Ward Brothers Rare Bluebill Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1936 14 1/2 in. long

This classic 1936 broadbill hen was acquired by Davison Hawthorne and subsequently went on loan to the Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art beginning in 1991. Early collectors often preserved pinnacle decoys as lamps for their dens, as was the case with this fine hen. The full body echoes the earlier humpback design and has a fine paddle tail. The alert head is turned to the left and features a wide flared bill. The underside is signed and dated by the makers over the filled lamp hole and also bears two impressions of the Hawthorne Collection ink stamp. Original paint with even gunning wear, worn chip to left edge of tail, 3/4 inch touch-up to lamp hole in center of back and on underside.

Provenance: Davison Hawthorne Collection Herb Wetanson Collection

Literature: Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 27, related decoy illustrated. Eugene V. Connett, ed., "Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater," New York, NY, 1947, p. 129, related decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, pl. 38, p. 46, related example illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, beginning in 1991.

Provenance

Davison Hawthorne Collection Herb Wetanson Collection