Beautifully Patinated and Oxidized Full Bodied Equestrian Dexter Antique Copper and Zinc Weather Vane

Probably Cushing & White
ca. 1867-72; Waltham, MA, USA
Copper, zinc

Approximate size: 20 (h) x 35 (w) x 1 (d) in.

This full bodied and beautifully patinated horse weathervane is elegantly crafted from moulded copper and zinc, desirable as either a collector’s item or striking decorative piece. Mounted on a sturdy copper horizontal batten with pivot flange, it features a beautifully detailed horse silhouette that captures the essence of equestrian grace.

The silhouette features the “dexter” equestrian model produced by Cushing & White, the successors of A. L. Jewell & Co. in Waltham, Massachusetts.  The model is indeed a ‘dexter’ (or ‘left facing’) version of the popular ‘Ethan Allen’ equestrian design, so-named after the famed racing horse who was the son of the equally famous ‘Blackhawk’ race horse. This equine portrayal has its origins in the circulated print of Ethan Allen and George M. Patchen racing at Union Course, printed in 1858 by Currier & Ives.  Our “dexter” model can be previewed in Cushing & Waltham’s marketing broadside printed by George L. Keyes, ca. 1867-72, thus offering a probable period for its facture.  It certainly differs from their slightly later Dexter model of the 1880s which features an erect outstretched tail and less natural mane.

A similarly modeled, albeit later (1883), Cushing & Sons weathervane dubbed “Smuggler,” is also related although may be distinguished by the sprues along its batten which elevate the silhouette of the horse and lacks the separately applied and molded zinc head as featured on our example. This later prototype was also produced by other manufacturers like Harris & Co.

Condition commensurate with age.

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