Rare and Possibly Unique Four-Masted Barque Weathervane

American, probably New England, last quarter of the 19th c.

Full body copper, sheet copper, copper wire, gilt surface.

Over-all in excellent condition, retaining original gilt with losses and natural verdigris surface. Customary wear from weathering, one old lead repair in hull.

Provenance: Private collection; according to family history it was acquired from a Cape Cod family in the 1950’s. It was purportedly mounted atop one of the buildings of the famed Shiverick Shipyard in Dennis, Massachusetts.

This full-hull, four masted sailing vessel is equipped with a detailed deck, including lifeboats, and is accurately fitted with rigging. The weathervane is further embellished with a cast zinc figurehead of a maiden and a prominent American flag flying off the stern. The ship itself closely resembles ones that were made at the Shiverick shipyard during the mid-19th century.

36 ½” h. (on stand), 53 ½” w., 6 ½” d.

$45,000