Early Prancing Horse Weathervane

Rare Early Prancing Horse Weathervane

Attributed to William Tuckerman (1816-1871)
Boston, Massachusetts, ca. 1850
Full body molded copper, sheet copper, iron rivets.
Full condition report available upon request.
This rare and important weathervane is one of the earliest manufactured forms known and can most likely be attributed to William F. Tuckerman (1816-1871).

Massachusetts is considered the birthplace of American weathervane manufacturing and Tuckerman, a Boston coppersmith, was one of the first commercial makers, operating in the early 1840s. As a successful Boston businessman, Tuckerman employed nearly two to three times more men at his manufacturing plant than his competitors, however he receives little credit for his work today. Known for regularly utilizing “pierced eyes” in his manufactured designs, it is still hard to assume all examples featuring this distinctive element were made by Tuckerman. He influenced other Boston makers whom we assume incorporated many of his techniques and styles in their own work.

At least four horse weathervanes (perhaps dating from the 1840s) stamped “Tuckerman Boston” are known to exist. They have distinctive drilled eyes, unlike Jewell vanes, which have molded eyes.

22 ½” h., 29 ½” w., 3” d. / 24” h. on stand

Price: $75,000