The rooster is the symbol of vigilance. One of the most popular forms for weathervanes, its popularity derives from a ninth-century papal decree that church steeples be capped by a rooster to remind the faithful of St. Peter. Today, folk art collectors eagerly seek out these relics of yesteryear that used to be easy to find and easy to afford.

"How deep are your pockets?" is the first question confronting the beginning collector of weathervanes. Entry level purchases of the most simple forms like banners and arrows cost around $2,000 minimum and record prices for scarce vanes climb to well over a million dollars. I suggest that when spending this kind of money you should buy what appeals to you; buy for the love of the object rather than for investment. As a word of warning, the high prices have brought thousands of fakes onto the market.

"People want historic weathered condition," commented Jean Burke, Senior Curator at the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vermont. "Collectors want patina, they want old, and this phenomenon is almost unique to weathervanes." She stated further that it's extremely difficult to tell what's original unless you have a conservator examine the piece under a microscope. If you are buying a weathervane, buy only from an expert, or with expert advice.

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Images are courtesy of Shelburne Museum, P.O. Box 10, 5555 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT 05482, (802) 985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org.