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Folk Art Weathervanes

FOLK ART STYLE

Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.

Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.

Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.

Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.

During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.

Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.

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Style: Folk Art
Early 20th Century Folk Art English Whirligig/Weathervane Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th Century Folk Art English Whirligig/Weathervane Figure A quirky and charming example of an early 20th Century English folk art whirligig / Weathervane Figure. Stood on a r...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century American Copper Horse and Sulky Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite 1920s American copper weathervane, found in Connecticut, features a captivating depiction of a Patchen horse with a sulky and rider, emblematic of the era's folk art t...
Category

1920s American Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

20Thc Canadian Goose Copper Weather Vane on Mount
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Copper & brass flying geese weather vane.This Canadian goose weather vane is a latter version of the 19thc weather vane.
Category

1950s American Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

American Patinated Copper Full Bodied Stork Directional Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
American full bodied patinated copper stork directional weathervane. Sitting a top a contemporary iron stand. Believed to be of the 19th century.
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Steel, Tin

French 19th Century Folk Art Metal Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful metal weathervane representing a rooster or cockerel, France, 1850-1900. Weathered and small losses. Measurement here below is inclusive the wooden base.
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

19th Century American Sheet Iron Trumpeting Angel Weathervane
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Late 19th century trumpeting arch angel painted sheet iron weathervane on custom metal stand. Presents well, nice form.
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Draught Horse Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
This early 20th century American folk art draught horse weathervane is a remarkable piece crafted from sheet metal, capturing the essence of traditional American folk art. The weathe...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Cut Steel

Weathervane, Iron with Stone Foot, 17th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Large iron weathervane from the 17th Century with long flagpole and hand-hewn sandstone block as a stand.
Category

17th Century German Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Sandstone, Iron

Vintage Sulky and Rider Folk Art Weather Vane, 1940s
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Vintage Sulky and Rider Folk Art Weather Vane Additional information: Materials: Iron Color: Black Period: 1940s Place of Origin: North America ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

St. Julien Weather Vane Attributed to J.W. Fiske 19th Century Full Bodied Metal
Located in Stamford, CT
St. Julien with Sulky Molded Copper Weather Vane, attributed to J.W. Fiske, New York, last quarter 19th century, full-bodied molded sheet copper horse and driver vane with cast iron horse's head and driver's hands, sheet copper reins and seat, copper rod wheels, mounted on a ebony base. This has the original threading as seen in the last photo below. A very similar Attrib Fiske Weathervane...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

American Copper Full Bodied Pig Directional Weathervane on Stand, circa 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
American Copper full bodied pig directional weathervane resting on squared iron stand, late 19th century.
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron, Zinc

Full Body Weathervane of American Indian Warrior
Located in Atlanta, GA
An Americana folk art copper weathervane circa early 20th century. The full-bodied piece depicts a Native American warrior in feather headdress and a wide belt shooting an arrow from...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

American Gilt Copper Full Bodied Horse Directional Weathervane, Fiske, C. 1870
Located in Hollywood, SC
American gilt copper full bodied running horse directional weathervane with two gilt circular spheres resting on squared iron stand, J.W. Fiske, late 19th century.
Category

1870s American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron, Zinc, Gold Leaf

Early 20th Century American Double Sided Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century American double sided whirligig figure A brilliant example of early 20th century American Folk Art. In the form of a hand carved wooden double sided whirligig f...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Pine

French 19th Century Folk Art Iron Rooster or Cockerel Weathervane
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful iron weathervane representing a rooster or cockerel, France, 1850-1900. The weathervane is placed on an oak pedestal of later date Weathered and small losses. Measurement...
Category

19th Century French Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

Late 19th Century Sheet Iron and Metal Trotting Horse Weathervane
Located in Incline Village, NV
Late 19th century sheet iron and metal "Trotting Horse" weathervane. It has a nice weathered color and patina and is very authentic with six "healthy" bullet holes to boot. I basi...
Category

1890s Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Sheet Metal

American Folk-Art Finial with Dove
Located in Doylestown, PA
An American folk-art tin rooftop finial with a dove on top, circa 1900 or earlier, rusted finish.
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Tin

Vintage Eagle Hunting Fish Copper Weather Vane
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous copper weather vane with an eagle hunting a fish USA, 20th century Cast copper and brass, on wrought iron stand. Measures: 24"W x 19"D x 51.5"H. Good vintage c...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Brass, Copper, Wrought Iron

Early 20th C. Copper Rooster on Iron Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Early 20th century copper rooster that was originally part of a working weathervane. The rooster was mounted on an iron base and it is a perfect accent ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

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 Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Zinc

American Folk Art Cowboy and Horse Whirligig
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Tall one of a kind cowboy and horse spinning whirligig American Folk Art piece. Most likely from a larger folk art environment. Sheet steel constructi...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron, Sheet Metal

Charming Folk Art Copper Weathervane with Dog
Located in Atlanta, GA
20th Century American Folk Art Weathervane artisan made from copper with an adorable dog perched atop the arrow. Amazing facial details and a natural aged patina bring all the charm ...
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

Massive Antique Folk Art Candle Driven Tiered Windmill Form "Carousel"
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Classic Folk Art Candle-Powered Carousel in the form of a Tiered and Steepled Gazebo. Carved and painted wood in green and off-white with gilt details, Multiple tiers with a center s...
Category

19th Century Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wood

American Copper Spread Winged Eagle Weathervane with Sphere and Arrow, C. 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
American molded copper spread winged eagle weathervane with circular sphere, arrow, and mounted on cast iron squared base. Weathervane has a fine natural verdigris patina in the orig...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

Folk Art Brigantine Weathervane by Frank Adams, Martha's Vineyard, circa 1930s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Folk Art Brigantine Weathervane by Frank Adams (1871 - 1944), West Tisbury, Martha's Vineyard, circa 1930s, a hand built weathervane of a brigantine with square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft-rigged mainmast, with wooden hull, characteristic cut sheet metal sails with folded fore-edges, and wire rigging. The weathervane is in original nicely weathered paint and condition. Frank Adams was a folk artist on the Vineyard best known for his duck decoys, but also for these weathervanes, ship models, miniature decoys...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Metal

18th Century Copper and Iron Estate Made Weather Vane
Located in Hastings, GB
An incredible large estate made weather vane on a later base. Beautifully worn and with a wonderful patina, the vane features honest later repairs in copper to the centre, dating to ...
Category

1790s English Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

Large Vintage Tribal Handwoven Ethnic Round African Basket
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large vintage Tribal handwoven bamboo ethnic round Asian basket. Beautiful artisanal handwoven basket with tribal designs and patterns all around. Large Asian rattan handcrafted de...
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wicker, Rattan, Seagrass, Bamboo

Antique Danish Weather Vane in the Form of a Cockerel
Located in Søborg, DK
A very decorative antique Danish weather vane in the form of a cockerel. Made from steel plate and dated 1922. Nice patina to the surface and mounted on to a granite set.
Category

1920s Danish Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Steel

19th Century Folky Iron Rooster Weather Vane on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fantastic folky rooster is mounted on a custom-made iron stand. This sheet iron rooster is in good condition and has a nice even mellow patina. He was found in the Midwest at a ...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

Large Vintage Tribal Handwoven Ethnic Round Asian Basket
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large Asian rattan handcrafted decorative bowl on bamboo stand. Large vintage tribal handwoven bamboo ethnic round basket. Deep bowl shape, woven with seagrass technique and decorate...
Category

Late 20th Century Asian Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Bamboo, Wicker, Rattan, Seagrass

Large Mexican Folk Art Wrought Iron Rooster Weathervane, c. 1940
Located in San Francisco, CA
A large circa 1940 Mexican Folk Art wrought iron rooster weathervane presented on a rustic reclaimed wood base. Features a sheet metal rooster perche...
Category

1940s Mexican Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wrought Iron, Sheet Metal

American Gilt Copper & Cast Iron Full Bodied Rooster Weathervane, circa 1880
Located in Hollywood, SC
American gilt copper and cast iron full bodied rooster weathervane mounted on stand, Late 19th Century
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

Danish Early 19th Century Iron Weather-Vane With Rose Finial, Dated 1821
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Danish early 19th century iron weather-vane with rose finial, dated 1821.
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

Folk Art Penguin Whirligig, circa 1930s-40s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Early Vintage Penguin Whirligig from Plymouth, Massachusetts, circa 1930s - 1940s, a hand cut and painted wooden flat silhouette of a large penguin in ...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Pine

American Gilt Copper Three Masted Ship Weathervane Mounted on Stand, circa 1890
Located in Hollywood, SC
American gilt copper three masted ship weathervane with flags mounted on stand, late 19th century. Measures: 8" square at base.
Category

1890s American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

Fantastic Diminutive 19thc Rare Eagle Full Body Weather Vane on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing small-scale rare 19th century eagle weather vane sits on top of the unusual arrow in a verdigris copper patina. The nose is in zinc and so is the tip of the arrow. This ...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Early 20th Century English Folk Art Whirligig Figure
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art whirligig figure We are proud to offer a true example of an early 20th century whirligig figure. Hand carved from scrat...
Category

1920s British Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Pine, Paint

Antique Running Horse Copper Weather Vane on Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19th century copper weather vane on hand-forged iron stand. From western Tennessee.
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper, Iron

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Rooster Weathervane
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming early 20th American Folk Art carved pine rooster weathervane with a wonderful silhouette with a large tail, applied wings, and copper legs all supported by an iron rod wit...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Pine

Early 20th Century Folk Art French Weather-Vane Plane
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Folk Art French weather-vane plane. For sale in this lot is an early 20th century handmade Folk Art French weather-vane plane. Th...
Category

1940s British Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wood

Monumental 19th Century Fisherman Atop Fish Double Whirligig Weather Vane
Located in Nantucket, MA
Monumental 19th century fisherman atop fish double whirligig weather vane, from Harpswell, Maine, circa 1890, an exceptionally large rustic weather vane from a fisherman's shanty, with whirligig arms on figure and at tip of fish's snout. Great little details include the individual fingers on the tips of the arms. Very worn weathered traces of the original paint. Descended within the family from the Great Grandfather maker. Truly an exceptional piece of New England folk art...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Pine

20th Century Patinaed Copper Airplane Weather Vane, Rare
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This fine folk art patinaed copper weather vane is on a wood base stand or mount and is a one of a kind handmade vane. The condition is very good.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

“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 Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Early 20th Century Americana Uncle Sam Lumberjack Whirligig
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Charming whirligig depicting a figure resembling Uncle Sam sawing a log mounted to a wooden base. Hand carved, painted, and assembled with applied facial details. When manually turne...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Hand-Carved Wood Witch Weathervane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Hand-carved Folk Art witch weathervane found in the northeast. Very nicely carved thick Folk Art weathervane with layers of heavy original paint surf...
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wood

19th Century American Folk Art Iron Horse Weathervane
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Ex. Jane Cipley collection. Fantastic sheet and strap iron horse weathervane. Originally found in the midwest. Old make-do repair to tail. Great...
Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

American Folk Art Wood and Iron Farm Bureau Weathervane Advertising Sign
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Great looking cartoon Midwestern Americana weathervane. Farm Bureau Insurance started in 1921. This great piece most likely was a premium or advertising piece. Hand painted wood with...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

Wooden Folk Art Plane, circa 1930s
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Large, handcrafted wooden Folk Art plane with articulated pilot and original paint surface. Great hand carved folk art pilot.
Category

1930s American Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Sheet Metal

Whirligig Depicts Woman Churning Butter, American, circa 1940
Located in Incline Village, NV
Ubiquitous 20th century theme for whirligigs, this example depicts a woman churning butter, with the action being driven by wind powered four blade propellers in the front. As the wi...
Category

1940s American Vintage Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Cast Iron Duck Form Lawn Sprinkler
Located in Ferndale, MI
Cast iron duck water or lawn sprinkler. Original worn paint.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

Fantastic Diminutive 19thc Rare Eagle Full Body Weather Vane on Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This amazing small-scale rare 19th century eagle weather vane sits on top of the unusual arrow in a verdigris copper patina. The nose is in zinc and so is the tip of the arrow. This ...
Category

1880s American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Swedish Iron Weather-Vane with Dragon with Date 1704
Located in New York, NY
Swedish metal (iron) weather-vane of a dragon's head on sword shaped stem. The date "1704" is impressed on the dragon's head which most likely refers the age of the house o...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

English Banner Weathervane
Located in Greenwich, CT
Striking English copper weathervane having exceptional weathered surface in the form of a flying banner with spear finial, fleur-de-lis pointer and pierced decorated body. Great form...
Category

1860s Great Britain (UK) Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

19th Century Cornish Copper Folk Art Steam Train, Locomotive Weathervane
Located in Chillerton, 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...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Swordfish Weathervane, 20th Century
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large-scale wooden weathervane from Chappaquiddick Massachusetts. Some old paint remaining. Almost eight feet long!
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Wood

Folk Art Windmill Sculpture
Located in Buchanan, MI
Category

20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron, Tin

19th Century Iron Indian Weathervane with Stand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic and rare original painted surface iron Indian weather vane, worn painted surface. Great original Directional's in iron and attached. This Indian weather vane was found in t...
Category

19th Century American Antique Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Iron

Antique Schooner Weathervane
Located in Doylestown, PA
An early 20th century folk art weathervane in the form of a 3-masted schooner under sail, hand-made in copper with compass letters below on an iron rod. Unusual form and very decorat...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Weathervanes

Materials

Copper

Folk Art weathervanes for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique folk art weathervanes for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Late 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage weathervanes created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include folk art, decorative objects, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Folk Art weathervanes made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for weathervanes differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $360 and tops out at $32,500 while the average work can sell for $2,250.

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