Copper Weathervanes

Because copper is a relatively soft metal and is easily worked and handled, it is commonly used to form the basic elements of the weathervane. Copper is the material of choice for constructing a weathervane. The main feature of the copper weather vane is almost always constructed of copper, even though the directional, finial and rod may be made of brass.

A copper weathervane is the bright copper color which one would expect when it’s first made with a shiny finish. Once the copper weathervane is exposed to the weather, it develops 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.

Over the course of a few weeks, the surface of the copper weathervane tarnishes to a uniform brown color. As time passes, the color grows darker until after five to ten years the patina has a green appearance. In more rural areas where industrial pollution is less likely, 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 copper weathervane makers 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 weather vanes are still extant, and are still valued for their beauty, creativity and workmanship. Because of the scarcity and cost of the original designs of copper weathervanes, 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.

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