Sailboat Weathervane

The use of weathervanes dates back to ancient times when the first weathervane was used a temple in Athens. Since that time weathervanes have been produced and used in a variety of materials and portraying many different forms. One popular form is the sailboat weathervane which will discussed in further detail here.

The sailboat weathervane normally consists of a wind vane which is an unbalanced arrow shaped piece which rotates about a centre shaft. As the wind blows it rotates and aligns itself to the direction the wind is blowing at that time. Another piece is a fixed four quadrant wind direction indicator. By aligning these indicators properly, the wind vane will point to a particular quadrant so that the direction can be determined.

A very important part of most weathervane is the form which is added to the top. This gives the weathervane its distinctive look and has provided a great deal of customisation. For many years the common shape used on a weathervane was that of a rooster.

This happened due to a decree from the Pope and for hundreds of years rooster shaped weathervanes were placed on top of churches throughout Europe. The practice extended to many other structures throughout Europe and eventually followed to America.

In America many kinds of shapes were also developed for use as a topper for weathervanes. For a long time, political themes were important such as the eagle and Lady Liberty figure. During the 1800’s horses began to be used.

Studio Sail Boat

Since the horse represents strength, agility, and nobility these were popular items of choice. Since the direction of the wind was a vitally important factor in sailing ships, this theme was carried over by adding a sailboat shape to weathervanes.

For people who are interested in the sea and may be located in a nautical setting, this is a perfect addition to their primary or secondary homes. A sailboat weathervane can be obtained in a wide variety of sizes, colours, shapes, and materials.

To find just the right one for you, do a search on this website to find many choices of these kind of products. You can review a great deal of helpful and detailed information including pictures and descriptions which shows the materials used, sizes and recommended installation.

We have a qualified customer service department to help you every step along the way. In addition to sailboat weathervane selection, we can assist with shipping and installation.

In this way you can be sure of installing a sailboat weathervane you love and which will greatly add to the overall look and beauty of your home or outdoor structure. Whether you live near or far from the water, you’ll be glad you purchased a sailboat weathervane.

By |2021-06-13T10:03:35+10:00June 5th, 2011|Weathervanes|Comments Off on Sailboat Weathervane

Copper Weathervanes – A Brief History

The copper weathervane has been an important feature in most Australian homes and outdoor structures. It has evolved into a decorative item which can add years of beauty and functionality to your home. A little of its history will be discussed and reviewed.

The original purpose of a weathervane was to indicate the wind direction. However this device which is most commonly produced from copper or brass has evolved over the years. The first weathervane was installed on the Tower of Winds in Athens and was shaped like the Greek god Triton which was a half man, half fish figure.

The figure on this weathervane was four to eight feet long which is substantially larger than most weathervanes today. Throughout history, the copper weathervane has featured unique shapes.

Studio Yellowfin Tuna

The next major phase in the history of copper weathervanes featured a quadrant shaped wind vane with an animal or Norse fable creature on the top. These weathervanes were found in ninth century Viking settlements and on ships. However they can still be found on Swedish and Norwegian churches today.

For almost 1,000 years following a decree from the Pope, weathervanes were required to be installed on every church in Europe which featured a weather cock. This is a rooster shaped device which symbolised Jesus’ statement that the cock would not crow the morning following the Last Supper until the disciple Peter denounced him.

This helped to popularise rooster shaped weathervanes throughout Europe and eventually America. They are still a very common style produced to this day.

As it turns out the first weathervane used in America was a grasshopper shape and was placed on the top of Faneuil Hall in Boston. This figure was produced by the Deacon Shem Drowne who also designed a banner weathervane which was installed on top of the Old North Church as well as a rooster weathervane figure which was installed at the First Church in Cambridge.

Beginning in the early 1800’s weathervane designs featured many patriotic themes. They featured symbols of American freedom including the Goddess of Liberty and the American Eagle. The eagle copper weathervanes remain very popular in current times.

Other designs in the 19th and 20th century included racing horses as well as many figures created with a simplistic silhouette design. Throughout its history, copper weathervanes have remained the material of choice due to their good workability, strength, and corrosion resistance.

By |2021-06-13T10:03:35+10:00May 21st, 2011|Weathervanes|Comments Off on Copper Weathervanes – A Brief History
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