Early 20th-Century Cast Metal Bulldog Tree Stump Desk Humidor

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Description

An antique cast-metal desk humidor modeled as a naturalistic hollow tree stump. The cylindrical body is covered with deeply rendered … Read more An antique cast-metal desk humidor modeled as a naturalistic hollow tree stump. The cylindrical body is covered with deeply rendered faux-bois bark texture and retains an aged, verdigris-style painted finish that emphasizes the recesses and irregularities of the casting.

Its removable lid is surmounted by a detailed standing bulldog figure posed alertly as if guarding the contents below. The dog is modeled with a broad chest, expressive face, cropped ears, and a painted red collar. Areas of finish loss reveal the underlying metal and give the figure a timeworn appearance.

Branching arms extend from the sides of the stump and form two integrated rests intended to hold cigars, cigarettes, or matches. A smaller hollow stump-form vessel positioned at the front may have served as a match holder or ash receptacle. The main compartment retains its removable metal liner.

Combining practical smoking-related functions with whimsical animal imagery and naturalistic casting, the piece is an appealing example of antique novelty deskware. It would make a distinctive addition to a collection of tobacco accessories, figural metalwork, bulldog memorabilia, or Victorian desk objects.

TW - 19414 - 031726
LV - 19414 - 092526 See less