A 19th century gilt American weathervane modelled on Lady Liberty will star at Sotheby's.

The piece originates from the collection of Joan Oestreich Kend and will cross the block in New York on January 20-21. 

Lady Liberty was a popular subject for 19th century American weathervane manufacturers

This will be one of several sales taking place as part of Americana Week, which runs from January 11-21.

Antique weathervanes are particularly desirable pieces of American vernacular art.

They're often created by individuals rather than dedicated manufacturers and the enormous range of subject matter makes them highly collectible.

Quality and pricing varies widely, but the top end of the market has been growing for some time.

The record is $5.8m, set for a Native American figure in 2008.

The present lot is valued at $100,000-150,000.

Outsider artist Bill Traylor's Construction with Man Smoking is expected to make $60,000-80,000.  

Traylor (1853-1949) was born into slavery in rural Alabama. After emancipation he became a sharecropper.

He only started drawing and painting in his late 80s, after moving to the city of Montgomery. Thanks to the help of local artist Charles Shannon the art world started to take note, but it was not until the 1970s that Traylor's work received the recognition it deserved.

His record is $203,750, set for Man with Yoke at Sotheby's in 2001.

Other sales taking place at Sotheby's over Americana Week include the collection of Ralph and Suzanne Katz on January 21.