Vintage Carved Spreadwing Wooden Eagle

This is an original American eagle, hand-carved during the mid 20th century. The eagle is carved with his head angled to the side, both wings fully outstretched, talons gripping a round rocky base. The feathers are expertly detailed and the eagle’s expression is fierce, its beak open in a call. 

The eagle is both the national bird and the national animal of the United States. The founders of the United States were fond of comparing their new republic with the Roman Republic, in which eagle imagery, usually the golden eagle, was prominent. On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the Great Seal of the United States depicting a bald eagle grasping 13 arrows in its sinister (left) talon and an olive branch with its dexter (right) talons. Those arrows are tightly aligned, a symbol of "strength in unity" that's found in the traditional cultures everywhere, from the Romans to the Iroquois. In this case, the bundle of arrows were a nod to the unity of the original 13 colonies. The olive branches emphasize the power of peace. 

The eagle motif has since appeared in allegorical engravings, patriotic banners and posters, and in beautiful wooden carvings and bronze sculptures. This is a unique piece of Americana.

CONDITION: 

Eagle carving is in very good condition. Rich vibrant stain, little to no wear to carving’s details. One repaired hairline crack on the right side of the rocky base, into top of the right talon, now stable.  Eagle is a single piece carving, mounted on a larger smooth oval base. The mount is a little loose. One drilled hole in the back of the base. Base has a felted bottom. 

Dimensions: 10 1/2” H x 21 1/4” W x 6 1/4”D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.