Ward Brothers "high-tail" Mallard Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1948 18 in. long

An oversize, balsa-bodied mallard hen exhibiting extensive feathering, a turned head, and an upswept tail. Describing a closely related pair, Ward authors Gard and McGrath write, "These are two of the finest examples of the 1948 Ward design for any species." They point out that "...the Wards have made the hen the eye catching bird of the pair." Excellent original paint with light wear, age lines in left side of body, and touch-up to age line in neck.

Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, p. 84, pl. 78, related pair illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Maryland