Cast Iron Doorstops

American cast iron doorstops were developed around 1820 and quickly became a symbol of American upper-class affluence with their popularity peaking in the 1920s and 30s. The foundrys that produced them typically coated them with a monotone finish and then contracted local women to hand paint each one. This practice made them individually decorative while preserving their important function of propping open doors before the days of central air-conditioning. Smaller doorstops, under 7", were used for interior doors but some exterior stops measure as large as 18".

At the onset of WWII, the doorstop craze was extinguished when scap metal was melted down for the war effort.

To begin a doorstop collection, be sure to look at condition - vibrant original paint and castings with sharp detail. Prices can range from $100 to $1000 and up, depending on rarity and condition. For a starting point, go to http://www.doorstops.com/ for some ideas on the wide variety of antique doorstops available in today's market. Pictured here is Little Southern Belle, she is a full bodied doorstop valued at $175-300