Antique Cast Iron Gentleman Rabbit Doorstop Albany Foundry 94 Top Hat

Details

Description

This whimsical cast iron doorstop depicts a dapper gentleman rabbit—frequently associated with John Tenniel’s iconic White Rabbit illustration for Alice’s … Read more This whimsical cast iron doorstop depicts a dapper gentleman rabbit—frequently associated with John Tenniel’s iconic White Rabbit illustration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland—dressed in a top hat, tailcoat, bowtie, vest, and trousers while standing on a grassy mound. Produced in the early 20th century by the Albany Foundry Company of Albany, New York, and designated as Model No. 94, the form exemplifies the narrative figure doorstops popular in American decorative ironworking during the 1910s–1920s. Rendered in a half-round single-piece sand casting with a deeply recessed hollow reverse, the piece retains its original multi-color cold-painted surface, showcasing a rich patina and authentic chippy wear that highlighting its century-old heritage.

Design Significance: An exceptional example of early 20th-century American decorative ironmongery, Albany Foundry’s Model No. 94 captures the whimsical charm of Victorian and Edwardian storybook illustration through bold relief sculpting and expressive character design.

Historical Context: Cast by the Albany Foundry Company in Albany, NY, during the height of decorative cast iron production, this piece blends functional hearthware with storybook nostalgia, evoking the immortalized White Rabbit of 19th-century literature.

Curator’s Note: With its sculpted top hat, tailcoat, and aged polychrome surface, this Albany Foundry rabbit doorstop delivers historic character and playful sophistication. A perfect accent piece for a library hearth, entry door, or curated bookshelf display.

Technical Specifications & Construction Details
Manufacturer / Attribution: Attributed to Albany Foundry Company (Albany, New York).

Model / Catalog Number: Stamped 94 on the reverse lower-left base flange.

Casting Method: Single-piece hollow sand casting (half-round figure with open back profile).

Subject / Form: Anthropomorphic Gentleman Rabbit / White Rabbit in formal coat and top hat standing on a curved base.

Surface Finish: Original factory-applied cold paint in red, white, green, black, and orange, with naturally aged paint loss and oxidized iron patina.

Dimensions: 10" Height × 4.5" Base Width × 1.5" Depth.

Weight: 2 lbs 13.2 oz (approx. 2.83 lbs).

Physical Description
Form & Profile: A single-sided, hollow-backed half-round casting depicting a standing rabbit dressed in formal attire. The figure features erect ears extending backward, a top hat, double-breasted tailcoat, cravat/bow, vest, tucked paw, and trousers, anchored to a semi-circular domed base.

Construction & Seams: Solid sand-cast iron piece; single-piece construction without hardware, assembly bolts, or central screws.

Markings & Stampings: Distinct raised/incised mold pattern number 94 crisp and legible on the reverse lower-left corner near the base edge.

Base Details: Flat, semi-circular wedge base with unpainted underside showing smooth foundry floor grinding and natural dark oxidized iron.

Patina & Finish: Multi-layer original cold-painted polychrome finish. Paint exhibits age-appropriate crazing, flaking, and loss revealing the dark grey/brown oxidized cast iron beneath. See less