John J. Gredler Works of Art

19th Century American Cast Iron Eagle Sculpture

9th century American cast iron eagle on oval shaped base with raised decorative motifs. The magnificent bird shown with wings spread ready for take off, or just coming in for a landing. Expertly cast with fine detailing rare in ironwork, this could be mistaken for bronze. Wonderful patina that only comes form years of handling. A fine example of American craftsmanship. A great piece for the office, home office, den, displayed on a desk, shelf or table.   Circa 1825.

5.5" h  x  11.5" w  x  5" d 

The eagle’s role as a national symbol is linked to its 1782 landing on the Great Seal of the United States. Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress gave Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams the job of designing an official seal for the new nation. However, the three Founding Fathers failed to come up with a design that won Congress’ approval, as did two later committees that were given the task.

In mid-June 1782, the work of all three committees was handed over to Charles Thomson, the secretary of Congress. Thomson chose what he thought were the best elements of the various designs and made the eagle—which had been introduced by artistically inclined Pennsylvania lawyer William Barton in a design submitted by the third committee—more prominent. (Since ancient times, the eagle has been considered a sign of strength; Roman legions used the animal as their standard, or symbol.)