For those of you who follow this blog would probably know that my study of eagles are usually centred on pieces that are produced in metal. Very rarely do I acquire or study carved wood pieces as they can be a mine field. Wood pieces are much more difficult to determine its authenticity as anyone can use old recycled pieces of timber to sculpt or computer engrave pieces as a one-off. Only through a careful study of the stylised carving pattern and matching those from known examples or with period photos makes the identification water tight. This piece came from a collector who acquired it from Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, near Hesse, Germany, on the southern slope of the Taunus mountains, part of the Frankfurt Rhein-Main urban area. I will not show the reverse to protect it. It has an imprint that reads "Mildenburg" on the bare wooden surface. Mildenburg is a town in Bavaria, Germany. This eagle's wingspan measures 24 inches across with the height of the piece measuring 16 inches. After purchase, it was carefully cleaned lightly with a touch of distilled water and using a very soft non-abrasive cloth to remove some dirt. No eagles were harmed in the process. From author's collection.
