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  EARLY WEATHERVANE, IN THE FORM OF A CLIPPER SHIP, WITH EXCEPTIONAL, UNTOUCHED SURFACE, FOUND IN MICHIGAN, circa 1850
Dimensions (inches): 16.5" t x 28" w x 5/8" d
Description:
This terrific and especially early ship weathervane, made of a combination of sheet and solid copper, is craftsman-made and very likely one-of-a-kind. The design is that of a clipper ship, presented in hollow-bodied style, that while only slightly three dimensional, lends a keenly attractive form to the sails and hull. The latter is significantly weighted with tin and lead on the interior, in a way that commercially-made, hollow-bodied weathervanes were most certainly not.

Small in scale and well-proportioned, the long and narrow format is sleek and pleasant to the eye. Perhaps the most visual element, however, as well and the most important, is the exceptional surface in heavily weathered, opaque, turquois green verdigris.

Made circa 1850, at the height of the popularity of clipper ships--built to transport light weight, perishable goods at high speed--this uncommon form of American weathervane. Found in Michigan and possibly made there, the weight is substantial, at approximately 10 pounds. The strong winds coming off the Great Lakes may certainly have required this sort of heft as a counterbalance. Whatever the case may be, this beautiful and unusual form, with surface as good as it gets, would be an excellent addition to any collection.

Condition: There are three obvious bullet hole repairs, two in the sails and one in the hull. Continual movement on a metal shaft obviously led to it becoming loose at the point where it inserted into hull. This was repaired at some point by the addition of molten lead. The lead weld along the top of the hull has cracked and experienced some loss. Very sturdy and overall excellent, for this early period.
   
Primary Color: turquois green
Earliest Date: 1845
Latest Date: 1865
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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