Weathervane Restoration

Hi all - not sure if this is the right place to post, but wanted to see if anyone had any advice on where to start with restoring this old weathervane that sat on top of a gazebo. I am restoring the old buildings on this farm and rebuilding the gazebo, so I would like to restore the weathervane.
It is a simple arrow on top which is connected to gears that used to turn a dial that pointed to the direction on the plate. Anyone have any advice on where to start or have you seen one like this?
Thanks!

Weathervane by MD Farm Restoration posted Nov 2, 2021 at 8:36 AM

 

I would start simply by taking it all apart and see what shape the gears are inside. If screws/bolts are rusted shut try rust cutter spray or soak in hydraulic oil. May need to apply a little heat from torch. Once inside you will know more. It is probably a very simple mechanism of gears which could be rusted. If you want it shined up and not rusted soak the iron in a vinegar and scrub with steel wool.