What does the Whale Weathervane ornament show?

A copper sperm whale weathervane of the kind that marks New Bedford, Massachusetts: the whale in profile with a green patina, N-E-S-W direction arms, a ball finial and the peak of a shingled roof.

Why is the whale New Bedford's symbol?

In the mid nineteenth century New Bedford was the leading whaling port in the country, and the sperm whale was its most valuable catch. The city is still called the Whaling City, and a sperm whale weathervane rides above its historic district.

What is the ornament made of, and how is it packaged?

A three-inch round of faceted crystal glass with a red ribbon. The line-drawn art is printed so the open areas let the crystal show through. It comes in a white or gold gift box, is made to order in the USA and ships free in the U.S.

Is this ornament an official New Bedford souvenir?

No. It is original art by Merlin Classics, an independent shop, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any town office, museum or organization.

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New Bedford Massachusetts Holiday Ornament - Whale Weathervane

$28.00 USD

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Size One size

Shape Circle + White Gift Packaging Circle + Gold Gift Packaging

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New Bedford's sperm whale weathervane, green copper against the sky, for the tree.

Look up in the old whaling district and a whale is swimming over the rooftops. This ornament shows the weathervane in profile: a copper sperm whale gone green with weather, the four direction arms below it, a ball finial, and the peak of a shingled roof.

It is the New Bedford piece for people who are proud of the place, and it travels well beyond the city. It is a three-inch round of faceted crystal glass on a red ribbon, printed so the open areas of the drawing let the light through, in your choice of a white or gold gift box. Give it to the reader who finished Moby-Dick, the sailor, the collector of weathervanes and folk art, or the family with roots on the South Coast. In a window the whale turns with the light.

Quick Facts — Whale Weathervane Ornament

› Subject: A copper sperm whale weathervane above the roofs of the whaling district

› Town: New Bedford, Massachusetts

› Size: 3 in (76 mm) round, faceted edge, red ribbon

› Material: crystal glass, line-drawn art printed to let the crystal show through

› Packaging: white or gold gift box

› Made to order in the USA

› Ships free in the U.S.

In the middle of the nineteenth century New Bedford sent out more whaleships than any other port, and the oil they brought home lit lamps across the country. Herman Melville shipped from this harbor in 1841, and the sperm whale, the most valuable catch, became the city's sign. A large sperm whale vane still rides above the dome in the historic district.

The whaling is long over and the sperm whale is a protected animal, but the city has kept its emblem. A whale on a rooftop says where you are in one glance.

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Product FAQs

How does your sizing work?

Every item is made to order, so please check the size chart on this page before you buy. Women's fitted tees run small; size up for a looser fit. Caps are one size with an adjustable strap.

How are items made and when will they arrive?

We make each item to order using premium blanks, embroidery and soft-hand prints. Production takes 2-5 business days (weekends and holidays excluded), then 4-10 days in transit via USPS, UPS or FedEx to U.S. addresses; most orders arrive within 6-15 business days. You'll get a tracking link the moment it ships. Any current shipping offer is shown in the bar at the top of every page and applies automatically at checkout, no code needed.

How do I send a gift?

Enter the recipient's address as the shipping address and your own as the billing address at checkout. Nothing ships with a price; the package includes a plain packing slip. Tracking goes to your email, not theirs. For birthdays and holidays, order two weeks ahead to be safe.

What's the return policy?

Made-to-order items can't be returned or exchanged for size or color, so please use the size chart and photos before ordering. If anything arrives defective, misprinted or damaged, send a photo and your order number within 30 days and we'll replace it or refund you.

How do I care for my item?

Apparel: wash cold, inside out, with like colors; no bleach; tumble dry low or hang dry. Embroidered pieces: iron inside out to protect the stitching. Caps: spot clean. Printed glasses and water bottles: hand wash only, no dishwasher, so the artwork lasts. Mugs and engraved glasses are dishwasher safe. Any item-specific care notes are in the description above.

Who makes this?

Merlin Classics is a small Connecticut brand making original retro designs for the towns people love. Every piece is printed, embroidered or engraved to order in the USA, and the business supports hunger relief in the communities our collections celebrate.