An Antique Gilt Running Horse Weather Vane attributed to J.W. Fiske

A spectacular full body running horse weather vane attributed to J.W. Fiske, on the original mount and displayed on a simple black wood base. The well sculpted horse is in a prancing stance with a lively rendering. It was removed from the Carriage House at Scott Paper Co., Winslow, Maine. The horse has a gilt surface on a copper body and a cast head from zinc. The weathered surface has been professionally conserved. Part of the existing gilt appears to have been historically reapplied as it shows a variegated patina. A few bullet dents on both sides, none penetrated. The piece shows a strong sense of dignity and the patina wonderfully reflects the passage of time.
Histroy of J. W. Fiske & Company (1862/3-1903) of New York City: It was the most prominent American manufacturer of decorative cast iron and cast zinc in the second half of the nineteenth century.
History of The Mill at Winslow Maine. It was originally belonging to the Hollingsworth & Whiteney Company (founded in 1892), a pulp and paper company in Maine. In 1950 it was bought by Scott Paper Company, which was founded in 1879 in Philadelphia by brothers E. Irvin and Clarence Scott, and is often credited as being the first to market toilet paper sold on a roll. They began marketing paper towels in 1907, and paper tissues in the 1930s.
The weather vane was originally installed on the Winslow Mill's manager house and it was bought by the previous owner when the house was demolished. By descent to the current owner, finally to our gallery.