Ward Brothers Classic Mallard Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1936 17 in. long

This exact decoy was chosen for Gard and McGrath's definitive volume on the Wards to illustrate the '36 mallard. Of this exemplary classic, the authors write that it has similar "elements found in the Bishops Head Gun Club design...In addition to its fine form, the bird displays a first rate paint scheme typical of the Wards during this period. The bird is in excellent condition…” Excellent original paint with minimal wear, hairline crack through nostril, touch-up to chip on right bill edge, front of breast, and small reset tail chip.

Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989, pl. 74, pp. 83 and 85, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Maryland Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection