Smuggler Running Horse Weathervane in Terrific Mustard Paint

New England, ca. last quarter 19th century. RETAINS THE ORIGINAL YELLOW-MUSTARD PAINTED SURFACE on copper. Smoothly burnished verdigris where weathering has worn away the paint. Shows no sign of ever having been gilded. To my eye the rarity and quality of the painted surface elevates this vane well above gilt examples.

Smuggler was a champion stallion winning the great race for the US championships in Medford, MA in 1874 in front of 40,000 spectators. Smuggler’s popularity inspired weathervanes in his likeness.

OAL length about 31 ½ inches. Fine original condition including copper tubing.