Weathervane: Locomotive and Tender

Date1855-1882

Possibly by H. B. Chase

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts, Boston (probably)

MediumCopper, copper alloy, lead, and paint

Dimensions16 1/2" x 45" x 8 1/4" (41.9 cm. x 114.3 cm. x 20.9 cm.)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967.800.1

DescriptionThe vane is in full relief, of copper and signed by the maker, "H. B. Chase", on each of the large driving wheels. Although indistinct, a painted inscription on the sides of the coal car reads "Villa Decker". The original mount (directionals), which is typical of the period, accompanies it. Very detailed, and realistic. Cylindrical engine with one large stack and three small stacks. Four large drive wheels and four regular wheels. Lantern in front. Hood or covered area behind engine tender hooked on back. The entire train is mounted on a copper railroad.
Label TextLocomotive vanes were used on station houses, but they were probably also placed on locomotive factories, roundhouses, and other railroad-related structures.

This locomotive's 4-4-0 wheel arrangement and funnel-shaped smokestack mark a style of wood-burning engine in general use in America between about 1853 and 1865. The tender, however, is inappropriate for this engine, because such early four-wheel tenders began to be replaced in the mid-1840s by six- and eight-wheel versions that were better suited to meet the demands of heavier locomotives.

The counterweight on each of the locmotive's four cast drive wheels is stamped "H. B. Chase". Boston directories from 1854 through 1862 list "Chase Brothers & Co." as a maker of ornamental ironware, producing life-size dogs, fountains, and railing, but no weather vanes. An advertisement for the firm in 1860-61 SKETCHES & BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF BOSTON states, "Castings of every description made to order . . . ." The Boston directory lists the Chase brothers as H. [L.] Chase and Irah Chase, Jr., but H. B. Chase is not listed. H. B. Chase, whether related or not, probably independently manufactured specialized castings.

The precise significance of the words "VILLA DECKER" faintly visible on each side of the tender remains unknown, but it possibly referred to the estate belonging to an individual engaged in locomotive building or the railroad industry.

Inscribed"Villa Decker" is painted on each side of the tender. Also see "Marks."
MarkingsStamped on the counterweight on each drive wheel is "H. B. Chase". Also see "Inscriptions."
ProvenanceFound in Providence, R.I.; Spencer & Judd, New York, N.Y.

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