Image: BartonGreatSealDesignObverse

Description: The obverse side of William Barton's design for the Great Seal of the United States, done as part of the third committee's attempt for a design. This was not used, as it was too complex, though this was the first appearance of an eagle in any of the preliminary designs. Barton's full blazon was:[1] Arms: Barry of thirteen pieces, Argent & Gules; on a pale, Or, a Pillar of the Doric Order, Vert, reaching from the Base of the Escutcheon to the Honor point; and, from the Summit thereof, a Phoenix in Flames with Wings expanded, proper: the whole within a Border, Azure, charged with As many Stars as pieces barways, of the first. Crest: On an Helmet of Burnished Gold, damasked, grated with six Bars, a Cap of Liberty, Vert; with an Eagle displayed, Argent, resting thereon; holding in his dexter Talon a Sword, Or, having a Wreath of Laurel suspended from the point; and, in the sinister, the Ensign of the United States, proper. Supporters: On the dexter side, the Genius of the American Confederated Republic: represented by a Maiden, with flowing Auburn Tresses; clad in a long, loose, white Garment, bordered with Green; having a Sky blue Scarf, charged with Stars as in the Arms, reaching across her Waist from her right Shoulder to her left Side; and, on her Head, a radiated Crown of Gold, encircled with an Azure Fillet spangled with Silver Stars: round her Waist a Purple Girdle, embroidered with the Word "Virtus," in Silver a Dove, proper, perched on her dexter Hand. On the sinister side, an American Warrior; clad in a uniform Coat, of blue faced with Buff, and in his Hat a Cockade of black and white Ribbons: in his left Hand, a Baton Azure, semé of Stars Argent. Motto, over the Crest – In Vindiciam Libertatis. ("In Defense of Liberty ") Motto, under the Arms – Virtus sola invicta. ("Only virtue unconquered")
Title: BartonGreatSealDesignObverse
Credit: Extracted from PDF version of Creating the Great Seal poster, part of a U.S. Diplomacy Center (State Department) exhibition on the 225th anniversary of the Great Seal. Direct PDF URL [2] (18MB) Courtesy of the National Archives
Author: William Barton
Permission: The U.S. Diplomacy Center exhibition page states All materials in this exhibition are in the public domain and can be reproduced without permission. Citation of this source is appreciated.
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No