The company also made flags, hoopskirts and match safes, all within the first few years of operation.

While production of clocks remained the company’s top priority, they expanded operations to manufacture call bells and sewing machines. Just two years later, the Hatch brothers stepped away, leaving the Bradley brothers and Hubbard to move forward as Bradley and Hubbard. Bradley, Walter Hubbard, and Orson and Chitten Hatch formed a partnership in 1852, the focus of their output was clocks. Here we’ll look at the contributions each made to doorstop history. Also, one of the revered designers of doorstops was Anne Fish. Among the most prolific producers were Bradley & Hubbard, Hubley, Littco, and Judd Co. Several companies have produced doorstops over the past two centuries, and in many instances, doorstops were a secondary, albeit successful, sideline. A perfect example of crossover collectibles, figural doorstops boast designs related to everything from Americana, nautical and floral themes to entertainment characters, folk art, animals and nature.ĬOLLECTING TIP – Many vintage models of original doorstops have a smoother casting, as opposed to a rougher surface that is sometimes seen in reproductions. The versatility of figural doorstop design also lends to its appeal among collectors of other types of objects. Bertoia Auctions and LiveAuctioneers image Sought-after hand painted casting of a young girl stepping over flowers, strong retention of paint, one of many variations of this doorstop created by Littco Productions (est. As was the case with more than a few objects of the past, being utilitarian didn’t mean visual appeal had to be sacrificed. The first doorstops were not fanciful in design, but it didn’t take too long before figural images became standard in doorstop production. Enter the doorstop.ĭoorstops of brass or other metals were commonplace in the early part of the 18th century, but it was the use of cast iron in the production of doorstops that changed the trajectory of stops, also known as chucks, wedges and blocks, among other things. A door that closed by itself was undoubtedly a helpful innovation, however, there were times when an open door was necessary and desired. It's important to note that not every dog bookend has a known maker, and some dog bookends by unknown makers can still be very valuable.Charles Dickens once wrote, “A very little key will open a very heavy door.” And a small cast-iron doorstop can keep it ajar while also being stylish and collectible.Īccording to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the advent of modern cast-iron doorstops came about in the mid-18th century, when a type of hinge was added to doors to allow for automatic closure. These included French bulldogs and Boston terriers made of cast iron, often worth hundreds of dollars. They are most famous for their valuable cast iron doorstops, but they also made gorgeous bookends.

Hubley - The Hubley Manufacturing Company was based in Pennsylvania and operated from 1894 through 1948.

Often working in cast iron with a rich bronze finish, the CT Foundry created many exquisite examples, such as a 1929 Fox Terrier bookend worth more than $100.

Connecticut Foundry - The Connecticut Foundry, sometimes called the CT Foundry, operated from 1919 through 1983 and was famous for their lovely bookends.

These often sell for more than one hundred dollars for a pair. You'll find lots of different breeds of dogs, including Beautiful English or Springer Spaniel bookends by Jennings Brothers showing remarkable detail.

Jennings Brothers - Active from the 1890s through the 1950s, Jennings Brothers was a Bridgeport, Connecticut-based manufacturer who specialized in detailed metal wares.

Many examples, such as Scottie dog bookends, can be worth hundreds of dollars.

Bradley and Hubbard - One of the most famous manufacturers of bookends, Bradley and Hubbard produced delicate cast iron antique home decorations from the 1870s through the 1950s.

The following are examples of manufacturers of antique dog bookends: If you're able to identify the manufacturer of your dog bookends, this can help you get a sense of their value. Look for Antique Dog Bookends by Known Makers

Vintage cast iron bookends