Copper Weathervanes

For artisans or craftsmen constructing a weathervane, copper is the material of choice. Because copper is a fairly soft metal and because it can easily be worked and handled, it is commonly used to form the basic element (the ornament) of the weathervane. The directional, finial and rod may be made of brass, but the featured design is nearly always made of copper.

Copper weathervanes, when newly purchased, are the bright copper color which one would expect, and they will have a shiny finish. Once the copper weathervanes are exposed to the weather, they will begin to develop a patina. The patina consists of a mixture of copper carbonate and sulfate called brochanite. In coastal areas, copper chlorides are predominant, but variations in the patina can lead to colors ranging from greenish to blue-gray.

As the weeks pass, the surface of the copper weathervanes tarnishes to a uniform brown color. As time continues, the color grows darker until after five to ten years the patina is a green coating. In more rural areas, the patina may take as much as twenty years to appear. Some less-than-scrupulous people attempt to artificially age copper weathervanes in order to make them appear to be antique, but artificial patinas are rarely as successful as the original.

Some well known makers of copper weathervanes in early American history included: L W Cushing, J W Fiske, A L Jewell & Co, Harris & Co and E G Washburne & Co. Their creations topped houses, churches and public buildings in post Revolutionary War years. Some of these copper weathervanes are still extant, and are valued for their beauty, creativity and workmanship. It’s because of the scarcity and cost of the original designs of copper weathervanes that modern craftsmen began the creation and manufacture of these objects of American Folk Art. Reproductions are much in demand, as are the unique and creative products of today’s craftsmen.

Because many of these copper weathervanes are hand-crafted, there will be slight variations in appearance and detailing. For those creations made using a mold into which copper is poured or pounded, the variations are less apparent. A weathervane from Weathervanes of Copper is well-known for its quality, beauty and attention to detail.

While antique copper weathervanes are still in existence and still sold on venues such as online auctions; many are handled through special auction sales and can fetch extremely high prices. Five of the top-money sales of antique copper weathervanes brought prices ranging from $60,000 to $770,000