Likely Pennsylvania
This outstanding weathervane…a rare and stirring survivor – is among the earliest known American weathervanes, it is certainly one of the oldest examples we have handled – the exceptional wrought iron composition displays a seasoned blacksmith’s masterful work…perhaps memorializing his own enrollment, or a veteran patron’s tenure as a Revolutionary War-era soldier.
Dating to the late 18th or early 19th century, the wrought and pierced sheet iron weathervane depicts a colonial officer (dragoon) on a prancing horseback charger, sword drawn and held triumphantly high, evoking the indomitable spirit of the American Revolution. The elegantly rendered horse compliments the rider who wears epaulettes, a tricornered hat, spurs, and flowing coattails. The rectangular banner features delicate pierced work including a central heart motif and scrolled tail end, with symmetrical volutes conforming to the graduated scrolling aft of the arrow pointer on the fore end. Surmounting all is a dramatic barley-sugar twist finial rising from four opposing C-scrolls. The banner vane surmounts directional compass/points mounted on scrolled arms that convey a wonderful sense of energy and motion.
Installation Option: This dynamic silhouette will display beautifully as wall-mounted sculpture or cantilevered from a wall or raised on a display plinth. We [AAAWT] enjoy longstanding relationships with professional fabricators who can facilitate any type of custom display fixtures. We will be pleased to manage the project.
Item Date: Circa 1790
Measurement: Width: 52.5"; height: directionals to tip of finial: 35.5"; overall height measured at roof-mount bracket to tip of finial: 65" (We can remove the vane from directionals greatly reducing space needed for display.)
Item Condition: Considering the effects of the elements [outdoors] such as oxidation – fortunately, the vane is well-preserved and is presented in-as-found condition [a high state of originality]. Small 19th century nuts and bolts secure the cardinal points [compass letters] suggesting that the chisel cut N -S -E, and W were replaced during the nineteenth century or perhaps the original fasteners, likely rivets, rusted-out and were refreshed during the vanes early working life. Also, the outside semicircle edge of one end scroll was long-ago replaced with the other being reinforced by laminating a piece of sheet iron over the scroll. Else fine and original.
Price: $32,500
SKU 1310-191
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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