263
263 Pintail Hen The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1945 A classic 1940s Ward balsa-bodied decoy with a turned head, superb dry original paint, and the Ward Brothers’ best razor-sharp bill carving. Excellent orginal paint. A few rubs and an age line at the neck seam. Keel has been removed. literature:
Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, p 65, plates 61 and 62, similar examples illustrated. $5,000 - $10,000
264
264 Mallard Pair The Ward Brothers, Lemuel T. (1896-1983) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, 1953 A rigmate pair of mallards with slightly turned heads and upswept pine tails that are inserted into their balsa bodies. Each retains its original keel and is signed and dated by Lem Ward on the underside. Original paint with even gunning wear including some dings. Restoration to hen’s bill tip. provenance:
John Collier Collection
literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, p. 84, plate 79, similar examples illustrated.
$2,000 - $3,000
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