W&B - identification request

[kayvee]

Recently bought this Wade and Butcher 7/8 near-wedge (possibly started as an 8/8 or more based on honewear) with etching on the front.

The etching has a screaming eagle or falcon either on (or holding) 5 lightning bolts. Beneath is a picture of a "J. T. Layman FAVORITE". Can anyone shed context on who this might be and what the symbol might refer to?

Thanks

 

[Darth Scandalous]

Looks like James T. Layman ran a hardware business in Indianapolis. If you search for Layman, Carey, and Co you might find some hits, especially in books and newspaper archives. Here's an example from the Indianapolis Journal, March 1884:

 

[kayvee]

Thanks for that pointer. Seems like James Townsend Layman was also an Indiana state senator from 1901-1904.

 

[Legion]

Thanks for that pointer. Seems like James Townsend Layman was also an Indiana state senator from 1901-1904.

I was going to guess a politician of some sort. I've seen similar etchings depicting US politicians and political parties, presumably given as gifts to people making sizeable campaign donations.