Antiques -> Architectural and Garden -> Weather Vanes, Lightning Rods
One of the most interesting collectibles you can run across is a weather vane. These used to adorn the roofs of houses and every one in awhile you’ll still see one up there. They range from simple roosters to ornate structures that can weigh several pounds. If you have been thinking about collecting weather vanes, there are a few things to think about before you get started.
1. Is the weather vane still operational?
If you plan to actually use your weather vane, it’s always nice to make sure that it will actually work. It will need to be able to spin around freely once it is installed and it’s also important to make sure that it has all of the connecting parts that you will need to be able to install the piece on your roof. A weather vane must also be balanced properly so that you can tell which direction the wind is blowing. Otherwise, it’s a nice decorative collectible, but it’s not really serving any purpose.
2. When was it made?
This is a consideration that is important for those that have older homes and are trying to stay within that certain time period. Adding a weather vane to an older home is a great way to complete the look, but it’s a good idea to take the time and do the research to make sure that you are getting an authentic piece. Older weather vanes will usually be quite heavy and will have a unique balance system that allows them to take the brute force of a strong wind without being taken down.
3. What material is it made of?
Older weather vanes that are more collectible are usually made out of wrought iron. This allows them the ability to withstand most of the elements. Even if one is brightly painted, it should still be wrought iron underneath. This does add weight to the piece, but it also ensures years of durability. This is the main reason that it is so easy to find collectible weather vanes – they were made to last for many, many years.
4. Does it have the original propeller?
If the weather vane was intended not only to gauge the direction of the wind, but also the intensity of the wind, it will have a propeller. Ideally, you should look for one that already has the device, preferably an original one. If you do find an older weather vane that is missing its propeller, you may be able to get it restored. However, try to find someone that is knowledgeable in the repair of old weather vanes and make sure that they use the right material so that you’re adding value to the piece instead of taking away from it.
Collecting weather vanes is a fun past time and once you really start looking for them, you can see just how many different varieties that there are. Look for one for your roof, or start a table top collection – either way, they provide much enjoyment.
Photo Credits: Loren Javier
Originally posted 2008-08-30 05:00:09. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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