Ward Brothers Ruddy Duck Hen

Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984) Crisfield, MD, 1967 Made as a special presentation piece for fellow carvers Jim and Joe West. Ink signature on the bottom reads "To my carving 'pals' Jim and Joe West with compliments by the maker, Lem Ward, since 1919 (Decoy Carver)." Bottom has a metal plaque "Made by L. T. Ward, Crisfield, MD." Lem's sense of humor is seen referring to himself as "The Lazy Bird" and he jokingly inscribes to the West's "position 1 of 500." In original paint with minor crazing near wing tips.

Provenance: Joseph and James West Collection By descent in the family to the current owner

Literature: Glenn Lawson, The Story of Lem Ward, Exton, PA, 1984, pp. 64 and 79. Guyette & Schmidt, Inc., The Hillman Collection: Rare Antique Waterfowl Decoys, St. Michaels, MD, April 25-26, 1996, lot 482.

Provenance

Joseph and James West Collection By descent in the family to the current owner