The catalog record
Rare and important 1948 style redhead with slightly turned and reared back head and slightly humped back. Balsa body is signed and dated by Lem Ward on the underside. McCleery collection ink stamp and Sotheby's sticker on underside. Also with multiple William Purnell collection brands. This exact decoy was used in Milt Weiler's "The Classic Decoy" series, plate 22. Measures 13.5" long. G&D SOLD $27000 including 20% BP. Lot 26. https://bid.guyetteanddeeter.com/lots/view/5-1HIAHD
Provenance
Milton C. Weiler collection. Dr James McCleery collection. Dr Lloyd Griffith collection. Private Southern collection. William Purnell collection
Comparable sales
The 5 most recent Ward Brothers Redhead to cross the block.
| Sold | Condition | Paint | Brought |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Apr 2026 | — | Original | $4,200 |
| 7 Dec 2025 | — | Repaint | $3,120 |
| 26 Jul 2024 | — | Original | $2,100 |
| 25 May 2024 | — | Repaint | $2,520 |
| 16 Jun 2023 | — | — | $1,560 |
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Ward Brothers sales