Our Fat and Happy Alligator Weathervane was first commissioned by a family who were relocating to a home on the beautiful waterways around Hilton Head Island, SC. We loved our customer’s whimsical approach to the fun and fauna of their chosen locale and decided to emphasize this sense of whimsy by wrapping the alligator’s tail around the mounting rod. To highlight the visual details of this piece optional gold leafing was requested for the tennis racket and the alligator’s eyes, belly and teeth. Palladium leafing was requested for the martini glass and swizzle stick. These bright highlights will bring the eye up to the mounted vane on the cupola. As the copper parts proceed through the weathering process the gilded areas will be even more fetching in their contrast.

The copper sculpture itself was fabricated in detailed swell-bodied style by one of our great artisans, and he had fun with it. The repoussé involved was quite complicated, with all the varying elements. Brown glass was selected for the eyes. ‘Lucky Pennies‘ from important years for the family were sealed inside the laid-back alligator, and the traditional penny dating the year the sculpture was completed is mounted on the end of the arrow and fletching. DREAMS BUILT HERE 2025 was their lovely choice to have inscribed on the horizontal tube.

This design will be a fun conversation starter for all who pass by and a great family heirloom through the generations.