Weathervane Value & Price Guide

Weathervanes are iconic symbols of American folk art, blending functional meteorology with exquisite craftsmanship. Collectors prize these pieces for their historical significance and their ability to transform a simple rooftop instrument into a stunning sculptural centerpiece.

Price Range: $450 - $550 based on recent sales

History of Weathervane

The history of weathervanes in America dates back to the colonial era, with Shem Drowne creating the first recorded vane in 1716. Originally used by farmers and sailors to predict weather patterns, these instruments evolved from simple wooden arrows into elaborate copper and brass figures during the late 19th century. Companies like J.W. Fiske and L.W. Cushing became famous for their intricate molds, producing the iconic running horses, eagles, and roosters that define the golden age of American weathervane manufacturing between 1880 and 1920.

Value Factors for Weathervane

The typical price range for Weathervane is $450 - $550 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Rarity of the silhouette, with unique custom commissions or complex forms like sulkies and herons commanding higher prices than standard roosters.
• The presence of original gold leaf or a well-preserved natural patina that indicates the piece has not been harshly cleaned or restored.
• Attribution to a renowned 19th-century maker, which can exponentially increase the value compared to anonymous folk art pieces.
• Structural integrity and the absence of significant modern soldering or replacement parts that compromise the original design.

Tips for Buying Weathervane

• Examine the surface for an authentic 'verdigris' patina, which is the natural green film formed on copper over decades of exposure.
• Verify the construction method, as hand-hammered copper vanes from the 19th century are significantly more valuable than modern cast-aluminum reproductions.
• Look for signs of original bullet holes or repairs, which are common in authentic antique vanes and can sometimes add to the piece's historical character.
• Check the mounting hardware and directionals to ensure they are original to the figure, as mismatched sets can decrease the overall market value.

Items in This Collection

• Heron Weathervane Value & Price Guide
• Rooster Weathervane
• Copper Horse Weathervane
• Copper Eagle Weathervane
• Running Horse Weathervane
• Horse and Sulky Weathervane
• Brass Eagle Weathervane
• Copper Fish Weathervane
• Bird Weathervane
• Whitehall Products Rooster Weathervane
• Native American Weathervane