The Great Seal of the United States
On July 4, 1776, the same day that independence from Great Britain was declared by the thirteen states, the
Continental Congress named the first committee to design a
Great Seal, or National Emblem, for the Country. This first committee consisted of
Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. The United States of America needed an official symbol of sovereignty to formalize and seal (or sign) international treaties and transactions. It took six years, three committees, and the contributions of fourteen men before the Congress finally accepted a design in 1782.
Our "The Great Seal" is a LARGE impressive Wooden Plaque representing WoodArt at it's finest. Each of the 13 Arrows, 13 Stars and the Olive Branch are handcut; the Eagle Wings are sculpted wood, then joined together Intarsia-style. The Eagle itself has 5 different woods in it (just the Eagle Eye is 3 separate pieces of wood.) The Shield Stripes are inlaid wood, not painted on.This LARGE "The Great Seal" Wooden Plaque, the ultimate symbol of America, measures approx 20.5" across.