AMERICAN SMUGGLER RACE HORSE AND SULKY WEATHERVANE
In America, horse vanes prior to 1830 are rare, but by the late 1840s, harness racing had become a national sport, and weather vane manufacturers made horse designs of all the most famous racehorses. Most of the figures were modeled after the lithographs printed by the renowned firm of Currier & Ives of New York (1835-1907).
This hand hammered weathervane heightens the Smuggler design and adds a driver on a period high-wheeled sulky. Made of copper and brass, circa 1910-1930. The ornament measures 31 inches long by 16 inches high by 9 inches wide.
The copper has aged beautifully. There is some tarnishing. Would clean/polish nicely. Does have some minor repairs.
Comes with the original NSEW cast brass directional and copper globe measuring 18 inches wide and 29 inches high on a solid steel rod.
Smuggler was a natural pacer but he wore 2 lb toe weights to correct his gait and raced as a trotter. In 1874 he won the title of "Fastest Trotting Stallion in the US", at Mystic Park in suburban Boston. Lithographers rushed to produce Smuggler prints, and A.J. Harris & Co. and L.W. Cushing & Sons added Smuggler models to their weather vane lines.
PRICE: $1,500
