Ward Brothers Classic 1936 Canvasback Hen

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1936 15 1/2 in. long

The Ward 1936 Canvasback is an American bird decoy classic. The full body, with a humped back and refined turned-head carving, the original paint, and the provenance of this lot place it among the better hens of this popular model.

The underside bears both of the Ward brothers' signatures, Lem's inked inscription "1936 L. T. Ward - Bro.,” and William H. Purnell’s “P” brand. Bill Purnell is a highly-respected southern decoy collector with many of the top decoys from Virginia and Maryland having passed through his hands. Original paint with gunning wear, some minor touch-up to reset bill and neck area, repair to left side of tail edge, and a crack down underside.

Provenance: William H. Purnell Jr. Collection Private Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, “The Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Collection of Important American Sporting Art and Decoys, Sessions I-II,” July 27, 2017, p. 112, lot 40, related decoy illustrated. Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 49, related decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 76-77, related decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989, pl. 15, related decoy illustrated. Lemuel T. Ward Jr. and Paul Shertz, "The Decoys of Lem and Steve Ward," printed by Phototype Engraving, Philadelphia, PA, 1978, related decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William H. Purnell Jr. Collection Private Collection