Ward Brothers Low-head Pinch-breast Pintail Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1938 16 in. long

A rare pinch-breast pintail drake with a low and slightly turned head. This bold body form is most similar to the iconic pinch-breast decoys found in the White Mallard Gun Club rig. Along with the following lot, this carving was chosen for the 1978 Paul Shertz print that depicted "the 11 favorite working decoys of Lem and Steve Ward." The underside displays Lem Ward's signature, the inked inscription "L. T. Ward - Bro. Crisfield, MD / 1938 / This decoy is on the Shertz print," and the "MK" brand and two ink stamps designating the Kramer Collection. Original paint with gunning wear and some working touch-up.

Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: Lemuel T. Ward Jr. and Paul Shertz, "The Decoys of Lem and Steve Ward," printed by Phototype Engraving, Philadelphia, PA, 1978, exact decoy illustrated. Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 30, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection