Flag Eagle, Model 1804, First Empire - Published

We are pleased to present one of the most beautiful authentic regulation eagles, featuring its original gilding, cataloged by Mr. Pierre Charrié

The bird of Jupiter, emblem of Imperial Rome, has been associated with military victories since the earliest antiquity.

The decree of July 10, 1804, stipulates that the Emperor’s coat of arms is:

“Azure, an eagle antique Or, perched upon a thunderbolt of the same.”

This eagle, very different from traditional heraldic motifs, is also inspired by the Carolingian eagle.

The very day after his coronation, Napoleon had the symbol placed at the top of the flagpoles of all the Napoleonic armies’ flags.

Every regiment cherished its eagle more than the apple of its eye!

They would defend it to the death.

They would rather die than give it up!

If they felt cornered, they would bury it!

Certificate of authenticity from Mr. Bertrand Malvaux containing the following description:

The 1804 model eagle is very finely crafted, made entirely of cast copper with chiseled detailing. Total weight of the eagle: 1.8 kg.

The head is positioned horizontally, with the elongated beak slightly parted, clearly revealing the tongue positioned on the underside. The wings are widely spread at their tips (height at the front 203 mm, height at the rear from the tip of the tail to the head approximately 220 mm, width 250 mm, weight 1.30 kg). Below the left talon is stamped with the mark “DLVI,” and below the right talon is stamped with the letter “A.” This eagle is made in two parts: the front and the back (including the left talon), which are fitted together and welded, while the right talon is separate.

Jupiter’s spindle is positioned at a slight angle without a shaft, as on the Second Empire eagles, Model 1854 (length 140 mm, maximum diameter 42 mm, minimum diameter approximately 24 mm at the center, weight 0.10 kg). The shaft bears the marking “DLVI” on the underside, followed by the letter “A.”

The box-shaped base is rectangular (height 43 mm, minimum length 100 mm, maximum length 115 mm, minimum width 43/44 mm, maximum width 61 mm). The top of the plate is stamped with the marking “DLVI” and the letter “A.” The front and back of the box each have four holes intended to hold the digits identifying the regiment’s number. It is likely that this number was 23, 27, or 29, but this is not certain.

The lower part of the casing is closed off by a plate (length 102 mm, width 45 mm, thickness approximately 2 mm). This plate bears the same markings as the casing: “DLVI” and the letter “A” on its upper part.

A socket is attached to the inside of the casing; it holds the wooden shaft (diameter 31 mm, height 42 mm). Normally, in its original condition, the socket measures approximately 9 cm to 10 cm; on the eagle shown here, the socket has been cut off, and only the portion attached to the inside of the casing has been preserved. This sleeve is marked with the letter “A”; the rest of the “DLVI” marking is not visible. Weight of the case, including the bottom plate and the remaining portion of the sleeve: 0.40 kg.

Very good overall condition. A few imperfections at the welds where the front and rear sections of the eagle were fitted should be noted; however, these imperfections are always present on the original eagles. Gilding is present on the eagle and the spindle; traces of gilding are visible on the case, mainly on the upper part.