What would be the best way to reproduce this finial on a building in Williamsburg, VA? I had someone ask me to replicate it, for their garden shed, but they backed out at the last minute. I've got my idea about it but am curious about other's ideas of replication.

 

Judging by that line down the center I would say it is an inside out turning. Would be the largest iI have ever seen.

I have to agree with Gerald.  That would be my approach, but then my experience is very limited.  

Here's what I thought would work for constructing this finial. Perhaps turning/drilling would work but would take a huge amount of work. Then it hit me..... cabriole legs. I drew up a cabriole leg that looked right, grabbed two 4X4 pieces of treated lumber, and cut them to shape. They were then glued together to form one side of the finial. The bevels in the base could be added to each of the legs and a separate octagonal point would be added to the top. This would be a total of 5 pieces for the finial. Please ignore the "rough" work shown.... this was a quick trial. I would have used a clear/good grade of cedar for the project.

 

Cool idea!

I did not realize that it was that large.  Great idea and execution.