Colonial folk art?

[gino22]

Don't think this is valuable, but it's probably old. Think I've seen this type of eagle on Colonial coins and documents before. Is there a specific name for this type of eagle?

The eagle is hand-carved and seems to have been taken off of something else and nailed to a crude bookend-like piece. Maybe a decoration from a ship?

The backing seems to be the cover of an old book. Base is heavy iron with wood fused to the bottom.

Bizarrely, the wood features hand-painted (Central / South American?) Native motifs on the bottom.

What do you all think? Folk art from an early American sea voyage or just a hunk of junk?

 

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[captain flintlock]

It's definitely in the style of federal period folk art but to me, it looks too clean. Just my thoughts without having it in front of me. It's a great piece and well worth having someone look at it. I personally think by the way it's mounted, that it's a somewhat modern bookend.

 

[gino22]

"Federal period" is the term I was looking for. Thanks!

Also, I think the eagle came from somewhere else and was cobbled onto a bookend. The two pieces may not be at all related.

 

[captain flintlock]

"Federal period" is the term I was looking for. Thanks!

Also, I think the eagle came from somewhere else and was cobbled onto a bookend. The two pieces may not be at all related.

I thought of that too. Definitely should have someone look at it up close and personal. I know a bit about early stuff but I am no "Roadshow" expert. Plus sometimes pictures just don't do a piece justice.

 

[scaupus]

the figures on the base look kind of digital.