SS metal eagle for photo album!

[SScollector]

Hi all,

I would like to share this eagle that I picked up today from an old friend.
This aluminum eagle was on a vet acquired photo album that was picked up by my friend around 30+ years ago. I have seen a few of these that were made of Tombac, but this is the first aluminum variation that I have ever seen. It's die struck and extremely thin. Also, it's close to the size of a cap eagle and has similar quality details, but does not match any known cap eagle maker and is unmarked. Nonetheless, a neat little piece that I am happy to add to my collection. Thanks!

Chris

[coogan]

Unlike anything I have viewed before. The shape of the head is different, the feathers above the claws also different.

Why no pins ? , even the evidence there were pins at one time ?

[SScollector]

As far as I know, these never had any prongs. I believe these were meant to be glued onto photo albums, but I'm not sure. Here is a Tombac example from germanwarbooty. As you can see, it is by the same maker. These things are almost as thin as a sheet of cardboard paper.

Chris

[SScollector]

Extremely thin,

[coogan]

Thanks, I recall seeing that on the war booty site. Don't get me wrong I am not calling you out in anyway, I am just trying to understand it , because it's different. Is it bent at all or dead flat ?

[coogan]

Wow, that is thin !

[coogan]

Thanks for sharing !

[coogan]

A thought comes to mind......maybe the draw of the stamping is not so deep so it's easier to glue ? Metal would not be so easy to glue to an album with the glue they had back in the day.

[SScollector]

It's pretty much dead flat when looking at it from the side, but looks 3D from the front view.
It's kinda like an optical illusion. Really strange.

Chris

[SScollector]

Yeah, I really wish that I had more info on these and their usage. Maybe someone else here has more info to share?

Chris

[jmcm]

I see grind marks, it was thicker and ground thinner for some reason

[Larry Lipps]

I see grind marks, it was thicker and ground thinner for some reason

If it was used as album insignia, I can understand the grind marks. Looks like someone laid it on a piece of sandpaper and flattened it somewhat, which would give it better adhesion when glued. Interesting piece.

[Robert H]

for me they where grinded down, easy to do so with a rough and fine grinding stone. Just takes time to do it.

[JoeW]

So your friend popped the eagle off the album?!! I presume there was no info on the cover or signs of use like photos? Did you ever see the album? Was the cover inlet for the eagle?

[jmcm]

Why would it be ground down instead of being made thin? A waste of materials!