Weathervane: Liberty Cap

Date1882-1897

Attributed to J. L. Mott Iron Works active 1853-1950

MediumCopper, brass, and paint

DimensionsOverall: 19 x 11 x 4in. (48.3 x 27.9 x 10.2cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1972.800.3

DescriptionA full-bodied molded copper weathervane in the form of a Liberty Cap, painted yellow. The cap has five-pointed stars around its brim and a tassle dangling from its pointed top.Label TextOf the liberty cap weather vanes illustrated in the catalogs of A. B. & W. T. Westervelt, J.W. Fiske, and The J. L. Mott Iron Works, only Mott's vanes included a circle of stars around the bottom edge as seen on this example.
The so-called liberty cap, inspired by headgear assumed by Roman slaves upon their emancipation, was adopted first by Colonial Revolutionaries and later by their French counterparts as a symbol of freedom.ProvenanceFound in New York State; Edith Gregor Halpert, New York, NY; Terry Dintenfass, Inc., New York, NY.