A Rare and Important Molded Copper Fireman "Old Jake" Weathervane Made for the Union Fire Hall, now Charley Rouss Fire Company, maker unknown, Winchester, Virginia, circa 1860

the swell-bodied figure of Old Jake wearing a fireman's helmet with swooping brim and shield atop his head of curled hair, outlined eyes and brow and open mouth, his open throat collar fashioned from double sheets of applied copper, with flowing bow, the costume with rows of repousse buttons and belt, repousse high boots; his right arm, fashioned from applied sheet copper grasps a fire trumpet; the left arm and hand raised, pointing towards the conflagration; old silver-gray paint on surface.

minor black-powder bullet holes; verdigris showing through silver paint damage (bullet hole) to hat and hand; dings and dents consistent with age and use.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The figure of Old Jake is closely related to the fireman depicted in "Rushing to the Conflict", a Louis Maurer 1858 print, part of the Life of the Fireman series, published by Currier & Ives.