Lightning Rods: Decorative Rooftop Weathervanes and Protective Fixtures
Lightning rods, more properly called lightning rod systems, are the ornamental metal conductors, finials, and decorative elements that were mounted on the rooftops of American homes, barns, churches, and public buildings from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century to protect structures from lightning strikes. While Benjamin Franklin demonstrated the principle in 1752, the commercial lightning rod industry flourished from the 1850s through the 1920s, producing elaborate copper, iron, and glass ornaments that are now actively collected as American folk art and architectural antiques.
Identification and Components
A complete lightning rod system includes several collectible components:
- Rods: Copper, iron, or steel spear-point rods, typically 3-5 feet tall, sometimes twisted or fluted
- Finials: Decorative tops including arrows, stars, sunbursts, roosters, eagles, horses, and other figures
- Lightning rod balls: Glass orbs mounted on the rod, originally believed to indicate when the rod was functioning (see Lightning Rod Balls for detailed coverage)
- Weathervanes: Many lightning rods incorporated functioning weathervanes with directional arrows and figural elements
- Stands and brackets: Roof-mounting hardware, often ornate cast iron
Major Manufacturers
- E.G. Washburne & Co.: Premium manufacturer of copper lightning rod ornaments
- Fiske (J.W. Fiske): Noted for elaborate copper weathervane finials
- National Lightning Rod Co.: Major supplier of complete rod systems
- Diddie, Marshall & Co.: St. Louis-based manufacturer
- Cole Brothers: Lightning rod ornaments and balls
Auction Price Ranges
| Category | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Copper horse weathervane finials | $500 - $10,000+ |
| Copper eagle finials | $300 - $5,000 |
| Copper rooster finials | $200 - $3,000 |
| Arrow weathervane finials | $100 - $1,000 |
| Star and sunburst finials | $100 - $500 |
| Complete rod with ball and finial | $200 - $1,500 |
| Plain rods (copper, twisted) | $25 - $100 |
| Ornamental brackets and stands | $25 - $150 |
Condition Factors
Lightning rod components spent their lives outdoors and show weathering appropriate to their age. Original verdigris patina on copper elements is desirable and should not be polished away. Bullet holes are common in rural examples and are accepted as part of the character. Check copper finials for dents, solder repairs, and replaced elements. Gilt surfaces on some copper pieces have usually weathered away; traces of original gilding add value. Iron components may show rust and corrosion; structurally sound pieces with surface rust are acceptable, but heavily corroded or bent iron loses value. Glass lightning rod balls should be free of cracks and have good color.
Collecting Tips
Lightning rod finials are collected alongside the broader weathervane market, and figural copper finials (horses, eagles, roosters) have the strongest crossover appeal with folk art collectors. Complete rod systems with original ball, finial, and hardware are more valuable than individual components. Look for pieces with traces of original gilding or paint that confirm age and authenticity. The lightning rod ball collecting community (see separate entry) is one of the most active subsets of this hobby. Rural auctions, architectural salvage dealers, and barn demolition sales are productive sources. Reproductions of copper weathervane finials exist, so examine solder seams, metal thickness, and surface character to distinguish antiques from modern copies. Size matters: large-scale finials that read well from ground level bring the highest prices.