This eagle is said to be produced by Tiffany of New York, however, in July 2020, on a well known web

 

based sales platform, this eagle finial sold with what appears to be the original manufactures

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sales tag placed around the eagles' wing and chest affixed with a brass wire. The metal tag reflects

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the following: "Cairns & Bro. 143 Grand St. N.Y.

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According to the Directory of American Goods Dealers and Makers 1785-1915, Jasper Cairns was located

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at 142 Grand in 1859-1860, and at 210 Grand, 1863-1870. Cairns is listed as a "Military ornament maker."

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If, In fact, this style eagle was sold by Tiffany, did Tiffany sell to Cairns, I think not, for why would

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Cairns place their name tag on the eagle, or, was cairns the original maker of the eagles who then

 

furnished them to Tiffany in order for Tiffany to complete flag purchase contracts made with Tiffany

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by various states and individuals during the war. The Directory goes on to say after the war Cairns

 

company split but Jasper Cairns, the original owner seems to have taken over the metal stamping end

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of the former business. In the 1859 New York City Directory, Cairns is listed as a maker of military

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goods. In the 1862 Jersey City directory, Cairns is listed as a maker of military ornaments. In the 1862

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U.S. Tax Assessment list, Cairns is listed as making military trimmings, 1863, maker of military

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trimmings, 1864, silver plating, 1865, iron machining.

 

 There is a belief Jasper Cairns was stamping out this style eagle before and during the war, and

 

possibly furnishing them to Tiffany. This theory may be found to be incorrect with more study.

 

 This style eagle is seen in the Maine State Museum with provenance to the 3rd Maine Infantry

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Regiment, in the Vermont State archive with provenance to the 10th Vermont Infantry Regiment, and

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in the New York Military Museum with provenance to the 121st New York Infantry Regiment. The 8th

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Illinois Infantry Regiment had this style eagle in 1862. There is another such style eagle in the Illinois

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Military Museum in Springfield, however, no provenance is known. There is also in the Chicago

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Public Library Collection this style eagle that was donated to the library many years ago that also has

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no provenance. I have seen this style eagle sold on a well-known web-based sales platform on a few

 

occasions.  I have also seen this style eagle on one occasion made of pewter in lieu of brass. 

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In 1879 while preparing for Battle Flag Day in Connecticut, this style eagle was ordered from Tiffany

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New York for use on the 16th Connecticut Infantry Regiments' reunion flag. That particular eagle is the

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only one found in the Connecticut Battle Flag collection. 

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