|
< Back
Next > |
 |
 Flag
pole toppers are one of the more overlooked areas
related to collecting American Flags.
Interestingly, the highest quality flag pole toppers are
beautiful representations of patriotic Americana on
their own. This is an extremely high quality
example of cast bronze flag pole topper from the era of
the American Civil War. Although the actual
foundry that manufactured this eagle is unknown, what is
known is that this eagle topper was supplied by Tiffany
& Company in New York City. The workmanship of the
casting on this particular example is extraordinary even
when compared to many others of the same era.
Every feather of the eagle is distinct and shows the
individual barbs of the feathers. The talons of the
eagle are sharp and precisely cast, with the ridges and
claws very well defined. Often times, the gilt wash on
these flag pole toppers has been lost due to weathering
and use, but it remains intact on this example.
This topper, on the other hand, appears to have seen
very light use, and displays no indications of outdoor
weathering. An interesting attribute of the eagle
is a hole through the beak of the eagle. Often, a ring
could be held in the eagle's beak from which battle
streamers would hang on military flags to represent a
unit's participation in important battles.
Overall, the eagle is a fine example of a little noted
but very beautiful type of early Americana from the time
of the American Civil War, supplied to the Union Army by
one of America's finest and most iconic merchants. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
An exceptionally high quality and
well preserved Civil War era cast bronze
and gilt American eagle flag pole
topper, supplied by Tiffany & Co, New
York. Special thanks to Dennis
Wynn of "The American Flag Staff Eagle
Project" for information attributing the
eagle as supplied by Tiffany & Company. |
|
Media: Gilt Wash on Cast Bronze
Date: c. 1862-1865War:
Civil War Era
Type: Bronze Casting
Catalog Number: IAS-00080 |
|
|
 |
Next:
American Eagle
Painted Toleware Tray
20th Century |
|
 |
|
|
|
