Thistlethwaite Americana | Sulky Weathervane of “American Girl”

We pride ourselves on presenting distinctive fine and decorative arts from the 18th through the 20th century highlighting great American design.

antiques, americana

18882

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Sulky Weathervane of “American Girl”

Likely J.W. Fiske and Company

New York

Circa 1875

Copper with a molded zinc head

23 1/4″ H x x 44″ D x 7 1/2″ W

“American Girl” was one of the finest standardbred racers of her day. She was a Bay-colored filly born in 1862 in Peekskill. “Weak-jointed, loose-gaited, worst-looking, crooked-legged filly that was ever foaled in Peekskill,” but she grew into an outstanding specimen of a standardbred horse. She was owned by William Lovell, of New York City, and was valued at $25,000. American Girl raced between 1868-75 and won 52 races. She tragically died in her largest race in 1875.

Her fame and tragic loss inspired J. W. Fiske and Company to make a weathervane based off image. This full-size example survives in wonderful condition with a beautiful verdigris surface.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The unbelievable size, condition, and motion of the weathervane, make it a true show stopper.