I’ve been to the local market town of Wallingford this morning (I’ve been spending too long in front of the computer since beginning to use ChatGPT and Copilot one week ago). I visited the splendid Wallingford Bookshop and other lovely shops. There is an antiques arcade and I wondered if AI can tell the provenance of items?
Here is Weather Duck. He came from the gift shop at the Bognor Regis Butlin’s holiday camp in the early 1980s.
Let’s see if ChatGPT and Copilot know where he originated from and what his history is. His umbrella used to change colour slightly between pink and blue depending on if it was expected to rain or not. I’ll try ChatGPT first.
Thanks for the image! You’ve got a charming “Weather Duck” figurine, which is likely a novelty souvenir item from the mid-20th century (roughly 1950s–1970s). Here’s what I can tell you about its likely provenance:
🦆 Overview
- Type: Figurine / Weather indicator
- Material: Likely plaster, ceramic, or early resin
- Function: Decorative and novelty; some of these types of “weather” animals were designed to change color or have some element that reacted to humidity or temperature.
- Style clues: The exaggerated eyelashes, cute design, and bright paint are typical of mid-century kitsch, especially items made for tourists or as lighthearted gifts.
🌍 Probable Origin
- These kinds of “Weather Duck” or “Weather Bird” figures were often produced in Japan or Germany post-WWII for export, especially to English-speaking markets like the UK, Australia, and the US.
- If the base or underside has a stamp or label (e.g. “Made in Japan” or “Occupied Japan”), that could confirm this.
- Some were also made in the UK, especially in seaside towns or gift shops.
🔍 Fun Fact
There’s a whole subcategory of these novelty weather items — like Weather Houses, which have male/female figures that move depending on humidity. Your duck might have been part of a similar novelty trend, albeit more as a figurine than an actual weather tool.
If you can show me the bottom of the figure or any markings, labels, or codes, I may be able to give you a more precise origin or manufacturer. Let me know if you’d like to do that!
Weather Duck has nothing of interest on his bottom so I’ll stop here with ChatGPT and see what Copilot has to say.
Copilot has mistaken Weather Duck’s umbrella for a hat and said Weather Duck has blue eyes but he doesn’t. I’m now wondering if this is a lady duck because of the eyelashes.
I’ll ask Copilot what gender this duck is.
It doesn’t know and nor do I. Let’s ask ChatGPT.
ChatGPT has also mistaken the umbrella for a hat. The “scarf” is actually the handle of the umbrella. The offer to name the duck is too good to pass up.
I don’t like this name, Weatherbee makes me expect a bee. I would like a name that inspires confidence in weather predicting abilities. I will ask for a renaming.
Please name this duck with a name that inspires confidence in weather predicting abilities.
ChatGPT said:
Great prompt! For a name that inspires confidence and authority in weather prediction — while still keeping a bit of charm — here are a few top picks:
🌦️ Dr. Quackston Weatherford
- Sounds like a seasoned professional in meteorology.
- “Quackston” keeps the duck humor, but “Weatherford” gives it gravitas.
☀️ Captain Clementine Stormwatch
- “Captain” evokes leadership.
- “Clementine” adds warmth and approachability.
- “Stormwatch” signals serious forecasting skills.
🌧️ Professor Puddlewise
- A whimsical but wise-sounding name — like someone you’d trust with your umbrella choices.
🌩️ Baro D. Meter
- A fun pun on barometer, the classic weather instrument.
- Sounds technical but still friendly.
🦆 Henrietta Hailwatch
- Alliteration makes it memorable.
- Sounds like a duck who’s vigilant, especially with extreme weather.
Top pick for confidence + charm:
Dr. Quackston Weatherford
Would you like a backstory to go with the name?
I am happy with Professor Puddlewise. Let’s see what Copilot would name this duck.
I am not totally sure what nimbus means so I did an old-fashioned Google search:
I like the name Nimbus. But is Nimbus a first name or surname?
Thunderhead (from the Google definition) is also a good name. I’ll ask Copilot if Nimbus or Thunderhead is better.
What is tea-weather? I’ll ask.
Tea-weather doesn’t mean anything to me. I wonder if Copilot knows you can get iced tea now. I’ll tell it.
I’m intrigued to know how the right tea adapts accordingly. I’ll ask.
I’ve just remembered we’ve got a duck to name. We’ll go with Thunderhead for the surname and ask Copilot for two first names.
I think Percival Storm Thunderhead is wonderful. I’m only sorry I have just one duck because Professor Puddlewise is also a great name. Maybe I should look on ebay and see if I can buy a second duck? I’ll ask ChatGPT and Copilot where I can buy Weather Duck.
Where can I buy weather duck?
ChatGPT said:
You’re giving feedback on a new version of ChatGPT.
Which response do you prefer? Responses may take a moment to load.ChatGPT
Response 1
If you’re looking to buy a “Weather Duck” like the one you showed, here are some places to consider:
🛍️ Where to Purchase
1. Vintage & Second‑hand Marketplaces
- Etsy often has listings for vintage Weather Duck figurines, sometimes noted as from Enesco in the 1970s based on colour‑changing novelty descriptions etsy.comamazon.co.uk+2etsy.com+2etsy.com+2.
- eBay UK frequently offers ceramic and novelty duck collectibles—including weather‑themed ones—typically priced around £5–£15 depending on rarity ebay.co.uk+6ebay.co.uk+6ebay.co.uk+6.
- PicClick UK (aggregates eBay listings) occasionally features similar “Fair Weather” ducks, though not precisely the same model picclick.co.uk+1picclick.co.uk+1.
2. New Duck Figurines with Weather Themes
- If you’d like a modern version—even if it’s not the vintage collectible—these are available:
Resin umbrella duck
Rainy Day Ducky (Resin Duck with Umbrella)
£26.99
DCUK + others
★★
5.0
Decorative wooden ‘weatherman’ duck
Mrs H The Duck Lady Weatherman Walter Duck
£22.00
Mrs H Interiors
Vinyl collectible rubber duck
Duckshop Bad Weather Vinyl Rubber Duck
£12.63
Amazon.co.uk – Amazon.co.uk-Seller
Ask about this
ChatGPT chooses products independently. Learn more
📌 Quick Buying Tips
- Vintage vs New: The exact mid‑century style “Weather Duck” is best found on Etsy or eBay as a vintage novelty, often in ceramic with a color-changing umbrella .
- Heat & humidity effect: Look for descriptions mentioning an umbrella or part that changes colour as humidity shifts—an interesting weather indicator.
- Condition & markings: Check seller photos carefully for chips and if possible, look for maker’s stamps like Enesco.
- Price range: Expect to pay roughly £10–£20 depending on rarity and condition for vintage pieces.
Let me know if you’d like help finding current active listings or spotting color‑change functionality—happy to dig deeper!
Response 2
Here are some places where you can buy a “weather duck”–style or novelty duck figurine in the UK:
🛍️ Online & In-Store Picks
Duckshop Bad Weather Rubber Duck
- A cheerful vinyl bath duck wearing a rain outfit and umbrella, sold via Duckshop.
- Perfect for collecting or gifting at around £12.63 etsy.com+1amsterdamduckstore.com+1amazon.co.uk+5amazon.co.uk+5amazon.co.uk+5.
Cute Rainy Day Duck with Umbrella (Set of 2)
- Weather-themed duo on Amazon UK, each duck holding an umbrella.
- Ideal for display or kids’ fun at £16.99 budducks.com+7amazon.co.uk+7duckshop.uk+7.
🌳 Outdoor & Garden Variants
Garden Market Place Ducks Steel Weathervane
- A whimsical duck-shaped weathervane, great for real weather indication and garden charm (~£20) .
SUPERDANT Duck Weather Vane
- A metal duck family weathervane—funky décor with practical wind direction functionality (~£22) amazon.co.uk+2amazon.co.uk+2amazon.co.uk+2.
Bath & novelty
Duckshop Bad Weather Rubber Duck
£12.63
Amazon.co.uk – Amazon.co.uk-Seller
Novelty duo
Cute Rainy Day Duck with Umbrella (Set of 2)
£16.99
Amazon.co.uk – Amazon.co.uk-Seller
Garden weathervane
Garden Market Place Ducks Steel Weathervane
£19.99
B&Q
★★
5.0
Outdoor wind vane
SUPERDANT Duck Weather Vane
£22.19
Amazon.co.uk – Amazon.co.uk-Seller
Ask about this
ChatGPT chooses products independently. Learn more
💡 Specialty & Vintage Options
- Etsy often lists vintage Enesco “Weather Duck” figurines (c. 1975) that change umbrella color with humidity — sold intermittently etsy.com.
- On eBay or PicClick UK you might spot vintage weather-themed duck figurines, such as Lowell Davis Fair‑Weather Friends ducks from the 1980s, priced around £10–£20 picclick.co.uk+1picclick.co.uk+1.
✅ Buying Tips
| Type | Where & When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Modern novelty | Amazon, Duckshop | Easy to get, fast shipping |
| Garden variant | Home/garden stores (B&Q), online retailers | Functional and decorative |
| Vintage pieces | Etsy, eBay, Collectibles sites | Unique—but stock fluctuates and prices vary |
Let me know what style you’re after—novelty bath duck, decorative garden weather vane, or a period collectible—and I can help you track one down!
I looked on ebay and there are no weather ducks to be had so I will use both names for my duck and I will treasure Professor Percival Thunderhead Storm Puddlewise.
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