Ward Brothers The Mccleery Ward Canvasback Drake

The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1932 16 1/2 in. long

Inscribed on the bottom "1932 MADE BY STEVE, PAINTED BY LEM, WARD BROS, CRISFIELD, MD," signed by both, and stamped "McCLEERY." While they are dated 1932, these birds have been canonized as the 1936 model.

The Ward brothers captured the likeness of species in their carvings as well as any maker before or after their remarkable careers. This superb example has a turned head and detailed bill carving. Of the highly coveted 1936 model canvasbacks the Wards produced, it is rare to find one with its original bill intact as the long and delicate bills were prone to breakage. The full body, refined head carving, exceptional paint, original condition, and provenance of this example place it among the finest drakes known. Excellent original paint with minimal gunning wear.

Provenance: Robert H. Richardson Collection Dr. James M. McCleery Collection, acquired from the above Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the auction of the above

Literature: Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 76-77, exact decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989.

Provenance

Robert H. Richardson Collection Dr. James M. McCleery Collection, acquired from the above Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the auction of the above