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Our Premier Autumn Auction | Session I | October 21, 2025

Tue, Oct 21, 2025 10:00AM EDT
  2025-10-21 10:00:00 2025-10-21 10:00:00 America/New_York Brunk Auctions Brunk Auctions : Our Premier Autumn Auction | Session I | October 21, 2025 https://live.brunkauctions.com/auctions/brunk/our-premier-autumn-auction-session-i-october-21-2025-19376
The first day of our Premier Auction features a life portrait of George Washington, a Rare Virginia Painted Chest by Johannes Spitler, Massasoit and other weathervanes, Mark Catesby 1754 volumes, works by Catlin, Peale, Gifford, others; jewelry includes 4.8 ct. Marquise Diamond Pendant, Pepsi Rolex GMT and more; 20th century makers include Wifredo Lam, Judy McKie, Picasso, Glenna Goodacre; unusual offerings include paleontology specimens and castings; also carpets, quilts, needleworks, Tiffany, Baccarat; items from the Estate of William H. Truettner, and so much more.
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Lot 85

Fine Molded and Gilt Copper Massasoit Weathervane

Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000
Starting Bid
$15,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $25
$100 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $200
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000

attributed to J. Harris & Co., Boston, probably third quarter 19th century, full length three dimensional form in molded copper depicting Native American Massasoit in traditional garb, holding an arrow with a cast iron head, 31 in. high (including modern stand), 30 in. long

Provenance: Private Collection, Chicago, Illinois

Note: Massasoit (chief of the Wampanaog Indians, a tribe that lived in what is now southern Massachusetts), was a popular subject for weathervane makers, and similar examples appear in the catalogs of several companies. Examples with the details seen in this example are typically attributed to Harris & Co., as their catalog illustrates a very similar form. An example closely related in detail sold Sotheby's New York, 30 September 2010 lot 19 for $122,500. Another example is illustrated in Miller, The Art of the Weathervane, p. 134.

https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2010/important-americana-n08665/lot.19.html

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Private Collection, Chicago, Illinois

Later gilding with wear, areas of verdigris, scattered small dents, headdress appears to have been very slightly pushed in, with small surface crack behind right ear; one side of face with more verdigris, iron arrowhead with surface corrosion, some possible old resoldering at joints. Weathervanes are notoriously difficult to vet for authenticity and condition. In our opinion, this is a period weathervane in good condition with later gilding. Please refer to detailed photos and/or preview in person, and make your own assessment. Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.