By The Ward Brothers
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Ward Brothers Widgeon Decoy, Early Period, circa 1920, having a hand whittled solid body in sloping posture, with set at distinct angle to the left, and high mounted thick paddle tail, in very worn original paint. The posture and angle of head give the bird a complacent yet alert attitude. This working decoy is from what the Ward Museum has described as their Early Period (1916-1932), and is in the same style as others that have appeared at auction identified as being from circa 1920-1921. The decoy is not signed, as is often the case with their work from this period.
The decoy is in very good structural condition, with only a few extremely tight age checks on the right side and back, a knot on the right side, and a couple of dents on the tail. The paint is worn pretty well away, but enough remains for character and to be able to identify the species. This decoy has never been restored or repainted in any way.
Measures: 6 in high x 14-1/2 in length x 6 in width
Lemuel T. Ward, Jr. (1896-1984) and Stephen Ward...
Category
1920s American Folk Art Vintage Cedar Decoys