19th Century Sheet-Iron Rooster Weathervane, Rare American Folk Art, Ca. 1830-1860

Details

Description

Forged nearly two centuries ago, this rooster carries the rare energy of a piece that simply should not exist today. … Read more Forged nearly two centuries ago, this rooster carries the rare energy of a piece that simply should not exist today. Its hand-hammered form and weathered patina radiate the kind of authenticity that only time, wind, and survival against all odds can create.

This rare and early rooster weathervane, crafted in New England circa 1830–1860, measures 23″ high × 19″ wide and represents a transitional phase in American weathervane history. Cut from sheet iron and joined with hammered contours and riveted seams, it bridges the evolution from flat silhouette vanes to the repoussé copper models that later dominated the 19th-century market.

Whereas flat silhouettes offered only two-dimensional profiles and repoussé copper vanes emerged from standardized molds after the 1860s, this blacksmith-made hybrid delivers hand-hammered dimensionality while remaining a one-of-a-kind vernacular work, predating catalog-era production. Surviving examples of this in-between construction are exceptionally rare, as sheet iron was highly vulnerable to weather, fire, and replacement by more durable copper forms.

Highlights
Large-Scale Iron Rooster Vane: 23″ high × 19″ wide
New England, ca. 1830–1860
Transitional Form: Bridges flat silhouettes & repoussé copper models
Hand-Hammered Contours & Riveted Seams: One-of-a-kind blacksmith craftsmanship
Untouched Surface: Rich, earthy brown tones with textured oxidation from decades of exposure
Classic Rooster Motif: Enduring symbol of Americana and folk art
Remarkable Survival: Rare intact example of a fragile early medium

Condition
Structurally complete with natural oxidation and weathering; no repaint or intrusive restoration. Slight corrosion at the tube base remains purely cosmetic, with no compromise to integrity.

Provenance
New England, ca. 1830–1860. Early blacksmith-made example predating catalog-era weathervane production. See less