On offer here Is this spectacular antique gilt bronze plaque. This plaque is mounted in its original gilt-framed. It consists of a Brass or gilt bronze plaque of Black Eagle the famous circus horse.

“Black Eagle” was purchased by the circus proprietors, John and George Sanger, from the King of the Belgians. The brothers established their circus in 1845 in Lynn, Norfolk. They traveled with increasing success around the country, becoming regular lessees of the Agricultural Halls Islington, where they produced many costly and extravagant shows, gradually outstripping both their British and American rivals. One such show, entitled “The Congress of Monarchs”, was reputedly seen in one day by 37,000 people. The properties and paraphernalia of this were purchased in 1874 by P.T. Barnum for £33,000. The Sanger’s gave their winter performances at Astley’s Amphitheatre, in Westminster Bridge Road, traveling in the summer months across the country with a large company, including, amongst other animals, over 200 horses. They produced a number of lavish equestrian pantomimes, appearing before Queen Victoria on several occasions at Balmoral, Sandringham, and Windsor. The program for one such Royal performance at Sandringham on January 8th, 1885 lists as performance number 6 “The Thoroughbred Entire Horse “Black Eagle, late the property of the King of the Belgians, in the High School of the Manege, by Miss Lavinia Sanger. This highly trained animal will conclude his performance by Dancing to Music. Lavinia Sanger, Mrs. Hoffman, was the daughter of John Sanger. The headquarters of the enterprise was fixed at the Hall by the Sea at Margate, where both brothers were buried, John beneath a costly white marble monument part of which represents a mourning horse. 

Frame Sise approx 27 inches wide 22 inches high and approx 2 inches deep. The condition is good some minor losses to the gilt frame, I have also had some foam added to the back as the bolts protruded out the back of the frame, that hold the bronze panels. 

 I AM VERY SORRY THE WEIGHT AND FRAGILE NATURE MAKE THIS A UK SALE ONLY. my website is not set up for the weight of this item so you will be charged a nominal £5 for postage, the actual postage and crate price is included in the purchase price.