Ward Brothers High-head Canvasback Pair

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1936 16 1/2 in. long

A rare rigmate pair of 1936 canvasbacks, each displaying long necks with turned heads and pronounced crowns. The undersides of the two-piece bodies display the date and Lem and Steve's signature. The hen has a keel which was likely in response to her top-heavy construction. Original paint and Ward touch-up with gunning wear, chip to hen's bill. Drake has tight neck crack and hen has some age lines including body seam on right side.

Provenance: James Farlow Rig, acquired from the Wards Robert Farlow Rig, by descent from the above Paul Proudfoot Collection, acquired from the above through the Ward Foundation, 1990

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Wolf City, TX, 1989, p. 18, related pair illustrated with high-head drake.

Provenance

James Farlow Rig, acquired from the Wards Robert Farlow Rig, by descent from the above Paul Proudfoot Collection, acquired from the above through the Ward Foundation, 1990