time before he started branding the bottoms of his birds. These are known as "pre-brand" in collecting circles. (go figure).

As Mr. Lawrence said, definitely do some research before you buy. The decoy world is even more of a "buyer beware" environment than the gun world. If it seems too good to be true......etc.

If you can, post up a pic. A Crowell Black duck is hard to mistake.

Best

Nick
 
Stop by Guyette & Schmidt Decoy Auction at Portsmouth Sheraton (NH) 29&30July...a chance to see birds in hand, and plenty of folks who'd be willing to help you. As others have said "buyer beware" if deal seems too good.
 
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