Cast Iron Fisherman Doorstop/Figurine
Decorative art; cast iron figurine/doorstop • Likely Hubley Manufacturing Company or similar American iron foundry (Albany Foundry, National Foundry)
Style & Movement
Americana / Folk Art / Industrial Decorative Art
Medium & Technique
Cast iron with cold-painted polychrome enamel finish
Creation Period
Early to mid-20th century (c. 1920s-1940s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 6 inches in height; three-dimensional freestanding format
Subject Description
A bearded fisherman or sailor wearing a yellow oilskin slicker and a 'sou'wester' hat, hunched over while pulling or holding a fishing net. The base suggests a rocky coast or water's edge.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; significant paint loss and oxidation consistent with age and functional use
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced household item from the early 20th century; typically sold through department stores or catalogs; no specific marks visible in image.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the golden age of American cast iron production. These figures transitioned from functional doorstops to collectible decorative Americana.
Notable Features
Classic 'Slicker' yellow color scheme; heavy cast construction; characteristic 'pitted' texture indicating authentic sand-casting process.
Condition Issues
Extensive paint chipping and flaking across the hat, coat, and net; visible surface rust/oxidation where iron is exposed; loss of facial detail due to wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a low-humidity environment to prevent further rust; do not repaint as original 'shabby' patina is preferred by collectors; dust with a natural soft-bristle brush.