J. Howard and Company (1856-1867)

West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, ca. 1865

Impressed: Made by J. Howard & Co. W. Bridgewater, MASS

Over-all in fine condition; both ears have been restored and there are minor imperfections to some seams, old resoldering at tail joint. It appears the weathervane has a history of surfaces, now showing an oxidized verdigris surface with traces of later paint that was removed. The paint on the wrought iron supporting bar has also been removed.

This rare signed Index Horse Weathervane with an applied mane in a desirable small size is only one of a few known. J. Howard and Co. were known as industry leaders and the only firm to use cast zinc front portions on their weathervanes, giving them much more sculptural beauty but more importantly would allow them to withstand the natural elements longer and were simply a better product than their competitors.

For these reasons, collectors have considered J. Howard and Co. the gold-standard for quality weathervanes, which were made to withstand time but have given us eternal pleasure for their sculptural beauty.

17 ¾” h., 18 ½” l., 2 ¼” d.