Ward Brothers 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 " L.T. Ward - Bro., Crisfield, Md, Lem - Steve Ward, 1932." This decoy is a rigmate to the previous lot.

This superb example has a turned head and exceptionally flared bill. 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, and provenance place this decoy among the finest drakes known. Original paint with even gunning wear, some flaking and touch-up around neck putty, and a minor repair to left edge of tail.

Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Byron Cheever, "Ward Bros.," Heber City, UT, 1966, pictorial insert, pl. 6, similar decoy illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, p. 18, pl. 15, similar decoy illustrated. Robert H. Boyle, “The Art of Deception,” Audubon Magazine, May/June 2002, p. 48, no. 10, exact decoy illustrated. Laurence Sheehan, "The Sporting Life," New York, NY, 1992, p. 80, exact decoy illustrated. Laurence Sheehan, "The Birding Life," New York, NY, 2011, p. 95, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection