Ward Brothers Swimming High-head Broadbill

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD 15 1/2 in. long

Lem and Steve carved together for over fifty years and this cedar swimming broadbill is among their most animated decoys. Signed on the bottom "L.T. Ward- Bro- 1936 - Lem Ward, Steve Ward" and marked with a Richardson collection ink stamp. This broad decoy exhibits excellent head carving and position with a forward-reaching and turned-head posture. Lem finished the carving with excellent stippled white lead paint. O'Brien's notes state that this was Bud Ward's "favorite Ward decoy—a Broadbill which had landed short of the rig and was swimming away." Original and working Ward paint with gunning wear.

Provenance: Robert H. Richardson Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Laurence Sheehan, "The Sporting Life," New York, NY, 1992, p. 78, exact decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, p. 46, pl. 38, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Robert H. Richardson Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection