Weathervanes – Differentiating an Original Version from a Forged Version

Weathervanes are one of the collectible items that are always there in the radar of antique enthusiasts. The value of an antique weathervane is influenced by its age, condition, craftsmanship and history. One common problem with high-value, antique weathervanes, is that they are difficult to authenticate and are easy to replicate. All that a forger needs to do is to track down the original cast iron mold used to create the original weathervane.

One of the main features that can reveal the difference between an old and a forged weathervane is the patina. A simple trick is to look in the interior of a hollow form. If the interior is bright and shiny, then you know that you are holding a fake piece.

To ensure that the piece of art that you’re investing your money in comes with reliable documentation such as: date of manufacture, original site, type of material and degree of restoration (if applicable); always buy your antique piece from a well-known store, having a good overall reputation.

Did you know that under the Trade Descriptions Act, a seller can place a replica among antiques, and no offence will have been committed; but when asked if the piece is genuine, and the seller replies in the affirmative, then he/she has committed an offence! Hence, the “golden rule” is: always ask the seller, and buy only if they answer affirmatively that the piece is genuine. If you hear: “I’m not sure”, “most possibly”, or “I don’t know”, please do not assume the piece is genuine, and please do not buy!

Finally, always ask the seller any question you have in mind, without hesitation. A legitimate seller will answer all your questions to your satisfaction.

DIY: How to Make a Weathervane

A weathervane is an instrument that lets you know the shifts in wind direction. A weathervane is cleverly crafted such that it has its center of gravity resting on a pivotal axis, and the pointer can move freely on its axis. The side with the larger surface area is blown away from the wind direction, and the smaller side with the pointer faces the wind direction. Most weathervanes also have directional markers beneath the arrow that are aligned with the geographical directions. In this way, wind blowing from the north-east will have the pointer pointing in that direction.

The weathervane is a very simple instrument. Building a weathervane can be a very engaging experience for your child. This will also be a first-hand experience in building a functional instrument that has a theoretical basis. All that is needed are items that you can easily find in your home (or your nearest grocery store).

Items required

1. A rectangular piece of cardboard or a business card

2. A pencil (that has an eraser on one end)

3. A stickpin

4. Scissors

5. Ruler

6. A straw

7. 1-litre plastic bottle

8. Sand

9. Compass

10. Permanent marker

How to make it

Start by first showing your child what a real weathervane looks like, and how it works. You can find a house in your neighbourhood that has a weathervane, or you can take your child to a store that sells weathervanes.

1. Help your child gather all the material required.

2. Ask your child to take the lead, and assist him/her only for tasks that he/she is unable to pull off.

3. Cut a triangle out of the cardboard/business card. Cut the straw so that it is about 6 inch long. Make small slits on both sides of the straw, and slide the cut cardboard pieces onto each end. The end with the triangular card becomes the pointer.

4. Cut the 1 litre plastic bottle at the bottom, and fill it with sand. Firmly stick the pencil into the centre of the sand pit.

5. Using a ruler, locate the centre of the straw, and position the straw over the pencil and secure the two together using a stickpin.

6. Your weathervane is ready! Place it in a windy spot, and show your child how it moves with the wind. You can use a permanent marker to mark the directions on the plastic bottle.