Large 19th C. American Cast-Iron Lion Shield Medallion, Architectural Ornament

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Large 19th-Century American Cast-Iron Lion Shield Medallion, Architectural Ornament

An imposing and sculptural late 19th-century American cast-iron lion medallion, modeled … Read more Large 19th-Century American Cast-Iron Lion Shield Medallion, Architectural Ornament

An imposing and sculptural late 19th-century American cast-iron lion medallion, modeled in deep high relief and mounted on a heraldic shield backplate. Measuring an impressive 19 inches high and projecting 9 inches, this example is unusually large and powerfully rendered, with a commanding presence rarely found in surviving architectural ironwork. The lion’s expressive, heavily articulated mane and forward-projected muzzle are framed by a shield-shaped escutcheon with cast rivet detailing, a motif widely associated with Victorian Gothic Revival and early Beaux-Arts architecture.

This type of cast iron was originally created as architectural ornament, most commonly installed on grand entry gates, masonry piers, brownstone facades, municipal buildings, fraternal lodge halls, theaters, or high-style Victorian homes. The heraldic shield—symbolizing vigilance, guardianship, and civic pride—suggests a function tied to public display or ceremonial architecture rather than simple domestic décor.

The medallion is sand-cast in thick iron, displaying classic late-19th-century foundry traits: a heavily textured interior cavity, irregular mold lines, and an early black Japan surface with authentic oxidation. The quality of modeling, depth, and mass aligns closely with the output of major American architectural iron manufacturers such as J.L. Mott Iron Works (New York), Wood & Perot / Robert Wood & Co. (Philadelphia), and Henry Hooper & Sons (Boston). Its theatricality and shield form also relate to examples attributed to J.W. Fiske, though the exact foundry remains unknown.

A rare, dramatic piece of American architectural history—ideal for collectors of 19th-century ironwork, designers seeking a bold focal element, or entryway, fireplace, and garden installations.

Dimensions: 19" H × 16.5" W × 9" D. See less