Carved American Eagles: America’s First Americana

Many Americana objects in collections and museums incorporate the one symbol that the first Congress approved as this country’s emblem: the American Bald Eagle.

Not long after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Congress turned to Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams to create an Official Seal for the new country. At first, they looked to classical examples from around the world. The first submission to Congress was not adopted. Nor was the second from another committee. Nor the third from yet another designated team. At this point, Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress, chose what he felt was a strong symbol of strength that had been created by a Pennsylvania lawyer with a talent for drawing, William Barton, and submitted by the Third Committee.

There is a rumor that continues to be shared stating that Ben Franklin advocated for the turkey to be the symbol, but that is just a myth. According to www.diplomacy.state.gov, John Adams shared some of the ongoing debate in a letter to his wife, Abigail, on August 14, 1776: Benjamin Franklin, Adams wrote, suggested “Moses lifting up his wand, and dividing the Red Sea, and Pharoah, in his chariot overwhelmed with the waters,” and the following motto, “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.” Thomas Jefferson imagined Americans as “the children of Israel in the wilderness … led by a pillar of fire by night,” alongside representations of early Britons “whose political principles and form of government” the United States assumed. Adams concentrated on Hercules, the mythical figure of strength, “resting on his club,” gazing towards a figure of virtue, and impervious to sloth and vice.

The debate went on for another six years before an attorney’s drawing of a small white eagle received the nod from Congress after Thomson’s input to change it to the American bald eagle.

The design of the Great Seal of the United States incorporates elements and recommendations put forth by Thomson. The first was to use the American bald eagle as the bird at its center because it had become the symbol of strength, courage, and freedom during the Revolutionary War. The addition of an olive branch and arrows that are placed in the eagle’s talons represent the power of war and peace was next. Then came the escutcheon/shield that is “born on the breast of an American Eagle without any other supporters to denote that the United States of America ought to rely on their own Virtue,” as pointed out by Thomson in his original report to Congress. Also featured on the Seal is the number 13, representing the 13 original states, shown in the number of arrows in the talons and the constellation of stars above the eagle. To this day, the Secretary of State oversees the use of the Great Seal on governmental documents, signage, and any official item deemed qualified to carry it.

Many Revolutionary War militias used the bald eagle as a symbol of strength and inspiration as the War continued on for eight years. According to www.battlefields.org, “During the Revolutionary War, it has been said that a bald eagle seen on a battlefield one early morning emitted a piercing cry for freedom to Patriot soldiers for a call to arms against the British. Bald Eagles are found primarily in North America, so the British would surely have been alarmed!” For some, the depiction of the American Eagle on various objects during the war made these objects the very first to be called “Americana.” Massachusetts was the first to use the symbol on a copper cent made in 1776.

At the end of the American Revolution in 1783, the Treaty of Paris recognized the New World as a sovereign country. This was the kick-off of true Americana. Symbols of unity were placed everywhere in a bold nod to the country’s new status.

From that point forward, the popularity of the bald eagle as a sign of patriotism took off like a shot. Statues, fireplace mantles, door pediments, metal objects, jewelry, mirrors, personal accessories, and more were adorned with the eagle motif. Perhaps the best representation of the new guardian of America was the wooden carved eagle. The first American-carved bald eagle was made in 1782 following the establishment of the Seal.

While early examples of Americana showed a somewhat average bird, creators and makers began to make changes to its form to reflect the country’s strength: more muscle, definition, the use of bold colors, and the expansion of its talons (in length and ferocity). The new and improved versions reflected the potential of this new country, which was working hard to define itself.

George Washington was greeted at each stop of his tour of the states by carved and hand-painted American eagles. Ships infused the form of the bald eagle onto its mastheads and figureheads. Furniture was made with inlaid depictions of the eagle. American Associations and Clubs such as the Society of the Cincinnati adopted the eagle as their guardian, hoping to use some of its symbolism to reflect on their missions.

It did not take long for carvers to establish a name for themselves. These were in-demand makers scattered across the states looking to promote their skills and take advantage of the patriotic market ready for their wares.

A neoclassical sculptor and woodcarver from Philadelphia, William Rush is considered the first major American sculptor. Rush opened his own ship carving business around 1774, and in 1777 joined the American Revolution with the Philadelphia militia. Rush’s carvings were much in demand for merchant ships, and he enjoyed increasing success and notoriety. When the U.S. Navy was created in 1794, it chose Rush to execute figureheads for the frigates, and he skillfully created several subjects, such as Hercules and Liberty. Rush was one of the founders of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and in 1812 he became a professor and teacher of sculpture there.

John Haley Bellamy (1836-1914)

John Bellamy was dubbed “The Colorful Man Behind the Carved Eagles” in a New York Times Antiques feature in 2014, one hundred years after his death. He followed in his father’s wood-carving footsteps, but according to the article, “John Bellamy eventually developed his own distinctive designs for decorative, folksy eagles carrying flags and pennants with religious and patriotic sayings.” His work was so popular, he was filling orders for up to 1,200 pieces at times. “The historian James A. Craig described him as ‘a helpless drunkard, a manic inventor, and an aloof poet.’” Examples of his work can sell for a few thousand dollars to well into six figures depending on rarity, color, and provenance.

Wilhelm Schimmel came to the United States in the 1860s where he became known as a carver of eagles, often trading his work for food and a place to stay. According to www.metmuseum.org, “Schimmel used a common folding pocket-knife, Schimmel carved deep, angular cuts to articulate his eagle, then applied a white primer and common house paints. His student Aaron Mountz would continue this carving tradition into the early twentieth century.”

The carving of eagles was done by both professional carvers and by individuals with a folk-like approach. Areas where wood was widely available—like southern Pennsylvania and New England—enabled anyone skilled with a knife to create a carved eagle for their home. Wilhelm Schimmel did his work with a true Folk Art approach.

Folk art carved patriotic eagles are still being created today, often made in the style of their predecessors. Prices tend to fluctuate (look for them to go up as we arrive at our Semiquincentennial in 2026), but for those with good provenance and a known maker, prices reflect the quality of the product. eBay, Etsy, and other online businesses have prices ranging from around $100 to $1,800+. However, it can be a buyer-beware situation when making a purchase online. Look for the type of wear and tear you read in descriptions of examples sold at larger auction houses. Descriptions from places like Morphy’s and Eldred’s can point you in the right direction when selecting a carved eagle to purchase. When selling, provenance, and condition plays a role. Don’t hesitate to consult with a folk art specialist if you feel you have a special example to sell. Visit museums in person and online to read about and see what makes each hand-carved patriotic eagle merit your attention.