Shop forand learn aboutantique weathervanes and lightning rods. Lightning balls national depression glass association. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. Because lightning tends to strike the highest object in the vicinity, rods are typically placed at the apex of a structure and along its. The ironwork was not grounded, hence the burgoon is technically not a lightning rod ball but they fit right in.
Lightning rod, metallic rod usually copper that protects a structure from lightning damage by intercepting flashes and guiding their currents into the ground. The first weather vanes were made by the ancient greeks, but it was not until after benjamin franklin became fascinated with lightning that the first lightning rods were used. More fancy lightning rods balls ornaments choose any color ball on all lightning rods all lightning protection equipment and fancy lightning rods are made in the usa note. Tower models old fashioned love lightning rod weather vanes second empire wind power glass ball birdhouses yard art. January 2008 lightning rod balls antique warehouse. The complete book of lightning rod balls plastic comb 1989 by mike bruner author see all formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Lightning rods is a satire on american corporate culture and social mores, which traps its readers and characters alike in mazes of rhetoric. The information used to compile this article was found in the complete book of lightning rod balls by krupkabruner and the lightning rod collectibles price guide.
A lightning rod us, aus or lightning conductor is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the structure from a lightning strike. Also available for pickup at the springfield, oh, insulator show on 4 november. Will the glass balls light up when lightning strikes. Helen dewitts protagonist is joe, a salesman who failed at selling encyclopedias and vacuum cleaners, but has his brightest idea when hope seems dim. Lightning rod balls totems for the garden flea market.
You can either purchase the parts separately or as a complete weathervane which includes a base, lightning rod, directional arrow, compass set, glass ball. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Lightning rod collectibles, lightning rod balls, weathervanes. The glass balls on a lightning rod are decorative only. Fenton milk white glass lightning rod ball globe with brass end cap collectable. All previously scheduled classes, events, and programs are cancelled until further notice. Any lightning rod can be customize to whatever you like. Antique lightning rods are often regarded as regarded as works of folk art, in a similar manner to weathervanes and other decorative items of metalwork. Often, a weather vane was also mounted on the lightning rod along with the ball. No, the lightning current travels quickly down the lightning rod that runs through the ball and leaves the ball unharmed. Many lightning rod balls are bought and sold online at ebay. The majority of us have several unique and even creative reproduction lightning rod balls around within our homes or simply garages hanging around to be make use of.
According to russell barnes, in his book, the lightning rod collectibles price guide, there are about 25 different colors of lightning rod balls, including four. The lure of a gorgeous piece of glass can be intoxicating regardless of its age or value. A quarterly newsletter, the crown point can be ordered from their web site. The complete book of lightning rod balls first edition. This book focuses on the description and illustrations of all confirmed patterns of lightning rod balls, with current 1995 prices. Automatic lightning protection is the premier supplier of usa made and ul approved lightning rod parts and equipment. Early metal barn cupola with lightning rod and blue glass ball intact, 73 tall. Get the best deals on lightning rod ball when you shop the largest online selection at. Money back guarantee ensures you receive the item you ordered or get your money back. The photos give you an idea of the various styles clients have chosen.
Are the glass balls i see on home and barn lightning rods purely ornamental, or do they serve a purpose perhaps they shatter when the rod is hit by lightning. What are lightning rod balls constance says, the balls are only for decoration nowadays. Complete book of lightning rod balls lightning rod. The information used to compile this article was found in the complete book of lightning rod balls by krupkabruner and the lightning rod collectibles price guide by russell barnes. Complete book of lightning rod balls ferro weathervanes. Lightning rod ball collectors guide 1973 book by frazier is a good reference but hard to find since it is out of print. Jul 5, 2014 complete book of lightning rod balls on stay safe and healthy. If lightning hits the structure, it will preferentially strike the rod and be conducted to ground through a wire, instead of passing through the structure. I have the cobalt but the amber and sca sun colored amthysist have eluded meuntil yesterday that is.
Krupka and bruner lovingly and thoroughly researched and compiled the extensive information in this book. National depression glass association lightning balls. Lightning rod balls for sale vintage antiques for sale. Complete book of lightning rod balls lightning rod, weather vanes, balls. Weathervanes, glass balls, and decorative air terminals lightning rods add a unique and personal decorative touch to your roof. Upon request i introduce, making a lightning rod ball. Find great deals on ebay for lightning rod balls when you shop the largest online selection at. Cobalt grape glass lightning rod ball roof cabin decor weathervane globe. If you like lightning rod balls and vanes, it is also essential to have a copy of the complete book of lightning rod balls by rod krupka and mike bruner. This includes adding weather vanes, custom made glass balls available in various styles, colors and sizes, arrows with stain glass tails, and compass points. The complete book of lightning rod balls by rod krupka and mike bruner. Most of these weathervanes and lightning rod balls have spent most of their life on top of a roof, most of these date from the civil war to the great depression. Lightning rods by helen dewitt goodreads share book. However, formatting rules can vary widely between applications and fields of interest or study.
Some copper fancy lightning rod prices may vary due to fluctuating copper prices and available inventory of the items when they were manufactured. The rods were placed on houses and barns and had a strand of copper wire that ran down into the ground and was connected to a ground rod to protect from lighting strikes. I have been in the hobby for almost 40 years makes me sound old. Our commitment to quality coupled with our aggressive pricing ensures you the best value on top of the line lightning protection, regardless of your application. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. It is the goal of this guide to educate collectors to make confident informed. Complete book of lightning rod balls lightning rod, lightning. Antique weathervanes and lightning rods collectors weekly.
Some people say glass balls were added to lightning rods. A lightning rod is an object made of metal that is mounted on top of a building designed to protect it in the event of lightning strike. The complete book of lightning rod balls with prices 1982 the complete book of lightning rod balls 2nd edition 1989 dooner, kate e. Hope you enjoy the pics and sharing my joy in this find. Formats and editions of the complete book of lightning rod.
This is the definitive book of the hobby, krupka and bruner lovingly and thoroughly researched and compiled the extensive information in this book. If you have any questions or you would like any additional pictures, let me know. That was the sign for the homeowner to inspect ground wiring. The complete book of lightning rod balls mike bruner. This in depth video explains the steps our glass blowers take in the creation of these artistic. I buy, sell, and trade lightning rod balls, weathervanes, rods, tips, etc. Ferro weathervanes weathervanes, finials, spires, roof. A lightning rod us, aus or lightning conductor uk is a metal rod mounted on a structure and intended to protect the structure from a lightning strike. There are few lrbs lightning rod balls on my want list, but highup on that list is the extremely rare burgoon. No, capturing some of the energy from a lightning discharge is beyond the capabilities of these simple glass globes. More fancy lightning rodsballsornaments choose any color ball on all lightning rods all lightning protection equipment and fancy lightning rods are made in the usa. If you like lightning rod balls and vanes, it is also essential to have a copy of the complete book of lightning rod balls by rod krupka and. We have the best deals on lightning rod balls so stop by and check us out first.
In victorian times, lightning rod salesmen told their customers that these glass balls with their metal collar, would shatter with a lightning strike. The lightning rod constructed on the dome of the state house in maryland was the largest franklin lightning rod ever attached to a public or private building in bens lifetime. Books dolls games guitars movies music memorabilia paper records. Both are long out of print, and i was unable to obtain one for use in writing this article. The complete book of lightning rod balls by mike bruner. Bell, watson, veit and american life 18761976 1977 brooks, john. Department of agriculture protection of buildings and farm property from lightning, farmers bulletin no. Franklins lightning rods could soon be found protecting many buildings and homes. A quick guite to antique weather vanes and lightning rods. A wealth of historical information is also included along with company illustrations from original catalogues and patent information. Electra glass old lightning rod ball amethyst 8 sided. Lightning rod balls and weathervane collection collectors.
The complete book of lightning rod balls book, 1995. Made for harger lightning protection from a mould originally belonging to the rodefer glass company. Lightning rod weather vanes balls triangle lighting antiques book vintage collection. Nsew and glass tail arrow in copper color aluminum. I am still looking for rare items that i do not have.
These reproduction balls can be used for their pretty looks or for their same historic purpose. Make offer vintage john deere weather vane, barn or house complete. Lightning rod balls by rod krupka kovels price guide on lightning rod balls lightning rod ball collectors guide 1973 book by frazier is a good reference but hard to find since it is out of print. Colors generally speaking, there are roughly 25 different colors of antique glass lightning rod balls. They complete the phallic symbolism of the lightning rod. A book, the complete book of lightning rod balls with prices, is also available. More fancy lightning rods home lightning rod parts and. The complete book of lightning rod balls first edition mike bruner, rod krupka, robert martin on.
Lightning rod balls a few from our collection peachridge glass. The complete book of lightning rod balls mike bruner, rod. Here are my lightning rod balls and weathervane collection that ive been collecting over the years. See todays antique lightning rod for sale, best offer and auction. Plumcircle company info established in 2003, plumcircle has sold more than 2 million books, and has accomplished a 99.