Ward Brothers Resting Hen Mallard

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1948 14 1/2 in. long

“The famous decoy contest in 1948,” writes Quintina Colio on the heritage of decoys, “was held in the Grand Central Palace, New York City, sponsored by Schaefer Brewing Company and the winner was the Ward Brothers, from Crisfield, Maryland. Renowned judges included Wm J. Mackey Jr., Lynn Bogue Hunt and Dr. Edgar Burke.” Joel Barber was also a judge. The Wards’ aforementioned winning decoy was a closely related balsa-bodied sleeping mallard drake. Both of these birds are illustrated in Gard and McGrath’s book on the Wards.

The authors, in addition to noting it is “finely carved,” write, “The paint scheme is exceptional in the choice of colors and the extraordinary detail of the feather painting.” This balsa-bodied bird also has a rarely seen wing tip treatment. The underside has the maker’s painted signature and Headley Collection stamps. Original paint with light wear and touch-up to wing tips.

Provenance: Somers G. Headley Collection Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, p. 84, related sleeper illustrated, p. 87, exact decoy illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, front pages.

Provenance

Somers G. Headley Collection Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys