Ward Brothers Bluebill Drake

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1929 Made by the Ward brothers in 1929, this decoy is from the rig of the Excelsior Brass Gun Club. The Club was located on Deal Island, Maryland, on the southern edge of the Dames Quarter Marsh. The Club was also known as the Dunwurken Club and simply referred to as the Deal Island Club. The Club was started in the early years of the 20th century, when the lure of wildfowl shooting reached its peak of popularity.

A superb example of an older Ward Brothers decoy with historical gun club provenance. The bottom of the decoy displays "L.T. Ward- Bro. Crisfield, MD.-1929.," "Made for Deal Island Club, Lem Ward (signature)," and "P" and "WHP JR" brands for the Purnell Collection. Original paint with even gunning wear, darkening to head, and restoration to bill.

Provenance: Deal Island Club Rig Amos Waterfield Collection William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1970

Literature: Byron Cheever, "Ward Bros," Spanish Fork, UT, 1966, center pictorial insert, plate 46, rigmate illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide,"Plano, TX, 1989, pp 50-53, plate 43, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Deal Island Club Rig Amos Waterfield Collection William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1970