Makers / Ward Brothers / Mallard

Ward Brothers Mallard Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976)

Ward Brothers – Mallard Hen – 2010
$19,550
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $8,000–$12,000over estimate
Sold Jul 2010at Copley, July 2010

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesMallardConfigHenPaintOriginal

The catalog record

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

A classic "1936 Model" solid cedar decoy. The Ward's made Pintail and Mallard decoys for the Von Longerke and Antoine Department Store in Chicago. Ink stamped on the bottom, "Hand made, distributed by VL&A, Chicago, ILL." In original paint with even gunning wear and lightly hit by shot. The neck has been reset, and there are age lines along the bottom.

Provenance: William Butler Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, p.66 photo 36. The Ward Museum."Timeless Treasures: Ward Brothers Decoys," Salisbury, MD, 2007, p. 43.

Provenance

William Butler 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