{"product_id":"antique-french-wrought-iron-chimney-cowl-with-rotating-wind-vanes","title":"Antique French Painted Iron Weathervane | Rooftop Girouette with Cardinal Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis antique French painted iron weathervane is just so unique that I had to have it when I saw it... It is  unlike most weathervanes in that it has been created to function well and be visually interesting. This item is full of movement, with a tall flag, wide iron tail, counterweight and hand-shaped compass letters that make it feel almost like architectural folk art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnown in France as a girouette, this weathervane was likely made in the early 20th century (possibly late 19th century, as it is hard to tell) and is consistent with French regional ironwork from the period. It was made to indicate wind direction from a rooftop, barn, garden structure or outbuilding. No maker’s mark is visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe entire thing is wonderful. The upper flag pivots from its iron frame in a stiff wind  while the riveted sheet-iron tail catches the wind and turns the whole vane to indicate the direction. The compass shows the four cardinal letters O, E, S and N for Ouest, Est, Sud and Nord. Each letter is bent from iron wire by hand, which gives the base so much personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surface carries old black paint with weathering, oxidation and areas of natural wear from decades exposed to the elements. You can see the rivets, seams, hand-shaped wire and forged details throughout. Nothing about it feels overly standardized, and that is exactly what makes it so appealing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, it would be fantastic mounted on a garden post, displayed in an entry, set against a stone wall, or used indoors as a sculptural French architectural object. It brings height, line and a strong graphic presence to a room or garden. Once made for the wind, it now carries all the charm of the French countryside with it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Provence Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52783915925847,"sku":"OUT-006","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/4686\/4215\/files\/rustic-french-metal-wind-direction-cowl-10.jpg?v=1788803417","url":"https:\/\/theprovencecollection.com\/en-us\/products\/antique-french-wrought-iron-chimney-cowl-with-rotating-wind-vanes","provider":"The Provence Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}