Doe and Hope

Description

The antique cut metal sheet iron weather vane finial having two cut out independently revealing running horses standing on the original riveted iron mountable and adjustable stand.

The condition of the weather vane is sound, there is a full spread of patination and discolouration oxidation commensurate with its use outside against the elements. Structurally the piece is in good rotating condition and would work just fine if one wanted to use it as intended.

Weathervanes are one of the oldest forms of weather prediction and are mentioned in the ancient writings of Mesopotamia, from over 3500 years ago. The Chinese also talk about strings or flags being used to read wind direction in writings dated to the 2nd Century B.C. The word 'vane' comes from the Old English word fana meaning 'flag' so this weather vane is just that, a billowing weather flag, as it were.

They were popular among rural populations due to the fact that many farmers were isolated from the local towns and couldn’t rely on the communal weathervanes located on the church roof or Town Hall. As their popularity spread, home-owners began to create unusual and whimsical designs such as this one. The "Golden Age" of weathervanes is generally thought to be the latter half of the 19th century, as the country grew and expanded westward, unusual weathervanes began to pop up on the houses, flagpoles and buildings. Pieces of folk art themselves are ephemeral, simple, and often crude, though they are always enchanting.

Here, equestrian fans with a penchant for weather predication and an eye for the decorative speak now or forever hold your peace.