Ward Brothers Canvasback Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1936

A classic '36 Ward canvasback with great form. Signed and dated "L. T. Ward - Bro., 1936, Crisfield, Md. Lem Ward." Branded "WHP JR." for William H. Purnell of Ocean City, Maryland. Retains weight. In original paint with light gunning wear; small chip to right side of bill; crack around neck continues through original filler down length of the back; some very early working repaint to brown on breast and tail. Minor age line on top of head.

Provenance: William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection Dr. John Levinson Collection

Literature: Adele Earnest, The Art of the Decoy, New York, NY, 1965, pp. 181. Joe Engers, ed., The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys, San Diego, CA, 1990, p. 146. Robert Shaw, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D., Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 76-77.

Provenance

William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection Dr. John Levinson Collection