“The American Bald Eagle” by Ralph J. McDonald – 1776 Bicentennial Series (#828/1776)
Original limited-edition lithograph titled “The American Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)” by acclaimed Tennessee artist Ralph J. McDonald, published in June 1975 by Americana Graphics, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee. This print was issued as the first plate in the historic 1776 Bicentennial Series honoring America’s founding and wildlife heritage.
Portraying the nation’s symbol in mid-flight as it swoops over an icy river to seize its prey, McDonald’s masterful technique combines photographic realism with dramatic motion. The composition’s interplay of power, solitude, and light reflects the untamed spirit of freedom at the heart of the American identity.
This print is hand-signed in pencil by the artist, numbered #828 of 1776, and includes its full Certificate of Authenticity dated June 1975, along with the original narrative inserts and the ’76 Bicentennial Series header sheet.
Details:
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Artist: Ralph J. McDonald (1930–2012)
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Title: The American Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
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Series: 1776 Bicentennial Series
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Year Issued: 1975
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Edition: Limited to 1,776 prints plus 50 artist’s copies
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Signature: Hand-signed in pencil by the artist, lower right
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Number: #828/1776
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Publisher: Americana Graphics, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee
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Includes: Certificate of Authenticity, historical commentary card, and Bicentennial ’76 series insert
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Condition: Excellent – unframed, bright colors, clean edges
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Subject: Bald Eagle in flight over river with autumn woodland background
Historical Context:
Chosen as the lead subject of McDonald’s five-print 1776 Series, the Bald Eagle symbolizes strength, independence, and endurance. Issued in coordination with the American Bicentennial (1975–1976), this series also included The Wild Turkey, The American Indian, The American Frontiersman, and The American Whitetail Deer. Each work celebrates a key figure in the story of America’s early wilderness and pioneering spirit.
This online only auction includes a portion of the Hall Estate in Lebanon, Tn. The personal property includes antique and vintage furniture, vintage stoneware, vintage toys and trains, antique lamps, estate jewelry, Hull pottery, antique quilts, Fenton Glass, political collectibles, vintage UT apparel, depression glass, vaseline glass, precious moments, vintage handbags, Ralph McDonald prints, cast-iron and So Much More!!
Pick-up will be in Lebanon Tennessee, By appointment only (using the Text or Email received at conclusion of auction) December 19th and 20th from 9am to 6pm. Please plan yo bring help to load as well as any tools or supplies needed.
Shipping will be offered on select items using a third party shipping service. The winning bidders will receive a text message and email from Shipping Saint at the conclusion of the auction. Winning bidders will have the ability to select a pickup time or shipping services. Auction company does not control the price of shipping service and winning bidders must pay insurance on items. Third party shipping service will make every effort to make shipping as affordable as possible. Please ensure that credit card on file is active and can be charged at completion of auction. Any invoices over $2500 will require wire transfer (any wire transfer will incur a $20 Fee), cash or certified funds. Pickup- Will be by appointment only Sep. 19th & 20th from 10am-6pm. Please plan to be available to pickup on designated days. If unavailable, and shipping is not requested the items will be forfeited and funds will be retained by auction company.
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Pick-up will be in Lebanon Tennessee(address included on winning invoice), By appointment only (using the Text or Email received at conclusion of auction) December 19th and 20th from 9am to 6pm. Please plan yo bring help to load as well as any tools or supplies needed.