Heavy Metal Eagle - is it real?

[John W. Krueger]

I would sincerely appreciate any opinions as to the authenticity and usage of this heavy (2 lb. 10 oz.) metal eagle. It measures about 6 3/8" high and appears to have been on a base at one time as there are two threaded attachments broken off. The eagle is silver finished on what appears to be brass metal. Some of the silver finish is worn off. If real, what is its collector value? Thanks, John

[John W. Krueger]

Bottom photo

[mrec27777]

this appears to be an 'HB" maker smoothback desk eagle ...EC

[Military]

This would be an unmarked piece, with a smooth back, crooked tail variant. It is a good piece, missing the base. This is one of the most commonly encountered variant of desk eagles. Value without base and tarnish = US$850

Mil

[John W. Krueger]

Thank you both for helping me with this item. John

[Military]

Hi John,

Can you confirm if this is an unmarked piece?

Mil

[rlimike]

The finish on this bird looks like silver paint, I have one of these and the silver wash stands out very bright .

[John W. Krueger]

There appear to be no markings on the item. It appears to be silver-washed and not painted.

[John W. Krueger]

Thank you both for helping me with this item. John

[rlimike]

I believe it is a good one, if you could take some pictures in natural day light the silvering would stand out better. Nice find, as stated above these are common pieces ... but scarce & not often found for sale.

[Military]

I believe it is a good one, if you could take some pictures in natural day light the silvering would stand out better. Nice find, as stated above these are common pieces ... but scarce & not often found for sale.

Yes - the smooth back, crooked tail variant is the most common amongst all desk eagles.

Mil

[Larry Lipps]

John,
I believe you eagle is identical to mine. I don't have a photo of the reverse handy, but it is smooth like yours and is unmarked as well. It also appears to me made of some type of pot metal or zinc.

[Military]

This piece by Larry is the most dangerous amongst all the smooth backs. In fact it was Larry's piece that got me intrigued in the early days of my collecting to move into desk eagles. Very nice piece, Larry. Do you have a history of it?

Thanks for sharing.

Mil

[Larry Lipps]

The only history I have is from the original person that picked it up at a motel buy in the late 60's. I only know that it came from South Dakota where he lives.