Molded Copper Heron Weathervane

Description:

Molded Copper Heron Weathervane, America, late 19th century, flattened full-body figure, verdigris surface with traces of old yellow polychrome, mounted on a rod and a metal plate attached to a wood base, (imperfections),overall ht. 49, lg. 36 in.

Provenance: From the former summer residence of Albert Henry Davenport, Squirrel Island, Maine.

Note: Albert Davenport was born in Malden, Massachusetts, in 1845. He made his fortune during the "American Renaissance" in late 19th to early 20th century, from the designing and manufacturing of high quality interior woodwork, paneling, and furniture for customers in Europe and America. In 1902, he furnished more than two hundred pieces of furniture for the White House restoration project for Theodore Roosevelt. He also produced furnishings for the royal palace of King Kalakaua of Hawaii. In 1886, Mr. Davenport and his wife Ella visited and became interested in the development of Squirrel Island, Maine. He installed a sewer system and built a library, and bought and developed several other properties on the island as well as building their own two houses, which were identical in construction and called "Tweedle Dee" and "Tweedle Dum." Mr. Davenport died in 1906; his widow and then his daughter remained in this house until the 1940s. The weathervane was mounted on the tower of "Tweedle Dum." Included in the lot is a photo copy of a 1921 article about the Squirrel Island Semi-Centennial from the Lewiston Journal Magazine. In it is the history of the development of the island and shows a photo of the weathervane on the house. Also incuded is a July 2002 issue of the Squirrel Island Squid, with an article about the Davenports and the island, a photo of the weathervane during a roof renovation before it was removed from the tower, and a photo of a recent portrait painting of the house.
Estimate $15,000-20,000

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