Ward Brothers Sleeping Bluebill Pair

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1972 13 in. long

An exceedingly rare life-size pair of bluebill carvings in sleeping postures. The bottom of the carvings bear both brothers' inked signatures along with the inscription "L. T. Ward Bros. - 1972 -."

“The famous decoy contest in 1948,” writes Quintina Colio on the heritage of decoys, “was held in the Grand Central Palace, New York City, sponsored by Schaefer Brewing Company and the winner was the Ward Brothers, from Crisfield, Maryland. Renowned judges included Wm J. Mackey Jr., Lynn Bogue Hunt and Dr. Edgar Burke.” Joel Barber was also a judge. The Wards’ winning decoy was a related balsa-bodied sleeping mallard drake illustrated in Gard and McGrath’s book. Even with this high-profile endorsement, sleepers remained exceedingly rare in the Ward's extensive portfolio. Original paint with minimal wear, hen has sap bleeds.

Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland (drake) Private Collection, Florida

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, p. 84, pl. 77, sleeping mallard illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Maryland (drake) Private Collection, Florida