Weathervane: Horse

DateProbably 1856-1867

Attributed to J. Howard & Co. (active 1856-1867)

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, West Bridgewater

MediumZinc alloy, copper, copper alloy, lead, and gilt

DimensionsOverall: 18 1/2 x 24 3/4 x 2 1/2in. (47 x 62.9 x 6.4cm)

Credit LineFrom the collection of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; gift of the Museum of Modern Art

Object number1931.800.7

Label TextA watercolor rendering of this particular vane was reproduced in The Index of American Design. Since that time, "Index Horse" has been the popular name given to weather vanes of this form.
The production methods innovated by the Howard firm are clearly demonstrated by this vane. The front third of the figure is cast zinc alloy, the remainder of the horse's torso is made of two sheets of copper that were hammered into cast-iron molds, and the lower part of each leg appears to have been cut from a piece of sheet copper and folded to create a three-dimensional form. The single seam on the back of each leg and the two halves of the torso were soldered, the parts were soldered together, then the tail was cut from sheet copper, punch-patterned, and attached. Finally, the joints were finished and the entire figure was gilded.
ProvenanceFound in Salem, Mass.; Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, NY; acquired from Halpert by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller; given by the latter to The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY, in 1939; given by MoMA to CWF in June 1954.

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