Ward Brothers Bluebill Hen

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1929

This decoy was made for the rig of the Excelsior Brass Gun Club, also known as the Deal Island Club. This bluebill was illustrated in the 1966 book "Ward Bros." and sold to William H. Purnell by Lem Ward.

The bottom of the decoy displays "1929, L.T. Ward- Bro. Crisfield, MD., See "Ward Bros" book, plate 46, Made for Deal Island Club, Lem Ward (signature)," and a "WHP JR" brand for the Purnell Collection. Original paint with even gunning wear to the wood in places, a neck crack, possible Ward touch-up, and one eye appears to be replaced.

Provenance: Deal Island Club Rig William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from Lem Ward, c. 1970

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, plate 43, pp 50-53, rigmate illustrated. Byron Cheever, "Ward Bros.," Spanish Fork, UT, 1966, center pictorial insert, plate 46, exact decoy illustrated. Adele Earnest, "The Art of the Decoy," New York, NY, 1965, plate 160, p. 184, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Deal Island Club Rig William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from Lem Ward, c. 1970