Antique Hubley #353 Cast Iron Pekingese Dog Paperweight Figurine / Single Bookend (C. 1920s)

Details

Description

Up for sale is a rare and substantial original early 20th-century cast iron Pekingese dog paperweight / shelf sculpture produced … Read more Up for sale is a rare and substantial original early 20th-century cast iron Pekingese dog paperweight / shelf sculpture produced by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Model No. 353). While originally cast as part of a bookend series, single Hubley canine forms are highly sought after in their own right as standalone desk accessories, paperweights, and architectural shelf anchors.

Molded in crisp high relief, this piece features remarkable sculptural detail, capturing the regal stance, squatted muzzle, and heavy flowing coat of a show Pekingese. The piece retains its original multi-tone cold-painted factory finish, featuring rich ochre fur tones, dark facial mask details, black eye accents, and a deep forest-green base.

The reverse clearly displays the deeply cast Hubley catalog model number 353. The underside retains its original green felt protective lining. Uncleaned, unpolished, and completely untouched to preserve its original historical surface integrity and authentic age-distressed patina.

Design Significance & Provenance:
Produced during the golden age of American cast iron decorative art by Lancaster's premier foundry, the Hubley Manufacturing Company, this model #353 Pekingese captures the Art Deco era's fascination with exotic canine breeds. The dimensional modeling of the heavy fur mantle showcases high-relief sculpting techniques unique to early 20th-century American foundries.

Aesthetic Appeal:
Featuring a weathered, authentic patinated surface, this piece adds texture and sculptural weight to curated bookshelves, mantelpieces, or library desks. Its warm mustard and deep forest-green palette complements traditional English country house interiors, eclectic gallery shelves, and vintage brass or mahogany settings.

Curator's Note: A magnificent 1920s Hubley cast iron Pekingese desk paperweight and shelf accent (Model No. 353). Weighing over 2.3 lbs, this sculptural piece features its original cold-painted finish with a beautifully aged patina. An ideal anchor for stack books, library desks, or curated mantle vignettes in traditional, eclectic, or English country house interiors.

Specifications:
Maker: Hubley Manufacturing Company (Lancaster, PA)

Model Number: 353

Origin: United States

Age: Circa 1920s–1930s

Material: Heavy Cast Iron

Finish: Original Cold-Painted Factory Finish

Dimensions: Approx. 5.5" High x 5.0" Wide (Base) x 1.875" Deep

Weight: 2 lbs 5.9 oz

Reference
Book Title: The Doorstop Book: An Identification and Price Guide
Author: Jeanne Bertoia
Page / Reference: Page 134 (Hubley Pekingese series & dog forms)

Authenticity Assessment
The piece exhibits all key characteristics of early 20th-century original Hubley cast iron production:

Mold Number Stamp: Clear, raised cast numerals 353 on the reverse. The mold digits exhibit distinct, hand-cut foundry die characteristics rather than sharp modern computer fonts.

Casting Quality: High-definition detailing in the Pekingese’s flowing coat, facial folds, and muzzle, accompanied by crisp mold seams along the outer rim.

Paint & Surface: Original cold-painted finish consisting of a warm mustard/ochre coat, dark accenting around the eyes and snout, and a forest-green base coat. Micro-crazing (paint alligatoring) and honest edge wear reveal natural oxidation underneath rather than artificial distressing. See less