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Antique Copper Weathervanes

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19th century English Folk Art copper weathervane
19th century English Folk Art copper weathervane

19th century English Folk Art copper weathervane

Located in London, GB

19th century English Folk Art copper weathervane A wonderfully pure example of a late 19th century English Folk Art handcrafted copper weathervane.

Category

1870s British Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Early 20th Century Hand-Crafted Copper Weathervane
Early 20th Century Hand-Crafted Copper Weathervane

Early 20th Century Hand-Crafted Copper Weathervane

Located in London, GB

Early 20th Century Hand-Crafted Copper Weathervane This fine example is stamped at the base L.S Corp Limited who are one of the world’s largest companies in copper and smelter p...

Category

1920s American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Rare Antique Copper Weathervane With Eagle C. 1885
Rare Antique Copper Weathervane With Eagle C. 1885

Rare Antique Copper Weathervane With Eagle C. 1885

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A stunning and well sized antique molded copper sheet weathervane featuring an eagle with wings proudly spread, head cocked and perched atop a sphere finial with a large pointed quil...

Category

19th Century Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

Copper Weathervane, England circa 1890
Copper Weathervane, England circa 1890

Copper Weathervane, England circa 1890

Located in Culver City, CA

England, 1890 On round steel base. 50”L x 6”d x 33.25”h Ref. GARD815 $ 3,000

Category

1890s English Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Steel

Impressive Rooster Weathervane
Impressive Rooster Weathervane

Impressive Rooster Weathervane

Located in Greenwich, CT

Early 19th century full-bodied overscale copper weathervane of a rooster on a sphere in having wonderful form and personality, and showing superb color and verdigris patination.

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Late 19th-century “Goddess of Liberty” Copper Weathervane on Stand
Late 19th-century “Goddess of Liberty” Copper Weathervane on Stand

Late 19th-century “Goddess of Liberty” Copper Weathervane on Stand

Located in San Francisco, CA

On offer is a late 19th-century American folk art "Goddess of Liberty" molded copper weathervane mounted on a gallery presentation stand.

Category

Late 19th Century American American Classical Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th c Running Horse Weathervane A.L. Jewell Waltham MA
19th c Running Horse Weathervane A.L. Jewell Waltham MA

19th c Running Horse Weathervane A.L. Jewell Waltham MA

By A.L. Jewell

Located in Woodbury, CT

Exceptional molded copper weathervane depicting a full-bodied running horse, attributed to A.L.

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron, Zinc

19th Century, Rooster Weathervane, American
19th Century, Rooster Weathervane, American

19th Century, Rooster Weathervane, American

By J.W. Fiske & Company

Located in Incline Village, NV

Late 19th century, classic form molded rooster copper weathervane with sheet brass tail and zinc legs, which are supported by the original 13 1/2" copper bar.

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Brass, Copper

“Ethan Allen” Running Horse Weathervane by Harris & Co. Boston, Ma.
“Ethan Allen” Running Horse Weathervane by Harris & Co. Boston, Ma.

“Ethan Allen” Running Horse Weathervane by Harris & Co. Boston, Ma.

By Harris & Co.

Located in Incline Village, NV

This "Ethan Allen" running horse weathervane was one of the more popular ones manufactured by the prolific copper weathervane makers of the late 19th century, "Harris & Co." of Bosto...

Category

1880s American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Copper Running Horse Weathervane, New England
Copper Running Horse Weathervane, New England

Copper Running Horse Weathervane, New England

Located in Southampton, NY

Copper Running Horse Weathervane, New England Nice looking running horse weathervane with verdigris patinated copper finish.

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Early 19th Century Primitive Copper Cockerel Weathervane
Early 19th Century Primitive Copper Cockerel Weathervane

Early 19th Century Primitive Copper Cockerel Weathervane

Located in Pease pottage, West Sussex

Early 19th Century Weathervane of a Cockerel. Exuberant, Arched "sail" or tail, proud comb. Several historical repairs, along with some shot holes. Good colour. Mounted to a later s...

Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Early 20th Century American Copper Trout Weathervane
Early 20th Century American Copper Trout Weathervane

Early 20th Century American Copper Trout Weathervane

Located in Chicago, IL

This early 20th century copper trout weathervane carries that tradition beautifully.

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century, French Folk Art Copper Rooster, Weathervane
19th Century, French Folk Art Copper Rooster, Weathervane

19th Century, French Folk Art Copper Rooster, Weathervane

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful and rare antique folk art copper rooster with an wonderful vert de gris patine. A real unique find. France, circa 1800-1900. More photo's available on request Weathered and...

Category

19th Century French French Provincial Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Antique American Folk Art Copper Horse And Buggy Weathervane
Antique American Folk Art Copper Horse And Buggy Weathervane

Antique American Folk Art Copper Horse And Buggy Weathervane

Located in Bridgeport, CT

A fine American Folk Art Weathervane with excellent Primitive profile and in original condition. A large scale weathervane with a horse drawn buggy with a gentleman driver mounted on...

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Antique Arts & Crafts Moby Dick "Whale" Copper Metal 37" Weathervane
Antique Arts & Crafts Moby Dick "Whale" Copper Metal 37" Weathervane

Antique Arts & Crafts Moby Dick "Whale" Copper Metal 37" Weathervane

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Arts & Crafts Moby Dick "Whale" Copper Metal 37" Weathervane. Circa Early 20th Century.

Category

Early 20th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century Antique Rooster Weathervane Fragment, Copper on Iron Base
19th Century Antique Rooster Weathervane Fragment, Copper on Iron Base

19th Century Antique Rooster Weathervane Fragment, Copper on Iron Base

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A sculptural antique rooster weathervane fragment crafted in hand-cut copper, now mounted on a custom iron base for display.

Category

19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

19th Century American Copper Bull Weathervane, Hand-Crafted Folk Art
19th Century American Copper Bull Weathervane, Hand-Crafted Folk Art

19th Century American Copper Bull Weathervane, Hand-Crafted Folk Art

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautifully weathered 19th century American copper bull weathervane, now presented on a newly fabricated black metal display base.

Category

19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

A Large American Copper & Brass Sulky Driver Weathervane 19th Century
A Large American Copper & Brass Sulky Driver Weathervane 19th Century

A Large American Copper & Brass Sulky Driver Weathervane 19th Century

Located in Norton, MA

A Large American Copper & Brass Sulky Driver Weathervane 19th/Early 20th Century on the Metal Stand There are 3 parts assembled together for this whole piece, the brass & copper hor...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Bronze, Metal, Brass, Copper

19th Century Cornish Copper Folk Art Steam Train, Locomotive Weathervane
19th Century Cornish Copper Folk Art Steam Train, Locomotive Weathervane

19th Century Cornish Copper Folk Art Steam Train, Locomotive Weathervane

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

19th century Cornish copper Folk Art steam train, locomotive weathervane The model steam train at the top of this Weathervane is hand made in Cornish copper, the Locomotive is quite...

Category

Late 19th Century Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Antique Gilt Copper Flying Eagle Weathervane, 19th Century
Antique Gilt Copper Flying Eagle Weathervane, 19th Century

Antique Gilt Copper Flying Eagle Weathervane, 19th Century

Located in Norton, MA

A 19th-century American full-bodied gilt copper fluing eagle weathervane. An eagle perched on a ball and an arrow on a heavy-duty metal stand.

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Bronze, Zinc

American Painted Copper Cow Weathervane by Cushing & White
American Painted Copper Cow Weathervane by Cushing & White

American Painted Copper Cow Weathervane by Cushing & White

By Cushing and White

Located in Southampton, NY

American Painted Copper Cow Weathervane by Cushing & White. A off-white painted, full bodied, copper dairy cow on a wood stand.

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Metal

American Diminutive Gilt Copper Eagle Weathervane on Iron Stand, Circa 1810
American Diminutive Gilt Copper Eagle Weathervane on Iron Stand, Circa 1810

American Diminutive Gilt Copper Eagle Weathervane on Iron Stand, Circa 1810

Located in Charleston, SC

American diminutive gilt copper spread eagle weathervane mounted on squared iron stand, Early 19th century.

Category

1810s American American Colonial Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

American Copper Full Bodied Pig Directional Weathervane on Stand, circa 1880
American Copper Full Bodied Pig Directional Weathervane on Stand, circa 1880

American Copper Full Bodied Pig Directional Weathervane on Stand, circa 1880

Located in Charleston, SC

American Copper full bodied pig directional weathervane resting on squared iron stand, late 19th century.

Category

1880s American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron, Zinc

Antique Fish Weathervane
Antique Fish Weathervane

Antique Fish Weathervane

Located in Sandwich, MA

Antique American copper fish weathervane circa 1875. Purchased from a private Nantucket collection in the 1980s.

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Gold Leaf

American Gilt Copper & Cast Iron Full Bodied Rooster Weathervane, circa 1880
American Gilt Copper & Cast Iron Full Bodied Rooster Weathervane, circa 1880

American Gilt Copper & Cast Iron Full Bodied Rooster Weathervane, circa 1880

Located in Charleston, SC

American gilt copper and cast iron full bodied rooster weathervane mounted on stand, Late 19th Century

Category

1880s American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

19th c. American Folk Art Swell Body Gilt Copper and Zinc Rooster Weathervane
19th c. American Folk Art Swell Body Gilt Copper and Zinc Rooster Weathervane

19th c. American Folk Art Swell Body Gilt Copper and Zinc Rooster Weathervane

Located in Litchfield, CT

Antique 19th century American swell body gilt copper and zinc rooster weathervane. Molded detail showing feathers with the addition of sheet copper wattle and comb.

Category

19th Century American Victorian Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

American Gilt Copper Full Bodied Horse Directional Weathervane, Fiske, C. 1870
American Gilt Copper Full Bodied Horse Directional Weathervane, Fiske, C. 1870

American Gilt Copper Full Bodied Horse Directional Weathervane, Fiske, C. 1870

By J.W. Fiske & Company

Located in Charleston, SC

American gilt copper full bodied running horse directional weathervane with two gilt circular spheres resting on squared iron stand, J.W.

Category

1870s American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron, Zinc, Gold Leaf

American Copper Spread Winged Eagle Weathervane with Sphere and Arrow, C. 1880
American Copper Spread Winged Eagle Weathervane with Sphere and Arrow, C. 1880

American Copper Spread Winged Eagle Weathervane with Sphere and Arrow, C. 1880

Located in Charleston, SC

American molded copper spread winged eagle weathervane with circular sphere, arrow, and mounted on cast iron squared base.

Category

1880s American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

19th Century French Rooster Weathervane
19th Century French Rooster Weathervane

19th Century French Rooster Weathervane

Located in Greenwich, CT

Fine French full bodied gilt copper rooster weathervane, with expressive face, fully formed tail and fantastic verdigris surface, on contemporary cast iron base

Category

19th Century French Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

French Late 19th Century Weathervane
French Late 19th Century Weathervane

French Late 19th Century Weathervane

Located in Round Top, TX

A sensational later 19th century girouette - weathervane of a Galleon found in the South of France.

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Stone, Copper

19th Century Weathervane Horse and Gentleman
19th Century Weathervane Horse and Gentleman

19th Century Weathervane Horse and Gentleman

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A very nice late 19 TH Century weathervane, the patina is so much nicer in person, it is made with a very old stand ALL SALES ARE FINAL, STORE CREDIT OR EXCHANGE ONLY

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Large Antique Early American Banner Weathervane
Large Antique Early American Banner Weathervane

Large Antique Early American Banner Weathervane

Located in Forney, TX

A large and remarkable 4' long early PA American scrollwork bannerette weathervane / wind directional. Pennsylvania, first half of the 19th century, cut sheet metal, copper tubing,...

Category

19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Metal, Copper, Zinc

Running Horse Weathervane on Display Stand
Running Horse Weathervane on Display Stand

Running Horse Weathervane on Display Stand

By L. W. Cushing & Sons

Located in Atlanta, GA

A weathervane in the form of a running horse, that was likely modeled after "Dexter" circa late 19th century on a custom display stand. The full body molded horse has a gilt surface ...

Category

Late 19th Century American American Classical Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century Eagle Weathervane, Attributed to Cushing & White
19th Century Eagle Weathervane, Attributed to Cushing & White

19th Century Eagle Weathervane, Attributed to Cushing & White

By Cushing and White

Located in Nantucket, MA

Full body molded copper spread wing eagle with cast zinc talons perched on a copper sphere. Great proportions with outstretched wings, showing wonderful detailing to the body and win...

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Zinc

Vintage Verdigris Copper Grasshopper Sculpture
Vintage Verdigris Copper Grasshopper Sculpture

Vintage Verdigris Copper Grasshopper Sculpture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An exceptional vintage copper grasshopper weathervane sculpture with a richly aged verdigris patina and striking sculptural form.

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

Early 20th century Copper cockerel weather vane
Early 20th century Copper cockerel weather vane

Early 20th century Copper cockerel weather vane

Located in Malton, GB

This is a beautiful, sculptural 20th century copper weather vane in the shape of a cockerel. It has been mounted on a stone base with iron rod. Great quality overall and patina as we...

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane
3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Copper, Decorations, Horses, Weathe...

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane
3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Early 20th Century 3 dimensional copper American rooster weather vane on more modern stand.

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

3 Dimensional Copper Horse Weather Vane
3 Dimensional Copper Horse Weather Vane

3 Dimensional Copper Horse Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Early 20th Century large molded copper stallion weather vane with cast zinc head and cast body.

Category

1920s American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane
19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Three dimensional copper rooster weather vane on directional arrow.

Category

1890s American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane
19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

19th Century American full bodied copper rooster weather vane with gilded and red overpaint and cast zinc feet.

Category

1890s American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane
19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

19th Century American cast copper full bodied rooster weather vane attributed to Vermont.

Category

1890s American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

American Copper and Brass Sulky Driver Weather Vane
American Copper and Brass Sulky Driver Weather Vane

American Copper and Brass Sulky Driver Weather Vane

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A dynamic American copper and brass weather vane depicting a trotting horse pulling a sulky with driver. The horse is shown in full stride, with finely shaped body panels and applied...

Category

Early 20th Century North American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane
19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

19th Century 3 Dimensional Copper Rooster Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Molded sheet copper rooster weather vane. Flattened full bodied form with molded body and feather details.

Category

Mid-19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Large early American Antique Copper Bannerette Weather Vane
Large early American Antique Copper Bannerette Weather Vane

Large early American Antique Copper Bannerette Weather Vane

Located in Leesburg, VA

Large early American Antique Copper Bannerette Weather Vane Possibly J. Howard & Co.

Category

Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Hand-Crafted Antique Copper Fish Sculpture on Iron Base, USA
Hand-Crafted Antique Copper Fish Sculpture on Iron Base, USA

Hand-Crafted Antique Copper Fish Sculpture on Iron Base, USA

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking sculptural fish executed in hand-formed copper, richly patinated with layered verdigris, deep teal, and warm umber tones that have developed organically over time. The fis...

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

47" Three Dimensional 19th Century Eagle Weather Vane
47" Three Dimensional 19th Century Eagle Weather Vane

47" Three Dimensional 19th Century Eagle Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Copper, Decorations, Eagles, Weatherva...

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century 3 Dimensional Arrow Weather Vane
19th Century 3 Dimensional Arrow Weather Vane

19th Century 3 Dimensional Arrow Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Weathervanes, Weather Vanes, Roosters

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century 3 Dimensional Bass Weather Vane
19th Century 3 Dimensional Bass Weather Vane

19th Century 3 Dimensional Bass Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

19th Century Bass form copper three dimensional weather vane with later wood base.

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century 3 Dimensional Horse Weather Vane
19th Century 3 Dimensional Horse Weather Vane

19th Century 3 Dimensional Horse Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

19th Century Hambletonian style 3 dimensional horse weather vane with gild on base. 30"L x 24 1/2"H Period: 19th Century Origin: US Size: 30"L x 24 1/2"H Family Owned & Operated ...

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century 3 Dimensional Horse Weather Vane
19th Century 3 Dimensional Horse Weather Vane

19th Century 3 Dimensional Horse Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

19th Century vintage 3 dimensional weather vane with trotting horse and directional arrow. On a more modern base. 24"H x 38"L base 23 1/2" x 6" Period: 19th Century Origin: Eastern...

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century American Angus Association Cow Weather Vane
19th Century American Angus Association Cow Weather Vane

19th Century American Angus Association Cow Weather Vane

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

19th Century American Angus Association cut iron cow form weather vane with cutouts A-A-A. A few "dings" from a rifle. Used for target practice. The American Angus Association starte...

Category

19th Century American Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century Running Horse Gilt Weather Vane
19th Century Running Horse Gilt Weather Vane

19th Century Running Horse Gilt Weather Vane

Located in Port Jervis, NY

Fabulous example of a 19thc weathervane which served well and survived it's time on a country roof top. A few dings and some wear by the front leg. Head is cast zinc. Was touched up...

Category

1860s American American Craftsman Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Zinc

19th century Hollow Body Eagle Weather Vane
19th century Hollow Body Eagle Weather Vane

19th century Hollow Body Eagle Weather Vane

Located in Leesburg, VA

19th century Hollow Body Eagle Weather Vane Anonymous ca. 1870; probably New England area, USA Copper Approximate size: 11.5 (h) x 23.5 (w) x 16 (d) in. This evenly patinated holl...

Category

Late 19th Century American Folk Art Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th C Original Surface Eagle Weather Vane on Stand
19th C Original Surface Eagle Weather Vane on Stand

19th C Original Surface Eagle Weather Vane on Stand

Located in Los Angeles, CA

19th C original gilded surface full body eagle weather vane with the best undisturbed surface.The base is custom made iron stand.This eagle is attributed to Harris & Company.

Category

19th Century American Adirondack Antique Copper Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

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Antique Copper Weathervanes For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of antique copper weathervanes available for sale. Each of these unique antique copper weathervanes was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, copper and iron. Antique copper weathervanes have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Antique copper weathervanes are generally popular furniture pieces, but Folk Art, Neoclassical and Victorian styles are often sought at 1stDibs. J.W. Fiske & Company, Harris & Co. and Cushing and White each produced beautiful antique copper weathervanes that are worth considering.

How Much are Antique Copper Weathervanes?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $4,315, while they’re typically $375 on the low end and $90,000 highest priced.

Finding the Right Weathervanes for You

Whether it’s mounted on a mantel or hung flat against a wall in the living room or entryway, antique and vintage weathervanes can prove a striking decorative touch in your home.

Weathervanes are instruments that indicate wind direction. They are also referred to as wind vanes, wind gauges or weathercocks, but regardless of what we call them, most weathervanes will perform in the same way.

Weathervanes typically consist of a gravity-centered rotating horizontal arrow or other structure that is mounted on a stationary vertical axis. When the wind blows, the horizontal piece moves freely, rotating to indicate the wind’s direction as well as its speed. Andronicus, a Greek astronomer, crafted one of the earliest iterations of the weathervane in approximately 48 B.C. His bronze design featured the head and torso of a man but the tail of a fish. Later, weathervanes could be seen atop church steeples and towers throughout Europe. The oldest weathervane is Italian in origin and assumes the silhouette of a rooster. It is a copper weathervane, said to have originated between 820 and 830 A.D. and can be found in the Museo di Santa Giulia in Brescia, Italy.

Today, antique and vintage weathervanes are collectible sculptural works in any interior. They are celebrated for their place in the rich tradition of American folk art as well as their technological innovation.

Over the course of the 19th century, as the popularity of and demand for weathervanes broadened in the United States, blacksmiths, farmers and other tradesmen created weathervanes in the forms of cows, horses and other animals for barns in rural farmland. Commercial manufacturers in major cities took to producing all manner of weathervanes that were marketed in mail-order catalogs of the era.

When decorating with weathervanes, if you’ve decided against mounting your cast-iron painted horse weathervane on your mantel to complement your farmhouse-style decor, there are other options. You could repurpose your vintage weathervane as a provocative lighting fixture and hang it above your dining-room table, or dot the walls of your mudroom with weathervanes where they might double as racks for coats or other outerwear. Create a gallery-style hang as a focal point in your living room, grouping weathervanes that share a single theme or material. Because weathervanes have taken on many forms over the years, you’re likely to find a style that best fits your personality.

If positioned outdoors, a painted or varnished wood weathervane will resist harsh weather conditions, while copper weathervanes will resist erosion and usually come at an affordable price.

On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique and vintage weathervanes and other folk art today.

Questions About Antique Copper Weathervanes
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Antique copper finish refers to the natural tarnishing or ‘patina’ that a copper piece acquires over time. It also refers to the green color some vintage copper pieces take on. You’ll find a large collection of antique copper from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Unless a copper piece has a heavy green patina indicating advanced age or bears a maker’s mark identifying it, the best way to tell whether a copper piece is antique is to take it to an appraiser. Find a collection of antique, vintage and modern copper pieces on 1stDibs.