Antique Hubley Cast Iron Fido on Pillow Still Penny Bank, Original Paint C. 1920s

Details

Description

This is an authentic, large-scale antique cast iron still penny bank known as "Fido on Pillow," manufactured by the renowned … Read more This is an authentic, large-scale antique cast iron still penny bank known as "Fido on Pillow," manufactured by the renowned Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, during the 1920s.

The piece features a stylized black-and-white puppy (Fido) with a vibrant red collar sitting upright on an ornate, tasseled bolster pillow. The cushion base is molded with intricate floral and scroll details, featuring individual painted red blossoms on a textured background. A classic coin slot is cleanly cast on top of the puppy's head.

This specific example boasts an impressive provenance, originating from the highly regarded Tom Kellogg Collection. It features exceptional weight and presence for a still bank, weighing 3 lbs 9.8 oz, with a base measuring 7.5" x 6" and standing 5.5" tall. The bank is constructed in three separate, heavy cast pieces (two halves for the dog and a standalone hollow-cast base plate for the pillow) secured by an original internal screw mechanism.

Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: Hubley Manufacturing Co.

Origin: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA

Era/Age: Circa 1920s (often referenced across 1914–1930s production)

Material: Heavy Cast Iron (Foundry Molded)

Dimensions: 5.5" Height | Base: 7.5" Width x 6" Depth

Weight: 3 lbs 9.8 oz

Provenance: Tom Kellogg Collection

Literature Reference
This historic pattern is a documented design by the Hubley Manufacturing Company. You can find this exact bank listed and illustrated for collectors in the definitive reference guide:

Book Title: The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks

Author: Andy Moore and Susan Moore

Publisher: Schiffer Publishing

Page Reference: Pattern identified as the large variant "Fido on Pillow" (Typically referenced under the Hubley animal sections/catalog lists detailing the 3-piece assembly).

Authenticity Assessment
Seam Alignment and Tightness: The casting seams on the dog show clean, consistent factory tolerances. While there is a slight structural gap near the shoulder, the seam edges are precise and do not exhibit the rough, mismatched gaps seen in modern recasts.
Surface Texture: The interior cast iron texture visible via the under-base shows a smooth, high-quality foundry finish typical of Hubley's superior sand-molding techniques. It lacks the pebble-like, granular texture found on cheap reproductions.
Paint Characteristics: Natural oil-based paint degradation, including legitimate age-crazing and layered oxidation that cannot be easily replicated.
Weight & Dimensions: At 3 lbs 9.8 oz, the mass matches the heavy gauge required of a true early 20th-century Hubley casting.

Design Significance & Provenance
Introduced during the golden age of American cast iron manufacturing, this "Fido on Pillow" still bank is an exceptional crossover piece exemplifying whimsical early 20th-century Americana and technical foundry mastery. Molded by the celebrated Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, its distinct form safely captures the lighthearted, illustrative style popularized by designers like Grace Drayton in the 1910s and 1920s. This specific artifact boasts direct provenance from the renowned Tom Kellogg Collection, distinguishing it as an item of documented historical appreciation.
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Aesthetic Appeal & Interior Utility
Boasting an exceptionally dry, untouched original paint layer, the piece showcases a deeply layered patina that grounds a room with authentic historical character. For interior designers, this sculptural object offers brilliant decorative utility. Its heavy weight (3 lbs 9.8 oz) allows it to easily transition from a traditional shelf accent or mantle piece to a high-end, functional bookend or doorstop. It functions beautifully as an conversational vignette element within rustic, eclectic, or traditional American interiors, injecting texture and graphic warmth through its molded floral base and charming form.
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Curator's Note
"A marvelous study in early 20th-century American decorative craft, this authentic Hubley 'Fido on Pillow' still bank balances sculptural charm with superb collector gravity. Sourced from the esteemed Tom Kellogg Collection, the three-piece heavy iron casting retains its original paint surface, presenting a beautifully honest, dry patina that collectors crave. Its ornate, floral-molded bolster base makes it a delightful addition to an antique bookcase display, while its substantial heft provides excellent decorative utility as an artful door wedge or desk weight for a sophisticated, character-filled study."
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