An antique copper weathervane that was stolen from a Vermont railway station 40 years ago has been recovered and returned to the state, according to an announcement made by the Vermont Agency of Transportation last week.
The weathervane, which depicts a steam locomotive and coal tender, was crafted in 1910 by W.A. Snow Iron Works Inc.
It originally adorned the top of the White River Junction station in Hartford until it was stolen on November 3, 1983.
Nearly four decades after its disappearance, the antique weathervane was consigned to Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house in New York. However, the Arts Loss Register, an organization that maintains a database of lost, stolen, and looted art, antiques, and collectibles, confirmed that the piece was the stolen weathervane. As a result, Sotheby’s withdrew the item from the sale.
The White River Junction station is currently owned by the state of Vermont. The Arts Loss Register collaborated with the state to facilitate the return of the weathervane last week. Sotheby’s generously covered the $2,300 shipping cost to transport the artifact back to Vermont.
Judith Ehrlich, the historic preservation officer for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, expressed her delight at the weathervane’s homecoming, stating, “We are delighted to see this valuable historic artifact and beautiful piece of art returned to its home here in Vermont.”
