Description:
Molded Copper and Cast Iron Horse Jumping Through Hoop Weathervane, attributed to A.L. Jewell and Co., Waltham, Massachusetts, c. 1852-67, flattened full-body figure with embossed sheet copper mane and tail, cast iron head, the horse jumping through original adjustable iron rod hoop, verdigris surface, (minor seam separation),lg. 30 1/2 in.
Provenance: A Cornwall, Connecticut, Collector.
Literature: A similar weather vane is illustrated in A Gallery of American Weathervanes and Whirligigs, by Robert Bishop & Patricia Coblentz, Bonanza Books, publishers, 1984.
Note: "The first full-time commercial weathervane manufacturer was Alvin L. Jewell of Waltham, Massachusetts, near Boston, who opened his doors in 1852. Jewell, a gifted designer and craftsman, created a line of weathervane forms imitated by later business. He was also the first to publish a catalog of his designs. His vanes were made of copper molded in iron forms, which had been cast from carved wood models. Each part of the vane was molded in two symmetrical halves joined with solder. This new method allowed Jewell and his followers to mass-produce identical vanes. Jewell's hollow copper vanes were clear, simple forms, easily recognized from any viewpoint. They were an immediate success. After Jewell's death (in a rooftop fall) in 1867, his business and patterns were sold at auction." Excerpted from the National Gallery of Art's Catalog, An American Sampler: Folk Art from the Shelburne Museum, 1987, p. 114.
Estimate $25,000-35,000
Seam separation on the lower rear hoof; seam separation on bottom of front lower leg; traces of gilding on the bottom surfaces.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Alvin L. Jewell, WalthamStephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
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508-970-3203
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508-970-3200
Stephanie Opolski
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508-970-3224
American Furniture & Decorative Arts
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