19th Century Patchen Horse Weathervane, Attributed to W. A. Snow Iron Works, Boston, Ca. 1880s

Details

Description

Some pieces feel alive the moment you see them—this is one of them. With a stride frozen in time and … Read more Some pieces feel alive the moment you see them—this is one of them. With a stride frozen in time and a patina forged by generations of wind and weather, it carries the spirit of 19th-century America in a way few survivors ever could. Rare, commanding, and utterly unforgettable—this is the piece collectors wait years to find.

This monumental horse weathervane, attributed to W.A. Snow Iron Works of Boston (not Fiske which is often incorrectly attributed), corresponds directly to the firm’s “Patchen” design (Plate 643G), ca. 1880s. This horse captures the bold stride and vitality of the famed trotting stallion George M. Patchen (1851–1870).

Constructed in copper with a cast zinc head, the vane reflects Snow’s hallmarks: durability, weight, and refined detailing. Unlike the prolific output of Fiske or Cushing & White, Snow’s production was more limited, making surviving examples rarer and connoisseur-level.

The surface retains an untouched verdigris patina in layered greens and browns, developed through generations of exposure. Remarkably, it survives without restoration, with only a subtle age-related hairline opening near one leg — an authentic trace confirming originality. A one or less than inch hairline split (see image)

Highlights
32″ long, 17” high (body only), 8 pounds
Attributed to W.A. Snow Iron Works, Boston, ca. 1880s
Cataloged Patchen horse design (Plate 643G)
Copper body with cast zinc head
Untouched verdigris patina in deep green/brown tones
Rare survival from Snow’s limited production

Condition: Superb untouched surface; stable seams; minor age opening at one leg; no restoration.

Provenance: Attributed to W.A. Snow Iron Works, Boston, ca. 1880s. See less