Doorstops: Cast Iron Figural Door Holders of the Early 20th Century
Cast iron figural doorstops are decorative household objects produced primarily between 1910 and 1940 in the United States. These colorfully painted iron castings depicted flowers, animals, people, ships, cottages, and other subjects, serving as both functional door props and decorative accent pieces. Originally inexpensive household items, fine examples in original paint now command thousands of dollars. The field has attracted serious collectors since the 1970s, and rare forms are among the most sought-after pieces of Americana.
Manufacturers and Production
The principal manufacturers of cast iron doorstops include:
- Hubley Manufacturing Company (Lancaster, PA): The largest and most prolific producer
- National Foundry (Boston, MA): Known for flower basket and figural designs
- Bradley & Hubbard (Meriden, CT): Quality castings with distinctive style
- Littco Products (Littlestown, PA): Various figural designs
- Albany Foundry (Albany, NY): Distinctive flat-backed figures
- Spencer (Guilford, CT): Small output but collectible designs
- Eastern Specialty Company: Various household figures
Most doorstops were produced from sand-cast molds and hand-painted at the factory. Production peaked in the 1920s-1930s.
Types and Popular Subjects
- Flower baskets: The most common form; dozens of variations exist
- Dogs: Terriers, setters, bulldogs, and spaniels in various poses
- Cats: Seated, reclining, and Halloween black cats
- Human figures: Colonial ladies, fishermen, pirates, Uncle Sam
- Buildings: Cape Cod cottages, castles, and lighthouses
- Ships: Clipper ships, sailboats, and full-rigged vessels
- Miscellaneous: Parrots, penguins, owls, rabbits, fruit baskets
Auction Price Ranges
| Subject | Maker (if known) | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit in top hat | National Foundry | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Parrot on ring | Hubley | $300 - $600 |
| Flower basket, tulips | Hubley | $100 - $250 |
| Boston terrier | Hubley | $150 - $350 |
| Colonial woman | Hubley | $200 - $450 |
| Cape Cod cottage | Eastern Specialty | $150 - $300 |
| Clipper ship | National Foundry | $200 - $500 |
| Cat with bow | National Foundry | $300 - $700 |
| Geisha girl | Hubley | $400 - $900 |
Condition Factors
- Original paint: The single most critical factor; doorstops with 90%+ original paint bring top prices
- Repainted examples: Worth 20-40% of original-paint equivalents; many repainted stops are misrepresented
- Casting quality: Sharp, detailed castings are preferred; worn molds produced softer details
- Rust: Surface rust under paint indicates moisture damage; heavy rust is a serious defect
- Completeness: Some doorstops had separate rubber bumper pads on the back; these are often missing
- Reproductions: Extensive modern reproductions exist; genuine old castings are heavier, with coarser sand texture on backs
Collecting Tips
Original paint is paramount -- never clean, repaint, or strip an original-paint doorstop. Learn to distinguish original factory paint (which shows age-appropriate wear patterns) from later repainting (which often has a different texture and sits on top of rust). Reproductions, particularly from the 1970s-1990s, flood the market; genuine pieces have rough, sandy backs and heavier weight than thin modern castings. John and Nancy Smith's reference books document known forms and help identify makers. Concentrate on figural subjects rather than flower baskets, as figurals are generally rarer and more valuable. Condition over rarity should drive purchasing decisions -- a common form in outstanding original paint will appreciate better than a rare form with no original finish.