Description:

Lincoln-Era Eagle-Form Parade Torch, 10" High

An eagle-form parade torch probably used during a political procession for Republican presidential candidate and later 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865), ca. 1860s. Cast brass in the form of an American eagle, with wings outstretched on either side. The body of the eagle, molded and contoured in bas relief, is a hollow sealed container which functions as a fluid lamp font; two metal wicks project outwards on the tops of the wings. With a rich, dark patina. Expected wear including isolated tarnish, verdigris, and scuffs. The slightly concave section on the eagle's breast on one side may have been intentionally designed as it appears in other examples. One of the metal loops is missing, as is the metal frame and pole which would have completed the torch. One of the wicks has been resoldered. Else very good. Measures approximately 9.25" x 10" x 2.5."

The concept of torchlight political processions began as early as the 1840s when followers of presidential candidate and future 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison carried globe lanterns frosted and etched with log cabins, or rifle-form torches. The eagle-form parade torch is most closely associated with the 1860 and 1864 presidential elections of Abraham Lincoln, and are closely aligned with the Wide Awakes. The Wide Awakes referred to a group of young male Republican activists which sprang up in the early 1860s. They performed a variety of functions including escorting political candidates to their destination and ensuring the integrity of the voting process by maintaining law and order. The flaming eagle torch, filled with any combustible fluid such as whale oil or kerosene, would have been carried by Wide Awake standard bearers wearing special flame-resistant capes. These torchlight processions resembled army marches. Its members in uniform advanced in step with band music below the light of torches and fireworks and below the shadow of banners, placards, and campaign transparencies. Wide Awake torchlight processions created an unforgettable patriotic spectacle that galvanized existing party members and attracted new recruits.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

February 21, 2024 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000