copper weather vanes – Make a great conversation piece
 

One of the more common, decorative choices available are copper weather vanes for your roof or garden. Perhaps one of the closest examples of a historic copper weathervane is the bronze weathervane, discovered by archeologists aboard 9th century Viking ships. These early copper weathervanes had unusual quadrant shapes and were designed as an animal or other mythical creature. Copper weathervanes were also popular on Scandinavian churches, and can found today in similar fashion atop buildings in Sweden and Norway.

The last decades of the 19th century also featured copper weather vanes. Victorian-style buildings adorned fancy copper weathervanes with elaborate metalwork, and they were used to embellish almost every inch of roof space. Although the early 1900’s witnessed a move to a simpler architecture and weathervane design, the copper weather vanes is making a decorative comeback. In keeping with the tradition, copper weathervanes are in great demand for the Victorian Revival homes of today.

Classic and stylish copper weather vanes are equally attributable to early America as well. Often found in the form of animals, copper weather vanes have traditionally decorated historic homes and buildings throughout the United States. The rooster is one such symbol: appropriately named the weather cock, a copper weathervane in the form of a rooster is one of the most popular and recognizable pieces of Americana. Weather cocks, particularly those with very fanciful shapes, may not always show the appropriate direction of the wind. This is because the copper weathervane, in all its artistic glory, does not achieve a proper balance upon its axis. The design the copper weathervane must have an unequal surface area but be balanced in weight to make it a functioning weathervane. Yet this tiny flaw in the more elaborate weather cocks should not deter one from purchasing and admiring the magnificence of copper weather vanes.

In keeping with tradition, the hand-hammered copper weathervane is the only weathervane still made in the traditional American way. Made by hammering copper into cast iron molds, the hand-hammered copper weathervane is hand trimmed piece by piece, and is then soldered into a complete figure. Some copper weathervanes, like the weather cock, can have as many as 25 to 30 copper pieces with detailed parts, like the feet, cast in bronze.

As distinguished and time-honored pieces, the copper weathervane is a small piece of artwork with a big impact. Passersby will stop and note a copper weathervane when adorned on a home, garage or barn. Copper weathervanes can be used indoors as well, serving as a centerpiece or other decoration. Distinctive copper weathervanes inside the home make great pieces for conversation. Although it still serves a functional wind-identification purpose, the copper weathervane has transcended the realm of simple utility. Today it is more often recognized as a beautiful and intricate architectural piece of workmanship.
 

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