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Arrow Weathervane with 3 Lightning Protection Points

A very nice example of a weathervane that also incorporates a lightning rod.  This is not common on decorative vanes but makes perfect sense and in fact is exactly what the lightning rod manufacturers did when that added vanes to their lightning rods.  The arrow's tail and shaft are copper, as is the vertical rod and the upper ball.  The arrowhead is zinc.  Interestingly, the tip is iron.  This was thought to provide better lightning protection.  The arrow's tail shows remnants of yellow sizing that was used under gold leaf gilding.  The shaft has a nicely oxidized green patina.  We believe this vane is likely from a Philadelphia maker, perhaps William Buck, due to the influence that Benjamin Franklin's lightning work had on makers in that area.  It dates from at least the latter half of the 19th century, perhaps earlier.  The arrow is 19 1/2" long with a 5 1/2" x 3" tail.  On its stand the vane is 12 1/2" tall.

#2-6263   $2250