Description

Antique Civil War Eagle Flag Staff Topper

Antique Civil War Eagle Flag Staff Topper. This is the standard brass or bronze eagle flag staff topper used during the Civil War for The National Colors and Regimental Flags. When the unit moved the flag bearer would have to un-screw the topper, un-screw the staff which was in two parts and roll the staff and flag up and slip it into the flag protective cover. There are only a few documented eagles like this one where the flag bearer placed the eagle in a fire to heat it up so he could bend the wings in so he would not have to take the eagle off the staff when they moved. This way the eagle would stay on the staff  rolled up and be slipped into the flag case without difficulty. An example is listed in Lords Encyclopedia.

Mounted on a museum base