Antique Cast Iron Standing Duck Paperweight Attributed to Hubley C. 1920s Original Paint

Details

Description

Early 20th-century American cast iron standing duck paperweight, measuring approximately 4.5 inches tall and weighing 1 lb 4 oz. Characterized … Read more Early 20th-century American cast iron standing duck paperweight, measuring approximately 4.5 inches tall and weighing 1 lb 4 oz. Characterized by its stylized form with a slightly downturned bill and integrated circular base, this model is widely attributed to the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The piece retains a substantial amount of its original cold-painted finish, exhibiting heavy age-appropriate micro-crazing (alligatoring), paint loss, and exposed dark iron oxidation across the body. The bottom reveals an unmachined, solid cast iron surface consistent with 1920s foundry production.

Historical & Design Significance: Produced during the peak of early 20th-century American cast iron novelty manufacturing, this 4.5-inch standing duck paperweight exemplifies the stylized, playful animalier decor popular in 1920s desk accessories. Attributed to Hubley Manufacturing Company, the piece features a naturally aged painted surface with an authentic craquelure texture developed over a century.

Aesthetic Appeal to Interior Designers: Highly tactile and heavy for its compact size, this antique duck offers an authentic vintage accent for library desks, bookshelves, or bedside tables. Its warm, aged ochre tones integrate seamlessly into traditional, American rustic, or modern eclectic interiors.

Curator’s Note: An authentic 1920s cast iron standing duck paperweight attributed to Hubley Manufacturing Co., featuring its original painted finish with a rich, historic craquelure patina. A charming decorative accent for desktop or shelf styling.

Product Specifications
Attribution: Attributed to Hubley Manufacturing Co. (Unmarked)

Origin: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA (American)

Age: Circa 1920s – 1930s

Material: Solid Cast Iron

Dimensions: Approx. 4.5" H × 2.0" W × 2.0" D

Weight: 1 lb 4.0 oz (567 g)

Authenticity & Attribution Assessment
This figure displays clear physical characteristics of 1920s American cast iron manufacturing. The piece features hand-filed flush casting seams, a solid non-hollow base structure, and organic cold-painted enamel. The distinct micro-crazing and flaking pattern on the paint surface confirms significant age and original finish rather than modern repainting. Because Hubley and contemporary foundries (such as A.C. Williams) did not consistently stamp small desk novelties with maker marks, definitive foundry identification relies on form matching and finish analysis; this piece is conservatively offered as period-authentic 1920s cast iron, attributed to Hubley based on established auction records. See less