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  EXPERTLY CARVED, SOLID WALNUT, AMERICAN EAGLE WITH BEAUTIFUL STYLE, LARGE SCALE & EXCEPTIONAL EARLY SURFACE, ca 1830-1860, PROBABLY OF PENNSYLVANIA ORIGIN
Dimensions (inches): 12.5" tall x 58" wide x 2" deep
Description:
Elegant form, expert carving, and an early date are not the only attributes worthy of mention in this beautiful example of a carved American eagle. Made between 1830 and 1860 of solid walnut, the bird retains its original, 19th century varnish that has been untouched over time, resulting in a dry, original surface with the most attractive and desirable patina that a collector might wish for. Although it can hang on a flat wall with no issue whatsoever, the reverse is constructed in an unusual manner, made so that the feet, tail, billowing flag and arrows would drape down over the headboard of a bed or perhaps a door.

With a wing span of nearly five feet, the large expanse but low profile (approximately one foot tall) form leaves room for a lot of possible applications when hanging it in a house. Over a doorway, over a framed flag or a painting: these are all possibilities where the carving have great visual impact. Besides the exceptional surface, my favorite attributes are the graceful curve of the neck and the execution of the brow and beak, the way this is framed by the bent wings with their protruding arch, the treatment of the cornucopia and the style of the relief in the feathers.

All-in-all a terrific example of early American patriotic design. Probably of Pennsylvania origin.

Condition: There are no issues besides very light wear. The blunt way in which the wing tips and tail terminate are original to the work. Old glued break behind the body, on the reverse (nothing altered and not visible from the front).
   
Primary Color: brown, walnut
Earliest Date: 1830
Latest Date: 1860
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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