Makers / Ward Brothers / Canvasback
Ward Brothers Canvasback Pair
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976)
$3,900
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $4,000–$6,000under estimate
Sold Jul 2021at Copley, July 2021
SpeciesCanvasbackConfigPairSize16.5"PaintOriginalQuantity2Signedyes
The catalog record
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1972 16 1/2 in. long
A pair of canvasback decoys, both are signed and dated on the bottom "Lem & Steve" and bear the inscription "Made for 'our friend' Knute Bartrug." Each has the collector's "KB #53" marking. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Knute Bartrug Collection, acquired from the makers Private Collection
Provenance
Knute Bartrug Collection, acquired from the makers Private Collection
Comparable sales
The 5 most recent Ward Brothers Canvasbacks to cross the block.
| Sold | Condition | Paint | Brought |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct 2026 | — | Original | $2,040 |
| 1 Oct 2026 | — | Original | $720 |
| 6 Aug 2026 | — | Original | $840 |
| 30 Jul 2026 | — | Repaint | $630 |
| 25 Jul 2026 | Excellent | Original | $11,400 |
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Ward Brothers sales