Shopping for the Right Weathervane

From the days of the ancients, wind vanes, weathervanes and pennants have been used to tell which way the wind blows. When shopping for a weathervane to adorn your home, barn or landscaping display, there are some things to look for. Getting a good value for the money is what most folks look for when shopping. Today there are weathervanes that reflect a wide spectrum of themes, including animal, sports, mythology, agriculture and the sea. When shopping for a new weathervane, there are some things to look for that will ensure you receive the best value for the money.

Most new weathervanes are typically mass produced and are made from a variety of materials. The dramatic rise in the cost of metals like copper and brass have affected the production of weathervanes and other product made from these metals. There was a time when solid copper weathervanes were quite common. These beautiful specimens are now highly prized by collectors and can fetch prices ranging into the tens of thousands of dollars.

For those of us who need something a little less expensive, there are some attractive and durable alternatives. Some modern weathervanes are plated with a thin layer of copper. When exposed to the elements, the copper cladding will age in much the same way that solid copper weathervane ages. As it ages, copper will develop a beautiful green patina. Considered tarnish by some people, the patina adds a dimension of color and depth the weathervane. The patina gives the appearance of age and distinction.

Brass is also common plating for weathervanes. Unlike copper, brass tends to look more tarnished as it ages. Some weathervanes use a combination of brass plating and copper giving a very unique appearance as the wind vane ages.

Buyer Beware

When it comes to shopping for any type of antique or collectible the advice is always buyer beware. The same advice holds true when shopping for collectible and antique weathervanes. The antique market is filled with reproductions of all kinds and weathervanes are no exception. For example, it is very rare to find a weathervane made during the eighteen hundreds with a makers mark. Should you be lucky enough to find a weathervane marked by a famous maker such as Cushing and White, be sure to have the authenticity verified before plunking your money down.

Claims by a seller that a particular weathervane is indeed an antique should be checked out. Since a copper plated weathervane will age in much the same way as a solid copper piece, it maybe difficult to spot the difference. Even the weight of the piece may feel right. Before spending your money, it is advisable to have the piece independently examined and appraised. This is especially true now, since the price of brass and copper has risen dramatically over the last several years. The high value of brass and copper increases the temptation for some unscrupulous dealers to present reproductions as the genuine article.

If you do find a genuine antique weathervane, cleaning it may greatly diminish its value. So leave the tarnish and the green patina alone. If repairs are needed, the task should be left to a professional.

Something for Everyone

Most of us searching for the right weathervane will not be in the market for a costly antique. A well made reproduction can still add the beauty and adornment we are looking for. There is a wide variety of themes and characters to found when looking for just the right weathervane. From forest animals to sea creatures, sail boats to mermaids, there is a weathervane that will enhance any home decor.

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