Ward Brothers Humpback Goldeneye Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1927 13 1/4 in. long

This diver exhibits all of the Wards' early celebrated features, including a fat jaw, humped back, and beaver tail. The head is turned forty-five degrees to the right and is looking skyward.

After Hawthorne discovered this decoy in Crisfield, he brought it to his friends, the Ward Brothers. Steve recalled that this decoy had been from his personal rig and Lem repainted it for Hawthorne. The underside is hollowed out and is inscribed "MADE BY STEVE WARD 1927 FROM HIS OWN PERSONAL RIG." Second coat of Ward paint with light wear.

Provenance: Steve Ward Rig Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, pp. 29-34 and back dust jacket cover, related examples illustrated.

Provenance

Steve Ward Rig Davison B. Hawthorne Collection