Ward Brothers Classic 1936 Canvasback Pair

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

A classic 1936 model rigmate pair with turned heads and pronounced crowns true to the species. The hen also features a high-head posture. The undersides bear the "MADE BY L. T. WARD & BRO. CRISFIELD, MD" ink stamp and each was later signed and dated by the makers.

Included with this pair is a ‘36 canvasback print signed and dated by the Wards. Original paint with gunning wear. Drake has some tight age lines, some minor spot whitening to flaked areas. Hen has a chip to the lower right edge of tail, and neck is slightly lifted on right side.

Provenance: Private Collection, New York Private Collection, Midwest

Literature: Guyette and Schmidt, "North American Decoys at Auction, July 30 & 31, 2005," Boston, MA, 2005, front cover, exact hen illustrated, lot 208 exact pair illustrated. Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide," Wolf City, TX, 1989, p. 18, pl. 15, similar decoys illustrated. Glenn Lawson, "The Story of Lem Ward as told by Ida Ward Linton to Glenn Lawson," West Chester, PA, 1984, p. 49, similar decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, New York Private Collection, Midwest