A classic nautical weather vane - a Captain’s Right Hand Man?
 

There exist so many speculations as to who were the first of the nations to begin traveling the open seas. Some believe it was the ancient Chaldeans, others believe it was the ancient Cushites. Still, others will argue that it is undoubtedly the ancient Egyptians. One thing is for sure though, is that in either case, they faced some turbulent times not being sure which direction the wind current was coming from. With the knowledgeable facts on historians’ side, it is of a certainty that the weather vane didn’t exist before 48 B.C.E., originated in the ancient city of Athens, Greece, on top of the Towers of Winds. Greece, like many of the nations before her, was known as a seafaring nation, so it is safe to assume that this new instrument was used as well, possibly becoming the first of its kind, the nautical weather vane.

In any open field, a person could witness how unstable wind currents can be, coming strongly from one particular direction and within seconds coming from another. This rings true over the seas as well. The nautical weather vane became quite the trustworthy tool during these times, thousands of years before electronic equipment ever came into the thoughts of a man’s vast imagination. Having this type of instrument made it much easier for the sailors to direct their paths along with the wind current, making for a quicker and safer trip. The nautical weather vane not only declared the direction of the wind current, but also alerted the seamen as to how strong these gusts can be. This was important, as this would at crucial times indicate an oncoming storm and helped the captain to map out a safer route, or helped in the decision as to whether or not it was even safe enough to leave the port altogether.

Like the classical weather vanes that appear on top of houses, garages, churches, universities and corporate buildings, the styles of the nautical weather vane has changed over time, no longer trapped within the boundaries of just a tool, but one of creative design as well. Some suggest that the earliest nautical weather vanes were made of wood, or even sea shells of course. As time progressed, so didn’t the styles of these weather vanes, leaving the wood and shell designs, but not completely. Many after these were being made from various types of metal. In our own modern times, the nautical weather vane can be found in wood, plastic, fiberglass, glass, metal, plated metal, copper and bronze.

Of all the materials listed, many people desire the classical look of the copper, especially after the brightness has faded, and is replaced with the vintage green hue that naturally occurs after some time in the elements. As true as this may be, it’s possible that many today prefer the colorful fiberglass weather vanes, as these come in the widest of varieties, fashioned after any and everything that makes a man love the sea to begin with.
 

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