Ward Brothers Wigeon Pair

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1954

This exact pair of Stephen Ward's favorite duck is pictured in Ronald Gard and Brian McGrath’s book “The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collectors Guide.” The description reads: “These decoys are painted so exquisitely that their form and design are overshadowed. The lines of both birds are graceful but the drake is particularly attractive with its head nestled against its back and the tail arched slightly upward. It is impossible to accurately describe the quality of the paint. The hue of one color is delicately blended into a contrasting color with a technique that looks as natural as the live birds themselves. The detail of the feathers, the speckling of the heads, and the selection of colors make these decoys among the finest paint presentations the Wards ever did on widgeon decoys.”

In 1967 Thomas Eshenbaugh loaned birds from his collection, including this wigeon pair and a Holly swan, to the William Penn Memorial Museum (now called The State Museum of Pennsylvania) for a special exhibit. The drake retains the loan tag on the underside. Eshenbaugh is one of the great unheralded primary source collectors of decoys. His collection was purchased in syndicate by Bill Butler, Hal Sorenson, and Joe French in the late 1960s. Excellent original condition.

Provenance: Thomas Eshenbaugh Collection Private Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, pp. 92-94, plate 83, exact pair illustrated.

Provenance

Thomas Eshenbaugh Collection Private Collection