Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is an impressive, heavy cast-iron hollow-back doorstop shaped like a proud rooster perched on a stylized rocky mound. It features multi-color cold-painted detailing including a bold red comb, textured white and black plumage, and a decorative scrolling base.
Story
American foundries transformed functional draft-stoppers into beloved decorative sculptures during the 1920s boom. Roosters symbolized dawn, vigilance, and rural warmth in American homes.
Maker / Origin
While unsigned, this piece exhibits the high-relief modeling and heavy sand-casting characteristics of major early 20th-century American foundries like Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, or Bradley & Hubbard.
Condition & Value
Shows age-appropriate paint wear, minor chipping, and surface oxidation, particularly along the base edges. Original paint loss reduces value slightly compared to pristine mint examples, but adds authentic character. Values depend heavily on whether the paint is original or touched up, as well as foundry attribution.
Full Research
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.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.