Ward Brothers The Du Pont 1936 Canvasback Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1936 16 1/2 in. long

The Ward 1936 Canvasback is an iconic American bird decoy. Finding hens with their original bills and tails is quite rare. The du Pont example features a well-executed crowned head that flows into a wide flared bill with Steve's best dropped nail carving.

The underside bears both of the Ward brothers' signatures and Lem's inked " L. T. Ward - Bro. -1936-” inscription. Outstanding original paint with even gunning wear, chip out of left bill tip edge, 1/4 in. ding to top of back.

Provenance: William K. du Pont Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, “The Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Collection of Important American Sporting Art and Decoys, Sessions I-II,” July 27, 2017, p. 112, lot 40, related decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 76-77, related decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989, pl. 15, related decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William K. du Pont Collection