I finally found my thrifting unicorn … an antique doorstop that looks just like my Boston Terrier, Sushi! These doorstops are so popular that I’m sharing how to tell antique cast iron doorstops from fakes This lead me down a rabbit hole to find out all I could about these folk art collectibles that come in so many whimsical designs. So whether you are a die hard collector of antique doorstops or this is the first time you’ve heard of them, I’m sharing lots of interesting information so that you can be on the lookout for your own unicorn (or dog, or flower, or bird … you get the picture)!
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There were many companies (Hubley, National Foundry, Albany Foundry to name a few) that produced these doorstops in the late 18th and 19th centuries. They were at the height of popularity during the 1920s – 1940s.
With popularity comes imitation so beware of reproductions. Older doorstops will have a smoother feel while fake counterparts feel rougher or pebbly. Small chips are common but antique doorstops should never be repainted. Doorstops that have two or more pieces will be joined together with a flat, slotted screw while you can tell a repro from the telltale Phillips-head screws. Before I bought my Boston Terrier, I texted my antique dealer friend to see if I was getting a deal and she told me to flip it over to make sure the screws were old.
This book is such a great resource and chock full of information (and over 1,000 photos) with prices from 2006 …
The Doorstop Book: An Encyclopedia of Doorstop Collecting
This Obvious Doorstop Fake Made Me Laugh (notice screws in back and bright paint)
Since my doorstop has no markings, I did some research and found out that it was manufactured by Hubley (#331). Hubley put their marks on the inside of their doorstops.
Hubley advertised this doorstop, Police Dog, in the 1938-9 Sears & Roebuck Catalog for $1.19 each. How cute is the little leather collar and leash that came with the dog! You can see the indentation on my dogs neck where the collar would have been.
To create these cast iron doorstops, metalworkers carved a wooden form or hammered the design out of metal. The form was pressed into sand, making an impression, then hot cast iron was poured into the sand mold. When cool, the form was removed from the sand and the rough edges were filed down. A base coat was applied and then artists would add all the little details. After World War II, die-cast zinc replaced cast iron.
How to spot an antique … look for old screws, not Phillips head (with an x shape). Although some good reproductions will use old screws so this isn’t the best way to identify.
Look for a tight opening where pieces join together (not a wide one).
Look for original paint – some chipping is ok but they should never be repainted.
If it looks new, it probably is new! You’ll spot a modern doorstop reproduction by its rough metal and rough edges, seams that are not a tight fit, hand-painted look with bright colors and typically a Phillips-head screw holding it together.
I’m so happy to have found a little mini Sushi at that estate sale and will be on the lookout for more because I feel a new collection coming on!
See More of My Vintage Collections Here
Oh wow.. this was interesting to see this post..I have one too 🙂 , have it listed for sale so if you’re interested. Let me know..
You do how fun! There were three at the estate sale but I controlled myself and only bought one!
Do you have pictures of yours and measurements? I’m very interested to see pictures of sides front back bottom please
Thanks for info! I was gifted some cast iron Santa Claus pieces years ago. Maybe now I can determine if actually old!
How fun Sandy! Let me know what you find out!
You reap what you sow a lot of times the older cast will have multiple layers of different color of paints a whole lot tighter in the seam well not have raised bumps or inverted bumps these are imperfections. Also parts old cast they were very OCD is the best way I know how to put it they have every line perfect the newer ones try to look not perfect so people think they’re old and there is a massive size difference reproductions are significantly smaller.
Gotta do your homework to make sure you get what you pay for!
Kelly, Mini Sushi is such a cool find.
I couldn’t believe my luck Pat!
LOVE the phrase “thrifting unicorn”!! He’s a cutie-a real find😊
Maybe my phrase will go viral Janice!
I have looked but, so far have never found one new or old. I would love to have one and thanks for all the info yours is so cute. Have a great week.
I couldn’t believe my luck Marlene! There were actually 3 of these in different sizes at the estate sale but I controlled myself and only got one!
Loved all the information on the doorstops. Thank you! Very informative. I have an old beetle one that I know for sure is old. Came from my husband’s family farm in Ohio.
Lucky you to have such a cool find Lynda!
I have one and now wonder if its old or not!!
I hope it is!
Great information Kel!
Too many unscrupulous dealers trying to pass reproductions for the real deal…(Staffordshire dogs are the biggest problem out there regarding fakes).
Glad you got a real Hubley! You can’t fake that paint!
Now Sushi has a new friend.
Stacey
I need a pair of Staffordshire dogs next! Have any to spare?!
I bought a mini Boston terrier that is cast iron or lighter material with flat screw. Probably reproduction though as it is smooth but perfect paint job. Any comments would be appreciated!
As long as you love it that’s all that matters!