Running Horse Weathervane

SOLD

J. Howard and Company
West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, ca. 1855-1860
Full-body copper, sheet copper, cast zinc
Condition: Over-all in excellent condition. Having an old weathered surface showing traces of original gilt and sizing, early repair to tail joint.
Provenance: Collection of Dorothy Kaufman.
Literature: “The Art of the Weathervane” by Steve Miller (Schiffer Publishing Ltd., Exton, Pennsylvania, 1984) p. 126, illustrated.
This running horse weathervane is a rare example of work from J. Howard & Co. One of the earliest factory weathervane makers during the mid 19th century. The Howard factory was a small endeavor which was owned and operated Charles Howard (1817-1907) and J. Howard (Jonathan 1806-1889) and for a brief period his son, John Williams Howard (1836-1865). J. Howard & Co. weathervanes were almost exclusively cast using zinc for the front end of the piece, hallowed copper, and sheet copper. In 1868 the company was purchased by H.L. Washburn & Company. Howard vanes are regarded as some of the most beautiful of the factory-made weathervanes of the 19th century.
This piece is notable for its great form and exceptional surface.