American Cast Iron Model of a Cat

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Description

Cast Iron Charm: American Folk Art Cat Doorstop

This charming piece of American folk art is a cast iron doorstop … Read more Cast Iron Charm: American Folk Art Cat Doorstop

This charming piece of American folk art is a cast iron doorstop modeled in the form of a black and white tuxedo cat. Doorstops like this were popular functional objects in American homes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the period's love for both decorative utility and figural whimsy.


The doorstop depicts a seated cat, likely a tuxedo breed, painted in high-contrast black and white. The cat's face is engaging, featuring large, light-colored eyes (often blue or green in these painted examples) and a white blaze. The figure is realistically modeled but retains the simple, heavy charm typical of cast iron production.

Material: Cast iron was the material of choice for doorstops, providing the necessary weight to keep heavy interior and exterior doors ajar.

Painting: The original polychrome paint is largely intact, defining the cat's coat markings, highlighting its paws, and emphasizing its distinct features.

Base: The cat sits on a molded, ornamental base, usually painted in a dark color (often green or bronze), which gives the piece stability and a finished, decorative look.

Historical Context: The Doorstop Craze

Figural cast iron doorstops flourished in the United States from the 1890s through the 1940s. While some were produced by foundries that specialized in architectural hardware, many were manufactured by companies known for general housewares or toys, such as Hubley Manufacturing Company or Spencer Manufacturing Co.

These objects were widely accessible and celebrated for their diverse designs, which included everything from floral baskets and comic book characters to animals, like this domestic cat. They represent a significant category of American folk art, prized by collectors today for their naive charm and connection to early 20th-century home décor. The common, beloved theme of a cat ensured this particular model's enduring appeal.

Details
Subject: Tuxedo Cat Doorstop
Medium: Cast Iron with Polychrome Paint
Style: American Folk Art / Decorative Arts
Period: Late 19th to Early 20th Century

Dimensions: 11 1/2 inches high x 9 3/4 inches wide x 5 inches deep

(Ref: NY10469-irr) See less