Ward Brothers Early Humpback Pintail

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1926 17 in. long

The underside relays that this decoy was found nearly a half century after its creation, in a marsh, by Bobby Ford in 1972. A testament to Steve's designs, few, "warriors of the marsh" have garnered more attention than early Wards have. As found with replaced section on side of neck base.

Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired in 1972

Literature: Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 100, exact decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 205, related example illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, inside front cover, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired in 1972