Offered for auction is an exceptional printing block depicting an American eagle clutching a banner and thirteen star flag topped with a liberty cap. Cutout spaces in the banner were left to allow the printer to insert words or phrases. Measures about 20 3/4 inches long by 8 1/4 inches high and appears to have been cast in three pieces the smallest of which is in the center. Overall fine condition with some age wear and lifting from the backing block in spots. One screw may have been added in the lower left. 

A true piece of Americana which stands on its own as a piece of graphic art. Probably dates to the first half of the 19thc if not earlier. 

Deaccessioned from a Connecticut River Valley museum so I thought it may related to the Berkshire Eagle newspaper but I could find no evidence that such an image was used for that publication.

I did a little more research Googling 'eagle' - 'flag' - 'broadside' etc and found no examples using this exact block or graphic but did find several with eagles with similar sun rays radiating outward. In most cases the eagle was standing or perched rather than flying as in this dramatic rendering. I found none combining the eagle, flag and liberty cap. Almost all of the broadsides found with similar eagle headings had been used on Civil War recruiting broadsides - both Confederate and Union. Some examples had wording in the banner while others had left that space blank. There were also several political broadsides dating to the decade before the war. 

Thank you for looking and please feel free to ask questions.