D.S., This may or may not be helpful but, it looks like an emblem to a vehicle of some kind. My first thought was an old fire truck/pumper. "Aquila" is the Latin or Italian word for "Eagle", which is the emblem on top of the piece. There was a company that started in 1895 by Samuel R. Bailey, that manufactured sleighs & carriages, and later evolved into manufacturing electric automobiles. Could be a "badge" that was put on his early vehicles.
From the net:
S.R. Bailey & company sleighs & carriages 1895.
"S.R. Bailey & Company was a well-known manufacturer of high-grade sleighs and carriages in Amesbury, Massachusetts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries
. In 1895, they were established in Amesbury, having moved there in 1882. In 1887, Samuel R. Bailey admitted his son, E.W.M. Bailey, into partnership. At this time, they specialized in carriage poles and high-grade sleighs, and were innovative in introducing bicycle wheels on some carriages. Their factory was quite substantial for the time, occupying 30,000 square feet and featuring specialized machinery, much of it invented by S.R. Bailey himself. The Carriage Monthly praised the design and workmanship of Bailey's sleighs, including their Gentlemen's Driving Sleigh and Portland Cutter, even publishing plans for their construction. "
"Later, the company diversified into manufacturing automobiles, starting with car bodies, and in 1907, they began producing electric cars under the brand "Bailey" or "Bailey Electric". The Bailey Electric vehicles were known for their ruggedness and performance, even participating in events like a cross-New England run and a climb up Mount Washington. "
"S.R. Bailey & Company was a prominent manufacturer of carriages and sleighs, and later electric automobiles, based in Amesbury, Massachusetts
. Their products, known for their quality and innovative design, included a badge or emblem plate that likely bore the company's name."
"While information specifically detailing the design features of the carriage badge itself is limited in the search results, we know that S.R. Bailey's designs were considered "artistic" and won awards. Given the company's reputation for quality and craftsmanship, it's reasonable to infer that the badge would have reflected these values."