Artistic Carving Co. John Bellemy Carved American Eagle

CARVED WOOD AMERICAN EAGLE

This fine carving of an American Eagle is in the style of Boston's Artistic Carving Company, Ca 1950 whose work replicated that of John Bellamy. Eagles were commonly used as the stern boards of many American sailing ships in the 19th Century.

Presented is a carved Pine American eagle with excellent detailing showing a U.S. Shield and gripping a cluster of arrows. It is the type of work seen in hand carvings of the mid 19th Century as done by sailors and other craftsman. The eagle in this form was frequently used to grace the sterns of American sailing ships. The most renown carver in his day was John Bellamy whose many works live on and are highly sought after. As evidenced by auction results, another highly desirable maker a century later was the Artistic Carving Company of Boston, MA which operated in the during the 1950's.

In the Summer of 2005, recreations made by the Artistic Carving Company of Boston were selling at a New England Auction in the $2000 to $3500 range while at the same auction an original Bellamy eagle brought $600,000, an all time record.

We only have this one with no expectation of getting more. It is similar to item number E 44 G in the Artistic Carving Company's Catalog.

DIMENSIONS:
36 3/4” L x 12” H x 5 1/2” D WEIGHT 7 lbs

ARTISTIC CARVING AND JOHN BELLAMY'S EAGLES:

Artistic Carving Company of Boston are currently selling in the $2000 to $3500 range — evidence of the steep appreciation of marine carvings by well-known carvers in recent years. An eagle similar in style may be found pictured on page two of a 1950's Artistic Carving Company catalog, No. E-44 G. Originally, it sold for $110.00. Four ACC eagles sold in August, 2005 at prices from $1000 to $3500, one was for sale on the internet for $6500.00. In 2006, only two were offered and the high price was $2552.00 including premium.

In 2006, at the same New England auction there were only two examples of Artistic's creations offered. One was an example similar to this eagle which went for $2552.00 including buyer's premium.

JOHN BELLAMY: One of the most famous American nautical wood carvers was John Haley Bellamy, who worked out of Kittery, Maine, in the 1860s and 1870s. Bellamy made his living by carving eagles for ships and also for the home. Bellamy's eagles stood out from all other eagles and still do, as the line and design were perfect. They look very realistic. Many carvers copied his style and some still do.

Bellamy's stern boards were always painted red, white and blue, and often were carved with adages, such as "Don't give up the ship." His eagle's beak also had a distinctive straight vertical edge. In the Summer of 2005 a Bellamy eagle brought, an all time record, $600,000 at this New England Auction. In 2006 prices for Bellamy's work, for not as important pieces, ranged from $24,000.00 to $340,000.00 hammer price. Bellamy represents the high end of nautical carvings while some consider Artistic Carving represents the best value.

The head

Traditional red, white and blue shield

Clasped arrows

Close-up of head from the side

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original condition and packaging, no questions asked. Returns must be insured for their full value. All that is required is a prior email authorization by us for the return. Unfortunately, no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS WELCOME, but contact us first. We have customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

This great eagle will make a fine wall hanging for your stateroom, office or den. Buy now with confidence!