An epic carved eagle by listed American carver Peter Libbey of Maine, father of contemporary carver W.A. Libbey, this is a fitting tribute to the bird of prey and classic Americana icon. Graceful yet large, it would be a perfect custom accent to many types of collections and still command attention. The majority is carved from a single large piece of wood, and has a stout thickness while still being precise and sharp in the ornamental carving. It shows natural wood with a coating of a stained wash and glaze, with a protective varnish overcoat.

Majestic, the American Bald Eagle officially became the Nation official bird in 1789, although it’s unofficial use on the Great Seal and other iconic markings predates this, usually in concert with the bird holding a quiver of arrows and olive branches. Our bird carving holds a pair of early American flags and clusters of grapes to enhance the vision and symbolism of determination and prosperity. The artist has signed this superior example of his work with his name in a deep incised scroll script verso. He follows the memory of the carvers of note before him, such as the premier artisan carver John Hale Bellemy of Massachusetts. Rare and iconic, the quality of this piece makes it a rank with the best.

An impressively large, well carved 19th Century figurehead, the figure is believed to have been into service during the most important Age of Sailing, the 19th Century era of the Clipper Ships. This artifact has the large size and proper positioning of the plugs to have been the centerpiece of the bow on one of the great ships. While her identity is a mystery, we’re inclined to believe her a mythological goddess in her flowing robe and statuesque presence, possibly Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty herself. English society found it fashionable to emulate the mythologies of the Greeks, a trend that started in the Renaissance Period and carried through the Victorian Age.

Fully dressed in a classical flowing robe dress with scalloped edges, colored sash, and geometric jewelry, the three primary colors are featured throughout her appearance. Her white dress is pleated, and she holds her left arm across her lower chest while her right hands pinches her clothing. She is elevated standing atop a scroll through her base. Her mythological ancestry becomes her with her icy blue eyes, and even inanimate, she possesses a regal, even noble demeanor and maternal strength.

Full sized figureheads of the quality and size are amongst the rarest of marine artifacts. Her authenticity is assured, yet much mystery remains to be hopefully discovered about her history and prominence in relation to one of the great merchant ships of the 19th Century. The wood plugs and mounting hardware is properly positioned and even with her years of service, she maintains a dignified and imposing figure.

Provenance: Richard Headley, Santa Barbara, California.

Size: 84 Inches High with a 24½ x 29 Inch Maximum Width and Depth

Dated with silver hallmarks 1777, this fancy box-lock pistol is an eloquent firearm from an age well past. The slim nature would have allowed it to remain hidden until necessary. The artistry of the silver wire scrollwork inlay on the wood stock is quite appealing, and holds unusual smoke-resembling patterns. The box-lock actions have the maker’s last name and floral rocailles engraved. The barrel has three reinforce stages, a cannon-type banded muzzle, and is rifled with eight deep grooved channels.

The smooth curved stock grip ends in a flourish on the butt cap, with a subtle grotesque face along with several proof marks. The smooth flint cock has a double-stage sliding thumb lock to prevent a premature firing. Private Birmingham proof marks complete the history of the piece, with a small floral decoration on the trigger guard.

Pistol Measures 10⅝ Inches Overall with a 6 Inch Barrel.

More information to follow.