Sheet iron elephant weathervane. In the late 19th century, the elephant became a sensational pop-culture icon in America, driven by P.T. Barnum’s Circus and his world-famous elephant, Jumbo. Local blacksmiths or folk artists in New England and across the Midwest frequently drew inspiration from traveling circuses, creating highly stylized, naive, and sometimes delightfully abstract elephant silhouettes. This hard-to-find Jumbo weathervane is in fair to good condition, with significant weathering and some small holes from rust. Nevertheless, it displays well and would make an unusual addition to any folk art collection. Late 19th century, American.
Provenance: Just Folk Antiques; David Wheatcraft Antiques.
Dimensions: 30” high (with stand) x 43” long.
Item No. 260248
Price: $4,800.
