Why cocks on weather vanes? The cock is considered to be the emblem of vigilance; but it is generally accepted that the old builders surmounted their cathedrals and church towers with a cock to remind all who saw it of the Apostle Peters denial of Christ. The original weather vane is said to have been the brazen Triton on the Tower of the Winds in Athens; which was erected about 100 BC. "Weathr Cock" is used indiscriminately; and covers many fanciful metal designs and shapes; most are gilded in order that they may be easily distinguished. Illustration for one of a set of 50 "Do You Know?" cigarette cards issued by Carreras in 1939.