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More whirligigs at
History of Whirligigs
Two popular and often whimsical
wind-powered forms that reached their pinnacle in 19th
century America are weathervanes and whirligigs. These
practical and attractive objects offered an inexpensive
outlet for creative energy, to the delight of young and
old.
Both weathervanes and whirligigs
developed out of the very practical wind vanes of
ancient times. These were meteorological devices to
indicate wind direction and which could predict weather
changes. Such forecasts were important to farmers,
sailors and anyone else affected by the weather.
Whirligigs also descended from the wind
vane. They emerged with the addition of a pinwheel or
propeller to a design; pull toys may also have played a
role in their development.
The 1440 edition of the Oxford English
Dictionary defines "whyrlegyge" as any spinning toy.
Like their weathervane cousins, whirligigs were perched
on rooftops; smaller ones could be place on a pole or
other elevated object.
Whirligigs fall into two broad
categories. A single stationary figure with rotating
"propeller" arms, and action figures depicting some
everyday activity or providing commentary on national
politics or social issues
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Woodchopper Whirligig
$ 51.95
ON SALE $38.95
Whirligigs are whimsical, wind-driven expressions of American folk art that first appeared nearly 200 years ago. The faster the wind blows, the more furiously the figure move. Whirligig weighs 2lbs, with a 14inch fan blade. |
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Saturday Night Scrub Whirligig
$ 51.95
ON SALE $38.95
Whirligigs are whimsical, wind-driven expressions of American folk art that first appeared nearly 200 years ago. The faster the wind blows, the more furiously the figure move. Whirligig weighs 2lbs, with a 14inch fan blade. |
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Washerwoman Whirligig
$ 51.95
ON SALE $38.95
Whirligigs are whimsical, wind-driven expressions of American folk art that first appeared nearly 200 years ago. The faster the wind blows, the more furiously the figure move.
Whirligig weighs 2lbs, with a 14inch fan blade. |
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Uncle Sam Whirligig
$ 51.95
ON SALE $38.95
Whirligigs are whimsical, wind-driven expressions of American folk art that first appeared nearly 200 years ago. The faster the wind blows, the more furiously the figure move.
Whirligig weighs 2lbs, with a 14inch fan blade. |
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Pumper Girl Whirligig
$ 51.95
ON SALE $38.95
Whirligigs are whimsical, wind-driven expressions of American folk art that first appeared nearly 200 years ago. The faster the wind blows, the more furiously the figure move.
Whirligig weighs 2lbs, with a 14inch fan blade. |
For more whirligigs similar to the above go to
Krupps.com
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Whirligig Spike
$40.00 This whimsical wind toy takes Spike on a much-needed walk. When the propeller catches a breeze, Spike comes alive to lift his leg for the fire hydrant behind. Comes on a sturdy metal pole that can be hung or buried in the ground. |
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