Weathervanes are a bit of a misnomer as obviously they are to do with wind direction rather than weather, although the two are not entirely unconnected.

For a weathervane to work correctly, the small end should point upwind and the larger downwind. For this reason the cockerel, with its small head and large tail, has been a one of the most popular designs, especially in the 19th century.

These days a particular plump and colourful three dimensional bird frequently makes an appearance at auction and usually, although not invariably, sells for about £25 to £35.

The reason for this affordable price is that this particular model is a modern reproduction. The other two most popular subjects for weathervanes have been foxes and sailing boats. Different motifs have found favour at different times. Swallow-tailed pennants were popular in the 18th century and an example can be seen on Lambeth Palace.

It is rare to see any weathervanes from an earlier time. Apart from the ubiquitous cockerel, the 19th century also saw a plethora of exotic animals portrayed, such as elephants and camels. More mundane animals have also commanded quite a following, with dogs and horses being particularly favoured. A weathervane depicting the human form is unlikely to predate the 1870s and is most likely to be of 20th century origin.

Weathervanes can be a clue to the purpose of the building underneath. One amusing example of no great vintage is the stork carrying a baby which adorns the Mothercare store in Bury St Edmunds.

The Americans have been particularly keen on weathervanes and during the 19th century they constructed elaborate three-dimensional examples. These are unusual over here, but there is an example on the Crewe Municipal Buildings, which, appropriately for the town, is railway related and in the form of Stephenson’s Rocket.

The American Museum at Claverton near Bath has a collection of more simple weathervanes, including one of the most iconic. Made of gilded copper and dating from the late 19th century, it depicts a Native American archer, with the point of the arrow indicating wind direction.

Possibly the most expensive weathervane sold recently was a primitive gilt sheet metal example minus its support. Measuring 48” long and in the shape of a running greyhound it fetched an astonishing £3,600 against an estimate of £200 to £400 at Duke’s of Dorchester last April.

There have been a couple of copper yachts on the market in the past few years and the suggestion that these may date from the 1930s. In May, an example that was 153cm tall made £210 against an estimate of £50 to £150 at Plymouth Auction Rooms, while Duke’s obtained £170 for an example in October last year.

Some designs are prone to damage. A vintage wrought iron and copper weather vane with dragon directional indicator, 117cm high with rusty letters and dragon’s leg made £340 (estimate £350 to £500) at Willingham auction, Cambridge. Closer to home, an iron weather vane in the form of two unicorns with some temporary-looking repairs, made top end of the estimate £50 at Boulton & Cooper, Malton, last October.