Lot 1625
Kretzer No. 125D Horse Lightning Rod Vane
Passed — did not sell at this auction
- Estimate
- $300–$500
About this lot
Country of Origin: USA, St. Louis, MO
Period: Early 20th Century
Manufacturer: Kretzer Lighting Rod Co.
Dimensions: Approx 55 x 23 in.
Condition: Age and Exposure Wear
Additional Information: Antique Kretzer No. 125D full bodied horse weathervane and lightning rod assembly, manufactured by the St. Louis Lightning Rod Company of St. Louis, Missouri, during the early 20th century.
The assembly includes a dimensional trotting horse vane, stamped “KRETZER, ST. LOUIS” directional arrow, decorative rotating hub, tall pointed lightning rod, upright mast and three legged rooftop mounting stand. The vertical lightning rod passes through the center of the hub while the horse and arrow assembly rotates around it to indicate wind direction.
The horse corresponds to the company’s cataloged No. 125 Full Bodied Horse Vane pattern. The St. Louis Lightning Rod Company catalog offered the smaller 23-inch version as:
No. 125D — 23 inch vane with thimble for ⅝-inch rods
St. Louis Lightning Rod Company’s documented Catalog No. 3A dates to 1910, while signed Kretzer horse directionals are commonly attributed to the early 20th century and 1920s. A conservative date for this assembly is circa 1910–1925.
Unrestored outdoor condition with extensive age and weather exposure, including: Heavy oxidation throughout the horse, arrow, hub, upright rod and rooftop stand, corrosion and surface pitting, loss and flaking of the painted finish.
No glass lightning rod globe or compass letter directionals are present. The surviving catalog illustration does not prove that this exact configuration originally included either, so they are not represented as confirmed missing components.
The remaining painted surface and natural weathered patina should be preserved. Sold as an antique architectural lightning protection collectible. It is not represented as safe or functional for modern lightning protection.
Lot details
- Lot
- 1625
- Category
- Tools and Equipment
- Estimate
- $300–$500
- Closed
- August 27, 2026
