An exceptionally high quality and well preserved Civil War era cast bronze and gilt American eagle flag pole topper, supplied by Tiffany & Co, New York. Gilt wash on cast bronze dated 1862-1865. Provenance: www.rareflags.com , Flag pole toppers are one of the more overlooked areas related to collecting American Flags. Interestingly, the highest quality flag pole toppers are beautiful representations of patriotic Americana on their own. This is an extremely high quality cast bronze flag pole topper from the era of the American Civil War. Although the actual foundry that manufactured this eagle is unknown, what is known is that this eagle topper was supplied by Tiffany & Company in New York City. The workmanship of the casting is extraordinary even when compared to many others of the same era. Every feather of the eagle is distinct and shows the individual barbs of the feathers. The talons of the eagle are sharp and precisely cast, with the ridges and claws very well defined. Often times, the gilt wash on these flag pole toppers have been lost due to weathering and use, but their are remains of it on this example. This topper, on the other hand, appears to have seen some use displays signs of outdoor weathering. An interesting attribute of the eagle is a hole through the beak of the eagle. Often, a ring could be held in the eagle's beak from which battle streamers would hang on military flags to represent a unit's participation in important battles. Overall, the eagle is a fine example of a little noted but very beautiful type of early Americana from the time of the American Civil War, supplied to the Union Army by one of America's finest and most iconic merchants. (Size: See second photo for measurement.) Photos are part of the description representing the condition report. Pangaea Auctions urges Bidder's to view all attached photos.

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