Ward Brothers Bold Canvasback Drake

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1936 The Ward brothers captured the "likeness of species" in their carvings as well as any maker before or after their remarkable careers. This superb example has a slightly turned head, nostril carving through the bill and subtle nail carving at the tip. Of the highly coveted 1936 model canvasbacks the Wards produced it is rare to find one with its original bill intact as the delicate bills were prone to breakage. The full body, refined head carving, original condition, and provenance of this example place it among the finest of its kind. Signed and dated on the bottom, in ink, by the Wards. Branded "P" on the bottom, for the Purnell collection. Original paint with light gunning wear, and a small, worn tail chip.

Provenance: William Jones Rig, Pocomoke City, MD William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection (acquired from the above) Alan and Elain Haid Collection Private Collection, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Literature: Ronald J. Gard, and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, p. 18, color plate 15, pp. 25-26, photo 15, similar decoy illustrated. Guyette and Schmidt Inc., “North American Decoys at Auction,” April, 2006, lot 674, p. 139, exact decoy illustrated. Glenn Lawson, “The Story of Lem Ward,” West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 31, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William Jones Rig, Pocomoke City, MD William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection (acquired from the above) Alan and Elain Haid Collection Private Collection, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts