Ward Brothers Rare Humpback Wigeon

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1930 15 in. long

A very rare and early humpback wigeon drake with a turned head in a resting position. The Wards made this carving for Lem's niece as a standing duck, which they later refashioned to sit on the mantel. This bald pate drake displays an inked inscription "Bald pate drake made by Lem Ward Crisfield, MD - 1930 - Dr. Kramer" on the underside. The bottom also bears a sticker with the inked inscription "1930 bald pate made for Flora Sterling (Lem's niece)." In original paint with Ward touch-up along lower portion of decoy.

Provenance: Flora Sterling Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired directly from Steve Ward 1965

Literature: Glenn Lawson, The Story of Lem Ward, West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 22, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Flora Sterling Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired directly from Steve Ward 1965