Bidspirit auction | G. A. Pepper Lightning Rod

G. A. Pepper Lightning Rod Pointer - 17 inches. A late 19th-century cast iron lightning rod pointer featuring a translucent green glass insert. The object is constructed with an ornate, foliated frame that holds a rectangular pane of emerald green glass. The slender shaft is decorated with pierced scrollwork, a central circular motif, and a keyhole-shaped opening, terminating in a stylized three-pointed arrow-form base. The vertical spine of the iron handle is cast with the marks GEO. A. PEPPER and PATD MAY 27 1873. The glass pane displays faint etched or molded characters mirroring the metal markings: U.S. PATENT / MAY 27 1873 / GEO. A. PEPPER. This design was patented by George A. Pepper of Peabody, Massachusetts, on May 27, 1873, under U.S. Patent No. 139,266. The glass exhibits internal striations, small bubbles or seeds, and minor surface scratches typical of period manufacturing.