Lightning Rod Balls & Parts

This section of our web site is dedicated to antique Lightning Rod Collectibles. These obscure articles of early Americana are one of the fastest growing collectibles in the country today. The release of Rod Krupka's book, "The Complete Book of Lightning Rod Balls" in 1995 captured the decorative imagination of collectors and the hobby has spread like lightning. 

From about 1850 to early in the twentieth century, salesmen traveled the country in search of homes, farms, and businesses to sell and install a lightning protection system. They were well equipped and suited to the task of moving their product. Their vehicles were painted with signs declaring the business. They would hand out household items such as potato peelers and rulers marked with the brand name  they represented. They would demonstrate a lightning strike simulation in a prospect's living room. These machines would crackle and snap an arc of electricity at a miniature diorama of buildings, animals, and people. The demonstrations were quite effective. The company the salesman represented went to great lengths to ensure the salesman would cinch the sale. They were outfitted with slick samples cases showcasing the rods, couplings and cable. They would carry examples of all the wonderful options that were available to dress up their system. The attractive dressings included ornamental tips, weathervane arrows, and decorative glass balls. The hardware was sold as "scientifically" engineered and the company owners were titled "professor". This approach was designed to make the buyer feel safe in his purchase.

The great depression ended the travels of these salesmen and the companies that backed them. Today, the hardware and ornaments they peddled are highly sought by a growing number of collectors. Prices are still very reasonable but rising. Ferro Weathervanes has assembled a large collection of its own and offers it here. Start your collection or enhance it with some of these choice selections. Enjoy!