c. 1796 American Double Federal Eagle “Wafer” Iron, each interior side displaying a similar pattern of opposing Patriotic Federal Eagles bearing a Heraldic Shield with an Olive Branch and Arrows in its Talons, beneath a Constellation of 16-Stars and a Wreath of Leaves, with a motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” within a banner, “No 2” stamped in the outer plates, Choice Extremely Fine.
This museum quality Patriotic cooking device is dated to 1796 when Tennessee became the 16th State in the union, having 16-Stars displayed above the Eagle. This rare cast-iron Double-Image Wafer Iron plates are perfectly centered with a Federal Eagle on each side. The Patriotic patterns bearing the classic shield, olive branch, and arrows in the Eagle’s talons, beneath a constellation of 16-Stars and a wreath of stylized leaves. This design being one of the principal historic emblems of the early United States Republic during the Federal Period. This device being a useful and fully functional domestic or military use object. It provides an exceptional uniting of Patriotic American Federal imagery with the culture of everyday cooking and food production for every day life.

This impressive high-quality double wafer irons is constructed with opposing 5.5” diameter engraved plates and with 21” long Hand-wrought cast-iron handles for firing. The top of each handle with a decorative end and a metal loop attached to hold the handles together when not in use. This present example was conceived and cast as part of a hinged wafer making cooking implement. Examples bearing such original period Patriotic Federal Eagle devices are notably scarce, and such museum quality examples are rarer still. We have encountered only a small handful of related eagle examples over the decades, placing the present double-mold among the more unusual and compelling expressions of early American domestic metalwork and Federal iconography. An outstanding extremely well detailed original device showing only slight use and when open displays amazing eye appeal for display.

[Federal Period, Early Republic, 18th Century America] [Patriotic Motifs, Domestic Life, Tennessee Statehood] [Decorative Arts, Ironwork, Kitchenware]