Cast Iron Fisherman Doorstop
Decorative art/Household object, functional sculpture • Attributed to National Foundry (Whitman, MA) or Hubley Manufacturing Co.
Style & Movement
American Folk Art/Nautical Decorative Arts
Medium & Technique
Cast iron with polychrome cold-paint finish
Creation Period
Early 20th Century (circa 1920-1940)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8-10 inches in height; full-round or flat-back relief format
Subject Description
A bearded fisherman in maritime attire, including a yellow southwester hat and slicker coat, shown hauling a large white fish or net from a blue wavy base. The figure embodies early 20th-century coastal New England iconography.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; significant paint loss and oxidation consistent with age and functional use
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely private household ownership; common in East Coast American estates. No visible foundry marks on face.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the golden age of American cast iron doorstops; reflects the popularity of maritime themes in domestic interior design during the interwar period.
Notable Features
Features the 'Old Salt' motif; the heavy cast and specific paint palette suggest a production by a major Massachusetts or Pennsylvania foundry.
Condition Issues
Extensive chipping and flaking of the original polychrome paint, surface rust/oxidation in exposed iron areas, and typical wear on the base.
Conservation Recommendations
Stable environment to prevent further rust; do not repaint as original 'shabby' patina is preferred by collectors; light dusting with a soft brush only.