Ward Brothers Starr Mallard Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1948 17 1/2 in. long

“The famous decoy contest in 1948,” writes Quintina Colio on the heritage of decoys, “was held in the Grand Central Palace, New York City, sponsored by Schaefer Brewing Company and the winner was the Ward Brothers, from Crisfield, Maryland. Renowned judges included Wm J. Mackey Jr., Lynn Bogue Hunt and Dr. Edgar Burke.” Joel Barber was also a judge. The Wards’ winning decoy was a very closely related balsa-bodied sleeping mallard drake illustrated in Gard and McGrath’s book.

A balsa-bodied mallard hen exhibiting the inked inscription "Lem Ward Crisfield, MD MA-10," the Kramer Collection brand, the Starr Collection inked stamp, and the Starr white-paper label. Original paint with some restoration to paint, mostly along right side.

Provenance: Dr. George Ross Starr Jr. Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: George Ross Starr Jr. M.D., "Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway," Tulsa, OK, 1974, pl. 37, exact decoy illustrated, p. 265, rigmate discussed. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, p. 84, pl. 77, related sleeper illustrated. Bob Ridges, "Decoy Ducks," New York, NY, 1988, p. 33, exact decoy illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, front pages. Willis Henry Auctions, Inc., “Decoy Auction from the collection of Dr. George Ross Starr Jr., August 27 & 28, 1983,” Duxbury, MA, 1983, lot 126, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. George Ross Starr Jr. Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection