Ward Brothers Mallard Pair

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1930 This early pair of animated mallards displays an exceptional effort. The boldly carved heads are unusually turned, the hen's is cocked and turned to the right, while the drake's is alert and turned dramatically to the left. The Hen's breast is donned with a special paint treatment that leads back across her body. The wide bills have incised mandible and nostril carving.

An exceptional pair of solid cedar decoys made by the Wards during the Depression when, according to Lem's daughter Ida, " They were putting a lot of time into each decoy..." [and] "...determined to make birds to please themselves...".

Remnants of a paper label survive on the bottom that originally would have read "Ward's Decoys, Crisfield, MD, Male/Female, Green Head Mallard, Hand Carved" In fine original paint with some very fine craquelure, light wear from handling and a light coat of sealer. Drake has seam separation at neck; minor dings; typical filler by the makers in breast and under tail. Hen has some discoloration around body seam separation, especially under tail; ding to bill; very minor flaking; minor separation at back of neck seam.

Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania, By descent in the family

Literature: Glenn Lawson, "Lem Ward" West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 17. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys" Wolf City, TX, 1989, plate 53 and photo 71. Similar examples illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Pennsylvania, By descent in the family