Ward Brothers Pintail Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1952

A balsa-bodied decoy with a cedar head, an inserted sprig tail, and an original weighted keel. One of the better examples from the makers middle period, this decoy has nice lines with a turned head attitude. Classic "48" model birds, like this pintail, were fashioned out of readily abundant life rafts following World War II. Signed and dated on the bottom. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Literature: Ronald J.Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989, color plate 61, similar drake illustrated.