Ward Brothers Canvasback Pair

Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984) Crisfield, MD, 1957 16 3/4 in. long

Two of the famous twelve "Open Water Shooting Stool" rig made by Lem Ward. The slightly turned head decoys display carved bills, detailed feather painting, and Lem Ward's best stippled paint across the backs.

This rig was made to hunt over but was never used. They retain their original weighted keels and are signed in ink "Made by L.T. Ward- Bro., Crisfield, MD," and dated, "-1957-." Both have the Kramer Collection ink stamp and "MK" brand on the bottom.

Original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: Mary and Norris Pratt Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection (acquired at Richard A. Bourne Co. 1976) Private Collection, Maryland Private Collection, California, purchased in Copley's Winter Sale 2011, lot 332

Literature: Glen Lawson and Ida Ward Linton, "The Story of Lem Ward," Exton, PA, 1984, p. 102, exact decoy illustrated. Carl Lucky and Russell Lewis, "Collecting Antique Bird Decoys and Duck Calls, 3rd edition," 2003, p. 87, exact decoys illustrated. Richard A. Bourne, "Rare American Decoys and Bird Carvings," Hyannis Port, MA, 1976, lot 139, exact decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Mary and Norris Pratt Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection (acquired at Richard A. Bourne Co. 1976) Private Collection, Maryland Private Collection, California, purchased in Copley's Winter Sale 2011, lot 332