The rays are purposely not extended beyond the clouds. All that is desirable in that direction has been done, but to allow them to project in the manner spoken of and as we often see them cut, would be to convey a wrong and very weak idea of the original intention. We have used the classical olive and have decided not to introduce the flowers; the fruit (13) and the 13 leaves speak for themselves in a very clear and positive manner, but the flowers, while they suggest a growing and fruitful future, would as no special number could be used, give an uncertainty not desirable, as it would always be supposed that the particular number of flowers used must have a meaning while that meaning is not there.
Indications of color should not be given in the olive branch, fruit, arrows, scroll, etc.; they should be represented as termed in heraldry ‘proper’.
Regarding the reverse the pyramid is drawn to the scale of the great pyramid; the side seen in perspective to the right means East, this view being desired. The eye and the date on the foot of the pyramid should not be incised; on ancient monumental work and work of that character the die is sunk, or the impression it of course would be in relief.
The letters used in the Latin are the simple and particular Roman letters used, and in fact is the best letter used for the purpose.
Regarding the scroll containing the “E pluribus unum” we consider the present form altogether the best to use as the sheet scroll mentioned would interfere with the eagle, while the old form of scroll falls in well with the general design. The dies will be cut in steel.
This letter may be said to be the argument for the Whitehouse designs. They were submitted to Mr. Champlin, who wrote, January 7, 1885:
It seems to me useless to regret that Congress did not adopt in 1782 a different device for the great seal of the United States. The present device was legally adopted and all we can do is to follow the provisions of the act, having an eye, of course, to general heraldic propriety; but even if the laws of heraldry are transgressed in some minor particulars, I think we still are bound to follow the letter of the law, despite the rules of heraldry. If we must have a strictly heraldic seal, let us go to work ab initio and change the law.
If this be, as I believe it to be, the true way of dealing with the question, let us see whether the designs furnished by Tiffany & Co. fulfill the provisions of the law.
1. The law reads “Paleways of thirteen pieces, argent and gules, a chief, azure”. The drawing marked A is correct in this particular. This differs from the order of the stripes on the national ensign. * * * The pales should all be of the same width.
2. “The escutcheon on the breast of the American eagle displayed proper.” In Mr. Barton’s device of June 13, 1782, of which that adopted by the committee is a modification, the American Eagle is expressly called “the bald-headed eagle”, so there can be no question on that point. The eagle must be an American eagle and not the ordinary heraldic eagle. It must be displayed, not with wings displayed (in which case it would be represented perched), but displayed—that is, with both wings and talons extended. In my opinion the drawing is correct, though I would suggest that the treatment, especially the wings, might be a little less realistic, and still comply with the law.