Wanted to buy - original 1940s / 50s PONTIAC weathervane. Will pay fair money....looking for original surface not over painted. I'm near toronto ontario and will travel within the Ohio, Michigan, New York radius to pick up. Please reply to this add and I can provide contact details. Thanks! Ben

Anyone have any insight as to what the current value is on these? About 5 years ago they seemed to be in the $500 - $800 range. Have seen one or two listed at crazy money, but they also haven't sold.

Sent you a PM with a question.

Thank you. Only looking for an original....no repros

How would I know the difference original/repro.?

I go to a lot of farm auctions, one might just pop up.

Thanks in advance,

Jack Sim

The original ones have rivets whereas the repros have screws. The originals should also have some wear that will make the colour a more oxblood red (as above) opposed to a deep flat red.

And thanks! Appreciate an extra set of eyes on the look!

Rivets---

Thanks K W Frith - I had heard that was the difference, but I'm guessing more then one batch (or more then one person) has made a few of these. Not sure if there are other telling signs.

Still looking for one....any leads?

My feeling are that this is something that might show up at a farm auction and since Cindy and I go to just about every farm auction we can, here in the St. Louis area, we might just see one of these. I feel I know quite a bit about petro items (example this past summer, purchased an item at a farm auction, came home and within 20 minutes after posting it here on OG, I sold it for almost 7 time what I paid for it, mainly because of the over 100 people at the auction I was the only one that knew what it was and what it was worth), and like any "newbe", I am asking you, what is a "fair price" anyone would pay for this item?

Jack Sim

lol, like me kids would say, OMG

Kevin is that an original or reproduction?

Reproduction

Jack Sim.....price range should be 500 to 1000 depending on condition.

The repo is powder coated and dated at the bottom of the neck. The date is stamped into the metal. Also there is not a sleeve bearing in the shaft like in the real one. I own a real one {pictured} and have had the repo. I was impressed by the quality of the repro. It even felt to have the same weight as the real one.

The real ones came in two sizes. Like the one I have and a smaller version. I gave close to a grand for mine but it has a great weathered patina that I love.

Do you know, what is the date on the reproduction?
Where is the bearing on the original? Is there only one bearing inside the tube?
Thanks

I don't remember what the date was on the repo. It had a number month and a two number year. I believe the year was 10 but not sure.

On the original if you stuck your small finger in the shaft, you could feel the sleeve bearing. There are two small indentations on the exterior of the shaft to hold the bearing in place. It is about 3/4 in. from the base. The bearing is about an inch and a half long.

I think maybe the reproduction was one of mine. They were EXACT reproductions of the originals. We powder coated them and date stamped them so they would be harder to pawn off as originals.

As for originals, I have personally owned five of them. Two came directly from Pontiac dealerships. One was new old stock and in the original box and never been used. None of them had any bearings in the pipe. They were designed to slip over the mounting pipe.
Maybe the bearing was added buy the previous owner?
Now if you think about it, if you put a bearing inside the pipe at the bottom, you would most likely need another at the top of the pipe to provide stability and prevent wobble. That would also make the mounting pipe much smaller and decrease wind load strength. There really is no reason to use anything but the pipe inside the pipe. Either way they are really cool!

I was wondering why you were asking because I thought that you had made the repro's . You did a really nice job on them. I had purchased two of them. I picked one up for a friend who was going to make one for himself using mine as pattern and sold the other to another friend. Both friends were very happy with them. I have my real one hanging on a bedroom wall.

New year....any new leads? Still looking

The quest continues.....spring is coming - barns being cleared. Any leads - still looking for a good original Pontiac weathervane

Still looking for a Pontiac weathervane in original condition

Looking for an original Pontiac weathervane - original surface - no overpaint, no repros. Will pick up in New York, Ohio, or Michigan.

Anyone happen to obtain a decent one over the summer that they are willing to sell? Thanks

Saw one of those at an antique mall a few months ago. The place was located in Benton pa.

This is a link to their website

http://www.bakeryantiques.com/index.php

They are about an hour from me. If it was closer I would stop by and check it out for you. Good luck!

Thank you Scott - I'll give a call!

There is one currently listed on e-Bay for sale 191483850423.

I'm still in search of an excellent original Pontiac Weathervane. Will travel within New York, Michigan, Penn, Ohio, Ontario for pickup.

I believe Jeremy just got one, check with him: Profile here

Thanks Bryce! I'll shoot a msg!

Still looking for an original Pontiac weathervane with good surface

I have an original Pontiac if you’re still looking for one. I’m located in California. Feel free to call me at 310 409 7878. Thanks

Steve

steve1768, FYI - Ronin-37 was last seen on this site in 2015.