Ward Brothers Standing Blue-winged Teal Pair

The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1945

Exceedingly rare pair of standing blue-winged teal, one of only three or four such pairs known to exist. A similar pair is held by the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art at Salisbury University, located in Salisbury, Maryland.

This pair displays cedar heads and tails with balsa bodies, carved “peach basket” raised wings, glass eyes, and feet mounted on half-round bases. This lot, along with a closely related pair sold by this firm in 2008, is among the finest Ward teal pairs known to exist. Excellent original paint with minimal wear and some restoration to feet.

Provenance: Pat Vincenti, acquired from a Crisfield home, 2008 Private Collection, Maryland, acquired from the above

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, plate 109, p. 125, related pair illustrated. Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Sporting Sale," Boston, MA, 2008, lot 322.

Provenance

Pat Vincenti, acquired from a Crisfield home, 2008 Private Collection, Maryland, acquired from the above