Ward Brothers Canvasback Pair

Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984) Crisfield, MD, 1957 Two of the famous twelve "Open Water Shooting Stool" rig made by Lem Ward. The slightly turned head decoys display, carved bills, detailed feather painting and Lem Ward's best stippled paint across the backs. This rig was made to hunt over but never used. They were returned to the Wards by a widow when the hunter who purchased them passed away. They retain their original weighted keels and are signed in ink "Made by L.T. Ward- Bro., Crisfield, MD" and dated "-1957-." Both have the Kramer collection ink stamp and "MK" brand on the bottom. Original condition with minimal wear.

Provenance: Mary and Norris Pratt Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection (acquired at Richard A. Bourne Co. 1976) Private Collection, Maryland

Literature: Glen Lawson and Ida Ward Linton,"The Story of Lem Ward" Exton, PA, 1984, p.102, exact decoy illustrated. Carl Lucky and Russell Lewis, "Collecting Antique Bird Decoys and Duck Calls, 3rd edition" 2003, p. 87. Illustrated. Richard A. Bourne, "Rare American Decoys and Bird Carvings," Hyannis Port, MA, 1976, lot 139, illustated.

Provenance

Mary and Norris Pratt Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection (acquired at Richard A. Bourne Co. 1976) Private Collection, Maryland