Broadside: Boston Copper Weather Vanes and Emblematic Signs

Date1868-1874

Printer J. E. Farwell & Co.

MediumPrinter's ink on wove paper

DimensionsPrimary Support: 33 x 23in. (83.8 x 58.4cm) and Framed: 35 5/16 x 25 3/8 x 3/4in.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957.1008.1

DescriptionA press-printed broadside or poster illustrating numerous weather vanes, some complete with directionals, with accompanying text. For some vanes, only one size and price are listed; for others, several.
The 1 3/8-inch molded cyma reversa black-painted frame with gilded liner is a modern addition, probably having been added by CWF's vendor, The Old Print Shop.
Label TextThis broadside, or poster, conveys interesting insights about the fabrication and sale of weather vanes during the third quarter of the nineteenth century. Note that most of Parker & Gannett's vanes were available in a range of sizes (and corresponding prices), whereas a few were offered in one size only. Each price included not only the selected vane but also a steel-tipped spire, appropriate copper balls, and cardinal points, or directionals, that were to be fixed in place beneath the vane. Options for some horse vanes included wagons or sulkies, the latter being light-weight, two-wheeled racing vehicles such as the one shown hitched to Patchen in the lower right corner.
Parker & Gannett made no hard distinction between vanes and signs, for the functions of these objects often overlapped; a spinning vane that revealed the wind's direction could also advertise the kind of activity that took place in the building beneath it. A particularly unusual vane is shown just above the lower right corner: a combined eagle-and-boot.
Parker & Gannett were retailers, not manufacturers. They specialized in agricultural supplies, with vanes being a sideline, or corollary business. A date range for the broadside was established by comparing the years when both the retailers and the broadside printer were located at their respective advertised addresses.
MarkingsSee the file photo for a transcription of the entire text, which is not given here due to its extent. The title, printed at the top of the sheet, reads: "BOSTON COPPER/WEATHER VANES,/AND EMBLEMATIC SIGNS". Text at the bottom includes: "FOR SALE BY/Parker & Gannett, 49 No. Market St., Boston, Mass." and "Printed by J. E. Farwell & Co., 37 Congress, Boston".
ProvenanceOwnership prior to the Old Print Shop (CWF's vendor) is undocumented.