Antique Judd Co Cjo 1286 Cast Iron Sailing Ship Doorstop American Flag Painted

Details

Description

An exceptional 1920s antique cast iron nautical doorstop produced by the H.L. Judd Company (C.J.O.) of Connecticut. This piece depicts … Read more An exceptional 1920s antique cast iron nautical doorstop produced by the H.L. Judd Company (C.J.O.) of Connecticut. This piece depicts a full-rigged sailing ship traversing cresting ocean waves, crowned with a painted American flag at the mainmast head.

The piece retains its original factory hand-painted finish, featuring cream sails, a green and gold hull, and vibrant blue-and-white sea foam waves. The back is hollowed out in typical period fashion with integral foot pads and clearly displays both the stamped model catalog number 1286 and the official CJO foundry mark. Uncleaned and completely untouched to preserve its original surface patina and historical value.

Item Specifics
Manufacturer / Foundry: H.L. Judd Company (C.J.O. / Judd Manufacturing Co., Connecticut)

Model Number / Markings: Stamped 1286 on lower reverse; features the raised "CJO" monogram logo at top reverse.

Subject: Three-Masted Sailing Ship / Clipper Ship at Sea flying the American Flag.

Material: Cast Iron with original polychrome cold paint.

Origin: United States (Connecticut).

Age: Circa 1920s.

Dimensions: 7 inches wide x 5 inches tall x 2.25 inches deep base.

Weight: 4 lbs 2.3 oz.

Authenticity Assessment
This doorstop displays all defining authenticity markers of genuine 1920s H.L. Judd Co. cast iron production. The back exhibits fine-grained sand-casting texture with tight, crisp relief detail rather than the rough, pitted surfaces typical of modern recasts. The catalog number 1286 is deeply crisp and integral to the casting along the lower rear edge. The raised rectangular mark at the upper peak shows the distinct stylized "CJO" monogram logo. Furthermore, the underside edge shows genuine age-appropriate oxidation and honest wear through the original polychrome cold paint, revealing dark oxidized iron underneath rather than fresh bright metal or chemical artificial aging.

Reference
Book Title: The Doorstop Book: An Identification and Price Guide
Author: Jeanne Bertoia
Page / Reference: Page 98 (Nautical & Sailing Ship Doorstops Section, documenting H.L. Judd Co. production numbers and CJO foundry marks).

Curator's Note:
A striking example of early 20th-century American metalwork by H.L. Judd Co., this cast iron ship doorstop brings timeless maritime character and sculptural weight to modern interiors. Featuring its untouched original polychrome patina and crisp CJO casting, it serves as an ideal accent piece for coastal libraries, executive desks, or entryways seeking authentic historical depth. See less