Page 38 - joa 2-2020

really a downfall. Top-notch provenance helps as well, though with few but that alone is
signed examples, identifying a weathervane’s maker can be a challenge, not enough. Weather-
particularly with several makers copying each other’s designs. beaten examples
Weathervanes can also lose value if they have been cleaned or re-gilded. would also thin over
Bullet holes may pose an additional problem. Though it may come as a time. An experienced
surprise to some, many weathervanes appear on the market with a few smith could tell an
bullet holes across their surface. Weathervanes made great practice antique vs. a doctored
targets and a bullet hole or two is not uncommon. example, but what
about a budding
Value and Demand collector? Experts say
What can you expect from weathervanes at auction? Sotheby’s sold a to look at the solder.
circa 1900, 5’2” molded Chieftain weathervane attributed to J. L. Mott Lead and tin solder
Iron Works for a record-breaking $5.84 million in 2006, and while the will show evidence of
market is no longer booming, weathervanes still have the power to bring erosion because they
bidders to the table. In 2018, Morphy Auctions purportedly sold a react with the copper
Goddess of Liberty copper weathervane with desirable condition and over time. The finish Pook: “Verdigris” is the bright blue-green crust or
coloring for $32,500. New Haven Auctions sold an example by J. W. is also a clue, but patina that forms over copper or brass surfaces when
Fiske in 2019 for $32,000, of note because of its unique elephant form. look deeper. Skilled they oxidize from prolonged exposure to the elements.
While these are exceptional examples, weathervanes of moderate form forgers can apply Once as heinous as rust, verdigris is now highly desirable
and condition still bring thousands. gold leaf and then for weathervanes. Note the pleasing green color of this
With such high demand, it is no wonder that collectors have to keep burnish it off. Add example, which sold at Pook & Pook in 2012.
their wits about them when considering a piece. Forgery is all around. the right chemicals photo: Pook & Pook and the Philadelphia Inquirer
Modern weather- and you can get the
vanes are shaped and worn, green color. Prospective collectors should study the form of vanes.
pressed in machines Authentic Americana has a special look to it that can be harder to
and are much thinner replicate, and that signature style is one of the reasons we seek it out so
than the real thing, many years later.

Shem Drowne of Kittery, ME moved to Boston when he was young and later established his metalworking shop on
Anne St. He became Deacon of the First Baptist Church in 1721. Although he was primarily a tin worker, Drowne’s
legacy is in the four grand weathervanes of Boston, and one in particular, a grasshopper that adorns Faneuil Hall that
has had some adventures of its own. In 1974, the gilded grasshopper was stolen, and Paul Revere Carroll, a direct
descendant of Paul Revere (to Boston’s delight) was the detective in charge of getting it back. According to the New
England Historical Society, a man was arrested in Plymouth County on drug charges, and he confessed to stealing the
vane to get a plea bargain. The grasshopper came back in a paper bag, minus some of its gold leaf. It has since been
fixed up and restored to its former glory. Courtesy of the Massachusetts Historical Society. photo: of IWalked Audio Tours.

Mining Collectibles continued from page 33
Mining and Miner Customs the world advanced and improved. Printed
news later evolved into private newsletters
Mining around the world developed
regionally. In each of these regions, specific touting a specific region or mine.

customs developed and evolved. Costumes,
accouterments, and personal mining Mining Communities
equipment all make wonderful collectibles. Mines were generally found away from any
Mining celebrations—often in the form of Rare Virginia City, Nevada populace. Itinerant communities soon formed
fairs or exhibitions—offer demonstrations of the Theall Silver Ingot, c. 1864 as a basis for workers to share food and
equipment and often feature some for sale. One supplies. These developed into mining camps,
such western demonstration was a single or double and more rarely, later into cities. Many
jack drilling contest. collectors collect items from their favorite
mining camp or region.
Mining Labor
Fred N. Holabird is a mining geologist
Labor unions were formed worldwide
with more than 45 years of experience. He has
with a specific purpose to improve managed two open-pit mines, four major
mining conditions, get better pay, and mine or mill cleanups, consults on gold
to have protection against injury or treasures around the world, and also owns
sickness. The study of this involves Holabird’s Western Americana Collections, LLC.
misuse of the basic concepts, just as it
would in any political organization. The
regular clothing miners wore is also
collectible. This is a different category than
the “uniform” or special costume used by
miners – particularly in Europe, which would Silver Dyke Mines Token
fall into the “customs” category above. Silver Dyke Nevada

Mining News
News of discoveries of mines was crucial to the economy. It resulted
in an influx of both investment money and manpower. It also became
a forum for technical discussion, which was essential for the advancement
of the science of ore deposit geology and minerals processing. The
publications generally began with the California Gold Rush and
multiplied every decade as transportation and communication around Silver Mining town Black Hawk Keystone Stereoview
36 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles