Decorative Canvasback Pair
The Ward Brothers
Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976)
Crisfield, MD, 1971
16 1/2 in. long

Lem was exceptionally fond of his decorative canvasbacks and described a closely related carving as "the best my hands has [sic] ever accomplished after 51 years of carving."

Both hollow bodies are signed "Lem Ward," inscribed "Made for the William K. du Pont Collection," dated, and bear the species' common and Latin names.
Original paint with minimal wear, some sap bleeds and paint shrinkage, mostly to rear portion of drake and small patch on hen's left wing.

Provenance: William K. du Pont Collection, acquired directly from the maker

Literature: Byron Cheever, "L.T. Ward and Bro., Wildfowl Counterfeiters," Spanish Fork, UT, 1981, pl. 62-63.

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