Читать книгу American Antique Weather Vanes - A. B. & W. T. Westervelt - Страница 3

Publisher’s Note

Traditional bearers of heraldic and church insignias atop the castles and cathedrals of medieval Europe, weather vanes have been popular additions to American buildings beginning with handcrafted weathercocks in Colonial times. In the late nineteenth century, the growing power, wealth and adventurous spirit of a youthful America were reflected in the stately rooftop spires that served as trade signs, good luck emblems, decorative status symbols and, of course, indicators of wind direction. In this important 1883 mail-order catalog, A. B. and W. T. Westervelt, manufacturers of varied metal goods, advertised their offering of over 550 copper vanes and finials. The prices listed here are no longer valid, but antique collectors, historians and craftsmen will make good use of these engravings of the bannerets, ships, bulls and racing horses that crowned American buildings in the Victorian era. (The last two pages in the present edition are the original front and back of the paper cover of the catalog; the page facing this one reproduces the original title page.)