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Featured Lightning rod / weathervane 1880

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Daniel Santoro, Jul 1, 2025.

  1. Daniel Santoro

    Daniel Santoro New Member

    Hello , I’m new to the forum. My name is Dan, I owned an antique shop in Brooklyn for about 8 years . I’m joking the discussion because I just purchased a very interesting weathervane / lightning rod that is stamped 1880. I do believe it to be 100% real . I was also told it may have come off a prison in NY state . After some digging , I have not found the exact piece in any photos but I have seen some comparable with mine being the best example I have seen . Any weathervane enthusiasts here that would be interested in taking a look ? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
     
  2. Jeff Drum

    Jeff Drum Well-Known Member

    I don’t think I would qualify as a weathervane enthusiast, but I am enthusiastic about the one weathervane I own, so by all means post pics of yours plus whatever backstory, where you purchased, etc. you have on it.

    I believe mine to be authentic as well, but I have never really researched the one I own. Maybe you posting yours will give me the motivation to do that.
     
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  3. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  4. Daniel Santoro

    Daniel Santoro New Member

    No problem . I’m actually picking it up today from the estate and will get good pictures to post later today or tomorrow . Thank you!
     
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  5. Daniel Santoro

    Daniel Santoro New Member

    Also forgive my typo . Starting * not joking .
     
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  6. lvetterli

    lvetterli Well-Known Member

    We can usually figure out those typos. Welcome to the family!

    Linda
     
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  7. pearlsnblume

    pearlsnblume Well-Known Member

    Brooklyn NY?
    I lived in Brooklyn NY myself
     
  8. Daniel Santoro

    Daniel Santoro New Member

    Shop was in Carroll Gardens Brooklyn. Vinyl records and antiques … It’s still there . Our partner still runs it but has pivoted into other sorts of collectibles .
     
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  9. pearlsnblume

    pearlsnblume Well-Known Member

    That is a nice area, I lived in a few areas of Brooklyn, one was the Midwood area.
     
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  10. Daniel Santoro

    Daniel Santoro New Member

  11. Daniel Santoro

    Daniel Santoro New Member

    I hope this isn’t too big . I don’t fully understand resizing images as I don’t have a computer . Just an iPhone .
     
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  12. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    perfect........ just keep doin what yer doin
     
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  13. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    it's lovely.....but I'm not seeing Prison design..... too artsy !!!
     
  14. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    oh, and it looks more address marker than weather vane.
     
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  15. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    and not tall enuf for a lightning rod...imo
     
  16. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    hummmmm....that said........ if it swivels ...... and is placed where it would get hit by lightning...........
    then..... weather vane lighting rod....... it could well be !!!!:hungry::playful:;);)

    I'm flexible !!!:happy:
     
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  17. Daniel Santoro

    Daniel Santoro New Member

    It swivels . And very well.
     
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  18. Daniel Santoro

    Daniel Santoro New Member

    This is one off Library Market Prison in NYC. Seems to be pretty similar with date (or address) plate .
     

    Attached Files:

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  19. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    possible..... but still ?
     
  20. Jeff Drum

    Jeff Drum Well-Known Member

    Have to be quick, but that is VERY cool. I love it, guess that makes me a weathervane enthusiast. Much larger than I anticipated. Doesn’t look like it rotates but we believe you. Maybe some more pics?

    Looks absolutely correct for a Victorian Gothic Revival building, dated in USA from about 1840 to 1880. I would lean toward that being build date rather than address but both possible. Not unusual for this era of building to have a marker of pride to show when built. And looks to be custom made by a blacksmith at that date.

    Get as much info about history as possible and WRITE it down.

    You can get lots of info on gothic revival, and I like your idea of researching old pics to find a match. Maybe try for some help at the public library (awesome in nyc and Brooklyn). Will try to say more when I have more time.

    Here are some matching andirons that would go in the wardens fireplace:

    IMG_1248.png
     
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