Ward Brothers Bluebill Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1932 15 1/4 in. long

Finding Ward examples from this early period with their delicate bills and tails intact is difficult. This gunning decoy showcases Lem's thick stippled feathering along its back and sides. Though earlier and slightly different in form, this bird's paint shows similarities to Dr. Edgar Burke's 1936 bellwether example illustrated in his chapter of "Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater."

Signed and dated 1932 and inscribed "Made ' Steve, Painted ' Lem, Ward Bros., Crisfield, Md." on the underside. The bottom also retains two "Davison B. Hawthorne Salisbury, MD," ink stamps and one Ward Museum exhibition tag. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Davison Hawthorne Collection Herb Wetanson Collection

Literature: Eugene V. Connett, ed., "Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater," New York, NY, 1947, p. 128, related decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys," Wolfe City, TX, 1989, p. 46, pl. 37, similar decoy illustrated.

EXHIBITED: Salisbury, Maryland The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art.

Provenance

Davison Hawthorne Collection Herb Wetanson Collection