Description

SCARCE SMALL FORMAL PRANCING HORSE WEATHERVANE

A.L. JEWELL & COMPANY ( ACTIVE 1852-1867 ) Waltham, Mass. – Circa 1860-1867
The Art of the Weathervane, Steve Miller – pg. 24
American Weathervanes – The Art of the Wind Robert Shaw – pg. 137
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

The full body prancing horse vane has a pronounced profile. The horse’s arched tail is a combination of molded and pressed copper with feathered edges. Its hollow molded copper body and attached cast-zinc head falls into a category that is less than three dimensional but more full-bodied. The elegant simplicity of this example is characteristic of the works of Alvin L. Jewell, one of Americans most important 19th Century weathervane designers. Jewell’s innovative manufacturing and pioneer advertising methods helped to change the growing American Weathervane Industry. A photo of the Prancing Horse was on Jewell’s advertising trade card (1 of 8 chosen from their 80 models).

This Fine Quality Vane has old lead repaired bullet holes along with its natural historic surface which exhibits a range of original mustard sizing, gilding and oxidized verdigris patina all consistent with age and use.
This scarce diminutive size made it suitable for carriage houses or other moderate structures. A visually compelling vane that connoisseurs of early weathervanes hope to find.

A-F 3673

SOLD

★  INQUIRE ABOUT THIS ITEM   check our   INSTALLMENT SALES PROGRAM ★

If you would prefer to speak with Jody or Jim Lowery in person, call / text 315-638-1329