Ward Brothers The Ward Flying Mallard Pair

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1936 and 1937 21 in. tall and 19 in. wingspan

The Wards’ ability to capture likeness of species is on full display with this grand pair. Few Ward carvings command the presence of these dynamic ducks alighting. Each bird features fully outstretched wings with carved feather delineation, applied “peach basket” feathers on the back, turned heads on reaching necks, flared bills, and carved feet. The drake also has three curl feathers above the tail. No other Ward flyers of this design have come to light.

Carved in the mid-1930s, these exceptionally early and highly accomplished decoratives show clear parallels to the Wards’ classic ‘36 model gunning decoys, which originated at the same time. Important to the legacy of the brothers, these carvings place the Wards among the likes of A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) and Charles “Shang” Wheeler (1872-1949) as two of the earliest makers of decorative American bird carvings.

These important carvings were originally purchased by Fred and Lynn Vogel, early decoy collectors who also owned an antique shop in Dewey Beach, Delaware. In the 1970s Oliver “Tuts” Lawson, a friend and protégé of the Wards, often visited Lynn Vogel who also sold Lawson’s carvings in the shop. During those visits Lawson remembers seeing just the single hen mallard, though he was aware that a drake had at one time accompanied her. Copley is pleased to represent these reunited carvings as a pair.

With their elaborate and extensive carving details, these boldly carved mallards are in very good condition given their age. They represent two of the most important decorative Ward carvings ever to come on the market.

The drake is signed "L.T. Ward, Crisfield, MD -1936-" on the underside. The hen is signed "Lem Ward, Crisfield, Md, -1937-" on the underside of right wing. Original paint with some craquelure and wear, touch-up to some of drake’s craquelure. Drake has crack in each leg and restoration to two primary feather tips and left side of tail. The hen is in excellent structural condition with touch-up to top of tail joint. Hen’s base has been added to match drake’s.

Provenance: Fred and Lynn Vogel, acquired directly from the Ward Brothers Private Collection, Virginia (drake only) Private Collection, Texas (drake only) Private Collection, Maryland (hen only) Private Collection

Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989.

Russell A. Fink, “Catalog of American Bird Decoys,” Lorton, VA, 1976, lot 240, exact drake illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, The Ward Museum, 2017-2023.

Provenance

Fred and Lynn Vogel, acquired directly from the Ward Brothers Private Collection, Virginia (drake only) Private Collection, Texas (drake only) Private Collection, Maryland (hen only) Private Collection