Height 4.75 in., Width 3.5 in., Depth 5.25 in. Weight 2 lb. 14.8 oz. Signed Steuben on underside. This carved and polished lead crystal eagle is Steuben shape number 8304, designed by Donald Pollard in 1975 and one of the most recognized and widely collected sculptures in the Steuben Glass animal figurine series. The bird is modeled with wings swept back and head held forward in a commanding posture suggestive of flight -- described in the Steuben catalogue as an eagle poised for flight, a symbol of swift action and potential -- the body and wings deeply cut with a faceted geometric feather pattern that refracts light dramatically through the heavy crystal mass. Donald Pollard was one of the most prolific and important designers at Steuben Glass, the Corning New York studio established in 1903 and recognized as the premier American art glass manufacturer of the 20th century, responsible for iconic works in the Steuben collection alongside artists including James Houston, George Thompson and Sidney Waugh. Steuben crystal is distinguished by its exceptional optical clarity, the result of a proprietary formula developed at Corning that eliminates the greenish tint common in lesser crystal and produces glass of extraordinary purity. The piece measures approximately 4.5 inches tall by 5.5 inches wide and is signed Steuben to the underside with the incised Steuben signature, in excellent condition with no chips or scratches to the polished and cut surfaces.