Ward Brothers Important 1936 Broadbill Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1936 15 1/4 in. long

When Dr. Kramer purchased this bird, green felt covered its underside. Because of its near pristine condition, he considered that the bird may be too good to be true, so he brought it to Steve Ward. The carver of the decoy then removed the felt to reveal a Ward marking on the underside.

This exceptional 1936 broadbill drake is in pristine condition and appears to have gone straight to the mantle. The full body echoes the earlier humpback design and has a fine paddle tail. The back and side are finished with Lem’s best stippled paint technique. The alert head is turned to the left and features a wide flared bill. The underside is signed, dated, and inscribed “Dr. Kramer Collection” by Lem Ward. It also bears the Kramer “MK” brand. This decoy stands as one of the best Ward scaup and this marks the first time it has been for sale in over forty years. Near-mint original paint.

Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired in 1976

Literature: Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 27, exact decoy illustrated. Eugene V. Connett, ed., "Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater," New York, NY, 1947, p. 129, related decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, pl. 38, p. 46, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired in 1976