Up for sale is an early 20th-century solid cast iron miniature "Fido" puppy dog paperweight, believed to have been manufactured by the renowned Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

This whimsical figure features an expressive, seated puppy with floppy ears, a wide-eyed expression, and a molded red collar. Cast in a solid one-piece form with a flat, ground base, this miniature stands approximately 1.75 inches tall and weighs a heavy 4.7 oz, giving it significant heft for its compact size.

The piece retains its original multi-color factory cold paint decoration, featuring a white/cream body, black patch on the left eye and ear, yellow eyes with dark pupils, black nose line, and a red collar.

Specifications & Details

• Manufacturer: Hubley Manufacturing Company

• Origin: Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA

• Age / Era: Circa 1920s – 1930s (Second Quarter 20th Century)

• Material: Solid Heavy Cast Iron

• Dimensions: Approx. 1.75" H × 1.325" W × 1.5" D

• Weight: 4.7 oz (133 g)

• Construction: One-piece solid sand casting with flat-ground base

Condition Report

• Overall Condition: Very Good antique condition with normal, honest age-appropriate paint wear.

• Paint Surface: Retains a strong percentage of its original factory paint. Shows natural chipping, micro-flaking, and paint loss along high-friction points (ear edges, snout, and base perimeter) exposing the dark, oxidized iron underneath.

• Iron Integrity: Free of cracks, chips, repairs, or re-welds.

• Surface Preservation: The untouched, original patina has been strictly preserved—no chemical cleaning, repainting, touch-ups, or sealers have been applied.

Authenticity Assessment

This piece exhibits all classic markers of authentic 1920s Hubley production:

1. Casting Quality: Smooth, fine sand-molding with crisp relief details along the eyes, snout, ears, and collar, lacking the coarse, pebble-like surface texture typical of modern recasts.

2. Base Finish: The underside exhibits a flat, machine-ground bottom characteristic of Hubley’s factory finish on small desk accessories and paperweights.

3. Paint Degradation: Genuine oil-based cold paint with microscopic age-crazing and legitimate edge wear exposing oxidized iron, rather than artificially aged or acrylic paint over-spray.

4. Heft & Density: Weighs a dense 4.7 oz for a 1.75" solid iron casting, matching original Hubley weight specifications.

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.

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