Ward Brothers Wigeon Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1932 14 3/4 in. long

A rare early wigeon decoy with a turned head. The body has a sharp chine down the back to the uplifted paddle tail. The decoy is finished with Lem's best feather paint and white-lead stippling. Original paint with light gunning wear and touch-up to reset bill.

Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, "Timeless Treasures: Ward Brothers Decoys," Salisbury, MD, 2007, pp. 58 and 60, rigmate pair illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, p. 4, pl. 3, and p. 93, pl. 81, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection