The Ward Bobwhite Quail Carving by Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984)

The Ward Bobwhite Quail Carving by Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984):

The Ward Bobwhite Quail
Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984)
Crisfield, MD, 1966
8 1/2 in. tall, 8 in. wide

This carving of a preening bobwhite quail is unique and may be the only standing quail done by the Wards. It is part of his premier decorative “Sunbathing” series of titled birds which includes some of his finest.

The eponymous Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, Maryland, has one other known quail by Lem. However, that quail is an accessory to one of the greatest and most innovative early American bird of prey carvings ever executed, as it is held limp in the talons of a peregrine falcon.

The rarity of refined early bobwhite carvings by any maker cannot be overstated. Indeed, among the leading decoy makers only Elmer Crowell’s few quail notably preceded this work. They are among the Cape Codder’s most sought-after carvings, yet none of Crowell’s are known to be in a preening position.

The carving is mounted on a fourteen-inch-long driftwood base. The side of the base is signed and titled “Sunbathing L.T. WARD 1966.”
Excellent original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection, acquired from the maker
Private Collection

Literature: Glenn Lawson and Ida Ward Linton, “The Story of Lem Ward,” Exton, PA 1984, p. 44, exact carving illustrated.
ConditionPlease email condition report requests to [email protected]. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.