Makers / Ward Brothers / Mallard

Ward Brothers Mallard Pair

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1953

$2,760
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $2,000–$3,000

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesMallardConfigPairPaintOriginalQuantity2Carved1953Signedyes

The catalog record

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1953

A rigmate pair of mallards with slightly turned heads and upswept pine tails that are inserted into their balsa bodies. Each retains its original keel and is signed and dated by Lem Ward on the underside. Original paint with even gunning wear including some dings. Restoration to hen's bill tip.

Provenance: John Collier Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, p. 84, plate 79, similar examples illustrated.

Provenance

John Collier Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Ward Brothers Mallards to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
11 Oct 2026Good—$866
3 Oct 2026ExcellentOriginal$7,800
3 Oct 2026—Repaint$6,000
24 Sep 2026—Original$2,640
24 Sep 2026—Original$540

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Ward Brothers sales