Classic 1920's Art Deco Judd Manufacturing Cast Iron Bellhop Doorstop or Bookend

This exceptional 1920s Hubley cast iron doorstop, “Charleston Dancers,” No. 270, was designed by the celebrated British-born artist Anne Harriet Fish (later Anne Sefton) and captures the exuberant, lighthearted spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The sculptural doorstop depicts a dancing couple in close embrace, joyfully moving across the floor as they dance the Charleston late into the night, an iconic image of Jazz Age energy and modernity. Anne Harriet Fish was born in Bristol, England, and trained as a painter working in both oils and watercolors. After relocating to New York City, she became a prominent illustrator for Vanity Fair and Vogue, including the celebrated April 1917 Vanity Fair cover. During World War I, German-made porcelain doll heads became unavailable in the United States, prompting Fulper Pottery of Flemington, New Jersey, originally founded in 1909 as a stoneware pottery, to establish a new line of porcelain doll heads. When the postwar market for these products collapsed, Fulper pivoted to producing ceramic novelties, hiring Anne Fish in the early 1920s to contribute her distinctive, expressive designs. Fish’s success in ceramic design led to her collaboration with Hubley Manufacturing Company, for whom she designed seven iconic cast iron doorstops, now among the most desirable in the field of American folk and decorative arts: No. 269 – The Tiger No. 249 – The Messenger Boy No. 268 – The Parlor Maid No. 250 – Bathing Girls No. 270 – Charleston Dancers No. 222 – Small Footmen No. 248 – Large Footmen Anne Fish’s Hubley doorstops are characteristically numbered on the back and bear a copyright mark, with her name “FISH” painted on the front base, often in black. Likely influenced by her background in ceramics, her designs were finished with a distinctive high-gloss surface, a feature that has worn away on many surviving examples. This example is in beautiful antique condition, having been gently cleaned with minor professional paint restoration. It retains excellent surface presence and sculptural detail, with a richness and charm that exemplify Fish’s playful yet sophisticated approach to design. A highly collectible example of Hubley cast iron, Anne Fish doorstops...

Charming German Art Deco Porcelain Half Doll – Marked "Germany 3851" This delightful German porcelain half doll captivates with her petite size, making her all the more charming. Sh...

This charming antique cast iron boot scraper is sculpted in the whimsical form of a long, low-slung dachshund, a classic piece of early 20th-century American functional folk art. Att...

Rare Art Deco Seated Cat Bookends This rare pair of highly sculptural Art Deco cat bookends captures the elegance and stylized beauty of feline for...

Transporting cast iron double footmen in service as a doorstop with the original paint now worn to perfection. Signed FISH on the base.

From the Alice in Wonderland series, this full figured American cast iron doorstop features the "Carpenter" and he is sitting down with hands on knees, a ruler in his back pocket, often referred to as "taking a break". Unknown manufacture albeit the number "665" is stamped at the lower part of the hollowed out interior (see image. The doorstop is completely original in excellent all original paint, with no repairs, no restoration, and no touch up paint. It is nicely painted in brown, orange, and black, with flesh tones to the face and hands. Dimensions are 5 3/4" High x 4" Deep x 3" Wide. It has quite a bit of weight to it considering it's size. Excellent age crazing and patina throughout. The doorstop is circa 1910, judging by the finish and the popularity of Alice in Wonderland in America. The doorstop is referenced on page 200 in "The Doorstop Book" by John and Nancy Smith...

This is an antique figural doorstop. An English, cast iron Lord Nelson door keeper, dating to the Regency period, circa 1820. Fascinating historical figure, with a substantial form...

Wonderful stylized figure of a " bell boy " I particularly like the face Ebonized softwood with painted eyes Good condition. Chip to base seen in the last image. Free UK shipping...