Ward Brothers The Earnest Pinch-breast Pintail

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1932 16 1/2 in. long

“The Ward Brothers made pintails early on in their craft and they were made in a variety of designs and forms...There is no finer work done in decoys than that which is exhibited in the 1932 Pinched Breast Pintails, or the 1936 Classic Pintails.” — Gard and McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide"

This rare and distinctive style is associated with the 1932 model year, and is named for Steve’s stylish carving of a pronounced breast that dramatically flares into the broad wings and high back. Steve's extreme articulation of the head and neck of this decoy stands out, even in the context of his incredible pinch-breast models. The body is long and angular with a ridge running the length of the back to the tip of the lifted tail. The turned and tilted head with high crown highlights the species' long and thin neck. The underside is marked with the grande dame of decoy collecting "ADELE EARNEST COLLECTION" ink stamp. Mix of original and repaint with heavy gunning wear with some age lines including lower right side.

Provenance: Adele Earnest Collection Herb Wetanson Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, pp. 4, 57-63, related examples illustrated.

Provenance

Adele Earnest Collection Herb Wetanson Collection