They're so vane...

...they probably think this blog is about them. These three weather vanes were sold at auction recently with surprisingly different results:

Top: Running Horse. USD450 (Late C19th, half-body form with flowing mane and tail, the gilded surface on copper and zinc, still covers approximately 90% of the entire surface, horse measures 30" L x 16" H x 2-3/4")

Middle: Running Horse. USD900 (Late C19th copper with gilt, with flowing mane and tail, horse measures 25" L x 13" H x 1-3/4" D. There are 2 soldered bullet holes on the body that are through-and-through, there is a crease on the knee area, there is a small crease on the rear leg and the gilded surface has been weathered to approximately only 15%, showing off yellow / light green base color.)

Bottom: Grasshopper. USD2,000 (Early C20th full bodied copper, applied antenna, wings and legs, with inset glass eyes along with directional lettering mounted on pastel painted contemporary form fitted base, 54"H x 24"W x 19"D.)

Whether you prefer horses to grasshoppers, these also make for interesting decorative objects within the house, and the bullet holes for a more exciting story behind one of the pieces.