Antique Hubley Cast Iron Golfer Duck Paperweight Duffer Figurine Original Paint

Details

Description

Up for sale is an authentic, original early 20th-century cast iron figural paperweight manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of … Read more Up for sale is an authentic, original early 20th-century cast iron figural paperweight manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Popularly known among cast iron and sports collectors as the "Golfer Duck" or "Duffer Duck," this piece depicts an anthropomorphic duck clad in period golf attire, including a bright red flat cap/beret, a white golf sweater featuring green plaid/tartan cross-hatching, brown golf knickers (knickerbockers), and brown saddle shoes standing atop a green turf-style base.

Provenance & Design Significance: Originating from the golden age of American decorative iron casting, Hubley’s whimsical animal novelties capture the playful spirit of 1920s leisure culture. The anthropomorphic golfer motif combines folk-art charm with Art Deco-era novelty design, rendering it a highly desirable crossover item for both sports enthusiasts and classic Americana collectors.

Curator's Note: A charming piece of early 20th-century American foundry craftsmanship, this cast iron 'Duffer Duck' paperweight lends character and subtle humor to a modern desk, bookshelf, or curated study display. Its well-patinated polychrome finish and folk-art aesthetic make it a perfect accent piece for tailored, traditional, or eclectic interiors.
Origin: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA

Manufacturer: Hubley Manufacturing Company

Age: Circa 1920s – 1930s

Material: Heavy Cast Iron with original factory cold-painted polychrome finish

Dimensions: Approximately 2.5 inches (H) x 1.75 inches (W)

Weight: 4.9 oz (139 grams)

Reference
Book Title: Doorstops, Yellow Pages: Identification & Values
Author: Jeanne Bertoia
Page/Reference: Figural paperweight sections / Hubley Novelties (Cross-referenced in Hubley Toy Catalogs & Cast Iron Novelties by Metalware Collector Guides).

Authenticity Assessment This piece displays classic markers of authentic 19th and early 20th-century American foundry work from Hubley. Inspection reveals two smooth, hand-filed side mold seams that align cleanly without heavy flash lines or modern grinder gouges. The casting detail is sharp, particularly around the duck's beak, eyes, cap brim, and feet. The bottom exhibits a flat, micro-textured casting surface typical of vintage sand-mold casting methods rather than modern smooth-bottom resin or zinc reproductions. Furthermore, the polychrome finish shows natural, multi-layered cold paint shrinkage and edge wear consistent with nearly a century of gentle handling. See less