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Antique Gilt Pilot House Eagle
Antique hand carved wood pilot house eagle with original gilt surface. Masterful carved highly detailed of feathers and of the entire bird. Mounted to the top of the pilot house cabin of a smaller riverboat as you can see the mounting holes in his back. Another master craftsman carved a piece of oak to the back of his head after it was removed from the boat, so it looks normal in a sitting bird position. Mounted on an custom made iron museum stand. Circa 1850-1900Carved wooden eagle, gilded, from the pilot house of a steamer. Eagles were the common carvings found on the tops of steamboat pilot houses. Eagles of all shapes and sizes were carved based on the carver’s ability and what the owner of the boat preferred.
Presented here, a fabulous American "Pilot House" Eagle, dating from the last half of the 19th Century, which, at some time rode the winds while sitting prominently on the pilot house roof of some grand vessel. The rectangular base is a later addition for display as the eagle would have been mounted on the pilothouse of the vessel along the center line from stem to stern.
Excellent detailed carving and condition. Beautifully patinated surface. A wonderful example of American Folk Art as well as a relatively rare item on the marketplace, this Eagle is also a sign of the times and rightfully deserves a place of honor in any Folk-Art Collection.
Comes with our Certificate of Authenticity
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Shipping is additional, fob Atlanta Ga