Ward Brothers Canvasback Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1936 16 1/4 in. long

"If I were to pick a pair of decoys to illustrate the art of decoy making, I would pick the Ward Brothers 1936 canvasbacks. I have searched high and low for these and have had six different pairs." -Donal C. O'Brien, Jr.

A 1936 model canvasback drake with a high, turned head. The underside bears the "MADE BY L. T. WARD & BRO. CRISFIELD, MD" stamp. It is also signed and dated by the Wards. This decoy is a rigmate to the hen in the preceding lot. Each have matching markings and rigging on the underside. Original paint with gunning wear and age lines, some spot touch-up to flaked areas.

Provenance: Herb Wetanson Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989, p. 18, pl. 15, similar decoys illustrated. Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward as told by Ida Ward Linton to Glenn Lawson," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 49, similar decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Herb Wetanson Collection