Ward Brothers Canada Goose

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1940

“Stephen W. Ward (1895-1976) and his brother Lemuel Travis Ward (1896-1984) of Crisfield, Maryland were by far the most prominent Chesapeake Bay carvers of the twentieth century and among the greatest and most influential bird carvers of all time. The brothers worked closely together throughout their lives, combining the complementary talents of Steve’s hand carving and Lem’s brushwork to create works of extraordinary grace and realism.” -Robert Shaw in “Bird Decoys of North America: Nature, History, and Art”

This exceptional carving is not only one of the finest Ward geese known, but also believed by many to be one of the finest Ward decoys ever to come on the market. In describing this exact bird in "Bird Decoys of North America" Shaw states that "this 1940 goose design is arguably their most elegant representation of that species." This rare hollow decoy features a deep ice groove, articulated bill carving, and a turned head. The broad body is nearly ten inches wide and displays what is perhaps the finest paint seen on any Ward goose decoy. This is the first time this bird has been offered in nearly a quarter century.

The bottom of the bird is signed and dated by the Wards and retains George Thompson’s collection label. Thompson was one of the most acclaimed Canada goose decoy collectors of all time, in addition he was a notable Ward collector, making this Ward goose a cornerstone of his collection. In 1990, Theodore S. Harmon of Decoys Unlimited described Thompson’s collection as “bird for bird, the finest group of decoys ever to come to auction.” Rigging has been removed. Excellent original paint with light even gunning wear and tight craquelure.

Provenance: George Thompson Collection Private Collection

Literature: Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," NY, New York, 2010, p. 205, exact bird illustrated. Joe Engers, ed., "Collector Profile: Ron Gard," "Decoy Magazine," Lewes, DE, September/October 2008, pp. 8-13, exact decoy illustrated. Joe Engers, ed. "Decoy Magazine," Lewes, DE May/June 1990, back cover.

Provenance

George Thompson Collection Private Collection