Expert: AliMcJ - 11/29/2003

Question
I'm not sure where to direct this question. I hope you can help. I am trying to find out the origins and meaning of "Ball & Claw" English furniture. I have heard it is either an eagle's claw or a dragon. Do you have any information on this subject? Thanks so much.

Heather

Answer
ever seen a claw-foot bathtub?

It is an eagle's claw.  The reason you are thinking dragon is that it is also a gryphon's claw -- a gryphon is a mythical beast with the claws of an eagle and the body of a dragon (I believe there is one in Alice in Wonderland)

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