Attributed to William Tuckerman (1816-1871)

Boston, Massachusetts, ca. 1850

Full body molded copper, sheet copper, iron rivets.

Untouched original condition, exceptional verdigris surface.

This rare and important weathervane is one of the earliest manufactured forms known and can most likely be attributed to William F. Tuckerman (1816-1871).

Massachusetts is considered the birthplace of American weathervane manufacturing and Tuckerman, a Boston coppersmith, become known as one of the first commercial makers in the early 1840s. As a successful Boston businessman, Tuckerman employed nearly two to three times more men at his manufacturing plant than his competitors, however, he receives little credit for his work today. Known for regularly utilizing "pierced eyes" in his manufactured designs, it is still hard to assume all examples featuring this distinctive element were all made by Tuckerman. He influenced other Boston makers whom we assume incorporated many of his techniques and styles in their own work.

At least four horse weathervanes, perhaps dating from the 1840s, that are stamped “Tuckerman Boston" are known to exist. They have distinctive drilled eyes, unlike Jewell vanes, which have molded eyes.

24” h., 28 ½” w., 3” d.