Antique Cast Iron Eagle on Rock Doorstop Patriotic Americana Hubley or Albany

Details

Description

For sale is a 1920s–1930s Early American cast iron doorstop depicting a bold American Bald Eagle perched atop a rocky … Read more For sale is a 1920s–1930s Early American cast iron doorstop depicting a bold American Bald Eagle perched atop a rocky ledge with wide outstretched wings. Featuring classic open-mouth details, textured feather modeling, and a hollowed back shell structure integrated into a heavy semi-circular weighted base plate. The surface retains its original factory-applied dark black Japanned / oxidized iron finish showing honest shelf wear, light edge micro-loss, and natural, undisturbed dark brown oxidation consistent with nearly a century of age.

Historical & Architectural Significance: An iconic specimen of Early 20th-Century Federal Revival Decorative Arts, this cast iron eagle sculpture embodies the bold graphic lines and patriotic symbolism favored in American interior design during the 1920s and 30s. Its sculptural profile and tactile iron texture make it a striking accent for Library, Executive Study, or Entryway staging.

Curator’s Note: "Rendered with dramatic spread wings and an imposing stance, this original 1920s cast iron eagle functions beautifully both as a functional door porter and as a sculptural mantel anchor. Its deep, aged iron patina offers rich visual contrast alongside natural wood tone cabinetry, leather-bound books, and brass study accoutrements.

Material: Solid Cast Iron (Single-Piece Shell Casting with Integrated Semi-Circular Base)

Dimensions: Approximately 6.75″ High × 8.0″ Wide across wingspan × 4.5″ Deep at base

Weight: 3 lbs 14.1 oz

Origin: United States (Attributed to Hubley Manufacturing Co. or Albany Foundry)

Era: Circa 1920s–1930s

Authenticity Assessment
This piece displays all classic hallmarks of authentic early 20th-century American foundry casting:

Grain & Density: Ultra-fine sand-mold cast texture on the front combined with a characteristic hand-peened, semi-rough hollow back interior.

Edge Construction: Clean, sharp casting seams around the outer perimeter without modern high-speed grinder marks or excessive flash.

Weight-to-Scale Ratio: Correct heavy mass (3 lbs 14.1 oz at 6.75″ height) consistent with dense grey iron compositions of the 1920s.

Patina & Wear: Natural, unpolished surface exhibiting original dark Japanned paint layer oxidation with micro-chipping along contact points. See less