Ward Brothers Redhead Drake

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1929

A rare decoy showing a transition between the Ward Brothers' early hump-back and classic 1936 designs. It is from the rig of the Excelsior Brass Gun Club. The Club was located on Deal Island, Maryland, on the southern edge of the Dames Quarter Marsh. The club was simply referred to as the Deal Island Club. The Club was started in the early years of the 20th century, when the lure of wildfowl shooting reached its peak of popularity.

The bottom of the decoy displays "L.T. Ward- Bro. Crisfield, MD., Lem Ward, Steve Ward, -1929-.," "Made for Deal Island Club, Lem Ward (signature)," and "P" and "WHP JR" brands for the Purnell Collection. Original paint with even gunning wear to the wood in places, head paint appears to be taken down, and neck has a crack.

Provenance: Deal Island Club Rig Amos Waterfield Collection William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1970

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, plate 43, pp 50-53, rigmate illustrated. Byron Cheever, "Ward Bros.," Spanish Fork, UT, 1966, center pictorial insert, plate 46, rigmate illustrated. Adele Earnest, "The Art of the Decoy," New York, NY, 1965, plate 160, p. 184, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Deal Island Club Rig Amos Waterfield Collection William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1970