Ward Brothers Decorative Blue-winged Teal Pair

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1969 12 in. long

A fine and storied pair of hollow decorative blue-winged teal that has been illustrated in two books on the Wards.

In a 1969 letter from Mort's wife, Carol, to Ida, Lem, and Steve, she writes, "I do want to surprise him with the teal. We both think they are interesting especially since the media used on them was different, and yet the appearance is identical...Can you imagine the look on his face when he gets these birds for his birthday? Thank you for helping me carry this off." Carol procured this pair and presented them to her surprised and thrilled husband on his birthday.

The Wards never stopped experimenting with their carvings and, as the letter alludes, the hen was painted in oil and the drake in acrylic. To the viewer, the fine blended feather paint on each is consistent and exceptional. Lem, however, decided that acrylic was not for him and returned to oils after this one teal.

Each bears the date "1969," Lem's signature, and the inked inscription "Counterfeiter in Wood Since 1918." Original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired by Carol Kramer directly from the Wards in 1969

Literature: Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 103, exact pair illustrated. Byron Cheever, "L.T. Ward & Bro., Wildfowl Counterfeiters," Spanish Fork, UT, 1981, pl. 70, exact pair illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired by Carol Kramer directly from the Wards in 1969