Carved Wood Ship’s
American Eagle Head Relic
Ca 1850

divisor line

HIGH RES IMAGES TAKE TIME TO LOAD

LARGE CARVED AMERICAN EAGLE HEAD WOOD RELIC LIKELY FROM STERN BOARD

Carving Dates to Ca 1850

=6>

=0>

This fine eagle head carving by an unknown carver is a true work
of Folk Art. The proportions of the relic and measurements are realistic, and the detailing is precise. It
was discovered in Maine and mounted in an old sailor made fancy marlin work picture frame for display.




=left>

Eagle
head Relic framed: 14 3/4 ” L x 12 1/2” H x 1
3/4” D             Weight 3
lbs 9 oz
Eagle Head                       
 7″ L x 4″ H x 3 1/4″ D

 
Presented is a carved wood, very old, American eagle head with superbly incised detailing of its
features. It dates back many years, and was assuredly done by a master carver who was active in the 1850’s
and specialized in ship carvings. The head curves sharply to the left, the viewer’s right, which is indicative of
eagles that were to be mounted as a stern board or on a plaque. The brow has the fierce look that is common to eagle
heads of a patriotic nature. And the feathers are individually chiseled which is unique to this unnamed carver. Since eagle
carvers rarely if ever signed their works, there is no way to attribute who might be the artist, except by matching the
technique. As unique and stylized as it is, we have been unable to find a closer match then the stern board eagle
in the Mallory Building at the Mystic Seaport. Both heads have the characteristic pose with the open vertically curved beak,
extended tongue and fierce eyebrows. It is displayed high on the west wall of the Mallory Building. As displayed, it
makes a fine example of American nautical folk art as does this eagle head relic.

In
smaller sizes, patriotic wood carvings of American eagles were very popular in mid 19th Century New England homes, and
these are the most numerous of the examples in today’s market. The larger size eagles in this form were more importantly used
to grace the sterns of American sailing ships. This example of the head alone is all that is left of a full size carving of
an eagle of the larger size.

Near vertical front
edge of beak
Back of head showing large original
hole

Looking from the front. Sharp incisions
Arrow points to gold gilt remnants


CONDITION: The carving is very old, but except for its loss
of paint and gold gilding, it is in fine condition. The back of the head has a large mounting hole which is original. The
wood frame with detailed sailor’s made rope work is without faults and dates from the first quarter of the 20th Century. The
varnish on it is original. The black painted wood panel on which the head is mounted is contemporary. =left>
Forward view
Rear view
Stylized Bellamy
beak and sharply incised feathers contradict the signature style beak

Unfortunately we cannot verify its provenance other than it fits one of John
Bellamy’s known design parameters for an eagle head, but lacks the others. It was said to have come from a New England
collection.

divisor line
Shipping & Packaging

The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated point to point and 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.

Our Unconditional 'No Nonsense' Guarantee

If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are refundable if due to our error within the continental United States.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers worldwide.

Standard Forms of Payment

Bank wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different.

Established in 2003

Celebrating 18 Years of Exellence in Nautical Antiques

About Land and Sea Collection™

The Source for the Finest Nautical Antiques, Affordable Marine Art, Vintage Dive Helmets, New Sextants, Antique Sextants, and beautifully executed Antique & Vintage Boat, Ship and Aircraft Models.

Contact Information

By Appointment Only
Palm City, FL 34990 USA

Join Our Mailing List

©Copyright 2003-2022 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved. | Website by: Mary Lee Weir

Join Our Mailing List