Ward Brothers Canvasback
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976)
The catalog record
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1948 15 3/4 in. long
A balsa-bodied decoy signed and dated by the Wards on the underside. This is the first decoy collected by O'Brien, who reports that he "drove there to meet the Ward Brothers, but they were not home." Making the most of the adventure, he "bought it in 1968 from a shop selling collectables in Crisfield." Original paint with moderate gunning wear, some dings, and some touch-up at right side of tail base.
Provenance: Stephen B. O'Brien Sr. Collection, acquired in Crisfield, Maryland, in 1968
Provenance
Stephen B. O'Brien Sr. Collection, acquired in Crisfield, Maryland, in 1968
Comparable sales
The 5 most recent Ward Brothers Canvasbacks to cross the block.
| Sold | Condition | Paint | Brought |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Oct 2026 | — | Original | $2,040 |
| 1 Oct 2026 | — | Original | $720 |
| 6 Aug 2026 | — | Original | $840 |
| 30 Jul 2026 | — | Repaint | $630 |
| 25 Jul 2026 | Excellent | Original | $11,400 |
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Ward Brothers sales