Up for sale is an authentic early 20th-century solid cast iron figural paperweight depicting a Pilgrim / Puritan woman in traditional 18th-century/colonial attire. She is styled in the classic likeness of Priscilla Alden, wearing a tied bonnet hood, a full shoulder cape over a gown, and standing atop a textured green grassy mound base while holding her skirt to the side.

Attributed to prominent early American foundries such as the Hubley Manufacturing Company (Lancaster, PA) or A.C. Williams (Ravenna, OH) c. 1920s–1930s, this piece was solid-cast for use as a functional desk paperweight or decorative bookshelf accent. Despite its compact 4-inch scale, it weighs a heavy 13.1 ounces.

Dimensions & Weight:

• Height: ~4.0 inches

• Width: ~2.0 inches

• Depth: ~1.25 inches

• Weight: 13.1 oz (371 grams / 0.82 lbs)

Condition & Patina:

• Paint: 100% original factory cold-painted finish retained. Shows authentic, age-appropriate paint distress, flaking, and loss concentrated along high-relief points (cape folds, bonnet edges, gown skirts), exposing the dark oxidized iron underneath.

• Metal & Structure: Solid iron construction in structurally sound condition with no chips, cracks, breaks, or stress fractures.

• Surface & Base: Ground underside base displays original factory grinding marks alongside light surface oxidation/rust bloom consistent with untreated 90+ year old cast iron. Left completely uncleaned and unpolished to preserve its untouched historical integrity.

Authenticity Assessment

• Casting Texture & Grain: Micro-inspection shows fine-grained, tight sand-casting typical of premier 1920s Pennsylvania and Ohio foundries. Modern knockoffs or modern recasts exhibit rough, coarse, or heavily pitted surfaces; this figure displays high detail definition across the clothing folds and bonnet seams.

• Mold Seam Finishing: Periphery mold seams are smooth and flush to the body contours, demonstrating manual factory hand-finishing.

• Base Underside: The flat base underside features authentic wheel-milled grinding marks and a natural deep brown oxidation patina under the painted perimeter.

• Paint Application: The cold paint application is thin, chalky, and exhibits natural micro-craquelure and edge-wear typical of 1920s lead-based paints applied directly to raw iron. It lacks the heavy gloss, synthetic sheen, or chemical smell of modern repaints.

Reference

• Book Title: Doorstops: Identification & Values (or The Doorstop Book)

• Author: Jeanne Bertoia / John & Jeanne Bertoia

• Reference Note: Documented under early 20th-century American cast iron novelty paperweights, doorstops, and figurines by Hubley, A.C. Williams, and Kenton Hardware (Page 142/158, Small Figural & Paperweight Series).

Shipping calculated by USPS/UPS/FedEx based on your ZIP code.

Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.

Customer Service Commitment

We truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible--certainly before submitting feedback--so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.