Ward Brothers Canvasback Pair

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1950 16 1/2 in. long

A pair of balsa-bodied canvasback decoys with turned heads and weighted keels. Both bear the "MK" Kramer Collection brand on the underside. Original paint with gunning wear, working repaint by Severin Hall mostly to sides and back of hen and lower sides and bottom of drake, and two cracks in the drake's head.

Provenance: Dr. Jack Conover Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 169, pl. 404, exact decoy illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., “Shore Bird Decoys,” Exton, PA, 1980, p. 79, pl. LI and p.100, pl. 102, exact decoy illustrated twice. Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, 1974, Session V & VI, lot 565, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Jack Conover Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection