Ward Brothers Classic 1936 Canvasback Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1936 16 1/2 in. long

The Ward 1936 canvasback has been heralded as an American bird decoy classic. Of the hundreds that the Wards produced for gunning rigs, it is very difficult to find one in exceptional original paint with its original bill and tail intact.

The full body, refined head carving, sterling condition, and provenance of this example place it among the very best Ward canvasbacks to ever be offered for sale.

The underside bears both of the Ward brothers' signatures, Lem's inked inscription "1936 L. T. Ward - Bros Crisfield, MD. This decoy is on the Shertz print. Lem Ward,” and Kramer's "MK" brand. Excellent original paint with minimal gunning wear.

Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, “The Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Collection of Important American Sporting Art and Decoys, Sessions I-II,” July 27, 2017, p. 112, lot 40, related decoy illustrated. Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 49, exact decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 76-77, related decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989, pl. 15, related decoy illustrated. Bob Ridges, "Decoy Ducks," New York, NY, 1988, p. 157, exact decoy illustrated. Lemuel T. Ward Jr. and Paul Shertz, "The Decoys of Lem and Steve Ward," printed by Phototype Engraving, Philadelphia, PA, 1978, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection