Preliminary identification

Hubley Cast Iron Scottish Terrier Doorstop

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic, heavy cast iron doorstop depicting a Scottish Terrier in a standing alert pose. This iconic piece features the textured, wire-haired coat characteristic of the breed and is constructed from two molded halves joined together.

Story

During the Great Depression, the Scottish Terrier became a symbol of resilience and charm, popularized by FDR's famous dog, Fala. This heavy little guardian was designed to keep doors open to catch summer breezes in an era before air conditioning.

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1894 by John Hubley, the Hubley Manufacturing Company became world-renowned for its highly detailed cast iron toys, doorstops, and bookends. Their artists captured the distinct personalities of animals, making their functional household items highly collectible works of art.

Condition & Value

The doorstop shows honest wear consistent with age, including paint loss on the feet, ears, and tail, and some surface rust on the unpainted undersides of the paws. The eyes appear to have some old touch-up paint, which is common but slightly reduces value compared to pristine original paint.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.