Ward Brothers Classic 1936 Canvasback Drake

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

A famous and exceptional sculpture, the Kramer canvasback drake received national acclaim along with the hen (lot 94) as it was chosen for the 1978 Paul Shertz print that depicted "the 11 favorite working decoys of Lem and Steve Ward." The underside displays both of the Ward brothers' signatures, the inked inscription "1936 L. T. Ward - Bro. This decoy is on the Shertz print," the Ward brothers' ink stamp, the "MK" brand designating the Kramer Collection, and the William H. Purnell Jr. Collection “P” brand. This decoy is a rigmate to the previous lot. Original paint with minimal gunning wear and some working Ward touch-up.

Provenance: William H. Purnell Jr. Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, “The Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Collection of Important American Sporting Art and Decoys, Sessions I-II,” July 27, 2017, p. 113, lot 42, exact decoy illustrated. Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 49, exact decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 76-77, related decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989, pl. 15, related decoy illustrated. Bob Ridges, "Decoy Ducks," New York, NY, 1988, p. 157, exact decoy illustrated. Lemuel T. Ward Jr. and Paul Shertz, "The Decoys of Lem and Steve Ward," printed by Phototype Engraving, Philadelphia, PA, 1978, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William H. Purnell Jr. Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection