ANTIQUE CARVED & GILDED AMERICAN EAGLE This fine carving of an American Spread Eagle is distinctive in that it is almost a reverse image of the ubiquitous eagles by John Bellamy and copied by the Artistic Carving Co.   It is refreshing to find a fine carving that is very much the work of a skilled artisan whose attention to detail is exceptional, and does not appear to be the work of John Bellamy or the Artistic Carving Co. of Boston.   In the same context t he shield of the United States is shown on the viewer's left, rather than the more prevalent right with three arrows clutched  in his left talon. There is only one star showing in the upper left of the shield, the others covered by feathers and the talon holding it. The eagle has a rather fierce expression and the manner in which the shield and arrows are gripped is protective. The feathers are carefully detailed and incised. There is a hole drilled through them on both sides for mounting in addition to the eyes and wire. An old auction label is at the center top of the back.   Much of the paint has weathered with a significant loss showing that it was displayed outside for many years, perhaps on a boat. The original gilding on the entire eagle and much of the underlying gesso was lost over time and gold paint was later used that also had mostly worn away so that the entire upper section was re gilded and glazed.   Fierce expression of protectionism grasping American shield & arrows HERITAGE: This type of carving was done by sailors, and craftsman such as Bellamy and were an expression of the patriotic feeling in the country during the mid 19th Century. The eagle in this form was frequently used as decoration on the transom of American sailing ships.    DIMENSIONS: 25 3/8 ” L x 9 3/4” H x 4” D      WEIGHT 2 lbs 3 Oz   Right wing showing carefully incised feathers Recreations made by the Artistic Carving Company of Boston have been selling over the years in the $2000 to $8000 price range which is affordable considering the prices that a documented John Bellamy eagle will bring many thousands of dollars. Three arrows tightly gripped next to American shield SHIPPING & INSURED PACKING by FedEx Ground to the 48 contiguous States, $25.00 OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer within the continental United States if an error is due to our fault. International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, Republic of China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item. Copyright 2012 by Land And Sea Collection™. All Rights Reserved.