American Folk Art Painted Metal Horse & Sulky Weathervane

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Striking early 20th-century American Folk Art weathervane sculpture depicting a trotting horse pulling a racing sulky with jockey. Mounted on … Read more Striking early 20th-century American Folk Art weathervane sculpture depicting a trotting horse pulling a racing sulky with jockey. Mounted on a modern black iron display base for tabletop or console display.

The horse is cut from zinc sheet metal and hand-painted in classic "dapple gray" - mottled gray with white spotting - the signature color of Standardbred trotters. The harness details are picked out in gold and red with painted bridle, girth straps, and buckles. The sculptor captured incredible movement: the horse is mid-trot with front legs extended, conveying the full energy of a harness race.

The sulky features large spoked wheels in wire with gilt radiating spokes and the jockey wears period racing silks in teal/green tones with helmet. The entire piece retains its original paint with age-appropriate wear, crazing, and losses that confirm authenticity. Currently mounted on 2 iron rods with rectangular black iron base - the base is a later addition for display purposes, but the sculpture itself is original.

These types of weathervanes were made for farms and racetracks across the American Midwest and Northeast from 1910-1940. Today they’re highly collectible for equestrian enthusiasts, lodge interiors, rustic decor, and Americana collectors. Works beautifully over a fireplace mantel, on a library shelf, or as a statement on an entry console. See less