'Golden eagle'

Nothing definite is known about this very skilfully carved and gilded eagle figurehead, with a resisting snake held between its beak and right talons. It is traditionally said to be a Mexican eagle – this combination being the emblem of Mexico – from a French wreck of before 1850.

Object Details

ID: FHD0031
Collection: Figureheads
Type: Figurehead
Display location: Not on display
Vessels: Eagle (French) ?
Date made: 19th century
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Valhalla Collection
Measurements: Overall: 4699 mm x 375 mm