Antique Judd Co Cast Iron Japanese Spaniel Dog Doorstop 1267 Begging Pup 1920s

Details

Description

Up for sale is an antique 1920s cast iron doorstop manufactured by the renowned H.L. Judd Company of Connecticut (Pattern … Read more Up for sale is an antique 1920s cast iron doorstop manufactured by the renowned H.L. Judd Company of Connecticut (Pattern #1267). Depicting a whimsical begging Japanese Spaniel (Pekingese) sitting upright on a stepped pedestal, this charming piece retains its original factory construction with authentic paint loss and surface patina.

Historical Provenance & Design Significance: Produced during the golden age of American cast iron decorative arts in the 1920s, this H.L. Judd Co. doorstop highlights the era's affection for whimsical canine motifs. The sculpted Japanese Spaniel in a classic "begging" posture showcases expressive detailing typical of Judd's metalwork masters.

Aesthetic Appeal & Interior Design Utility: Highly coveted by interior designers styling traditional, cottagecore, or eclectic library spaces. Perfectly scaled to serve as a functional door stop, desk paperweight, or shelf bookend alongside antique leather-bound books.

Curator’s Note: An irresistible piece of 1920s Americana. The gentle flaking of its original polychrome coat reveals the underlying dark iron, giving it an enviable, time-earned patina ideal for layering character onto modern mantelpieces or curated bookshelves.

Item Specifics:
Maker: H.L. Judd Co. (Wallingford, CT)

Pattern: #1267 ("Japanese Spaniel")

Circa: 1920s

Material: Heavy Cast Iron

Dimensions: Approx. 5" H x 4.25" W x 2.25" D

Weight: 2 lbs 1.8 oz (heavy, solid iron)

Authenticity Assessment
This doorstop displays classic, indisputable markers of early 20th-century cast iron manufacture:

Casting Detail & Texture: Features fine casting details in the fur, ears, and face without the rough pitting or blurred mold lines typical of modern recasts.

Hardware & Oxidation: Original flat-head slotted steel/iron screws exhibit deep age-appropriate iron rust and surface oxidation around the screw wells.

Paint Patina: The tan/gold paint on the dog displays genuine micro-crazing (paint alligatoring), flaking, and loss consistent with nearly a century of gentle handling and exposure to room humidity.

Weight & Density: At over 2 lbs 1 oz for its compact ~5" height, the iron density aligns precisely with 1920s Judd foundry formulas.

Reference
Book Title: The Doorstop Book: An Identification and Price Guide
Authors: John Smith and Nancy Smith
Page Reference: Page 147 (Cataloged as Judd Co. Item #1267, "Japanese Spaniel"). See less