Antique 19th Century Running Horse Weathervane – 34” Sheet Iron, Hand-Hammered, Riveted, Folk Art, Ca. 1880–1910

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Moments like this don’t come twice. A running horse vane with this age, this soul, this authenticity doesn’t wait around—it … Read more Moments like this don’t come twice. A running horse vane with this age, this soul, this authenticity doesn’t wait around—it belongs in the kind of collection where museum-level pieces speak louder than words.

This remarkable running horse weathervane, American, ca. 1880–1910, measures an impressive 34″ long × 17″ high and represents one of the earliest and most evocative forms of American folk art. Hand-cut from sheet iron, its sculptural form was forged with hammered contours and joined by hand-riveted seams—techniques typical of rural blacksmith shops before repoussé copper models by Cushing, Fiske, and J.L. Mott became the national standard.

The dynamic silhouette—with its extended forelegs, swept-back tail, and spiked mane—captures the vitality of the American trotting horse at full gallop, a symbol of speed, progress, and rural pride in the late 19th century. Articulated joints at the tail and legs reflect both craftsmanship and early wind-responsive design, while the original mounting rod remains intact—a rare survival feature.

The surface exhibits a superb, untouched patina: a deep, warm oxidation acquired over more than a century of exposure, with traces of original black japanning. Crucially, it has never been repainted or restored, preserving the authenticity and historical integrity so prized by collectors and museums. Early sheet-iron vanes were inherently fragile, often lost to weather, fire, or scrap drives, making this example an extraordinary survivor of its type.

Highlights
Large-scale sheet-iron running horse vane, approx. 34” L × 17” H
Hand-hammered contours, riveted seams, articulated tail and legs
Pre-catalog, blacksmith-made example predating mass production
Superb untouched surface patina with century-old oxidation
Original mounting rod intact; no repaint or intrusive restoration
Classic running horse motif—an enduring symbol of Americana
Rare survival of a vulnerable 19th-century medium

Condition: Structurally complete; stable surface oxidation; no repaint, repairs, or intrusive restoration. Minor weathering consistent with age and authentic outdoor use.

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