Offered here is a highly collectible 1920s antique cast iron "Puppo" doorstop manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Designed by famed American cartoonist and illustrator Grace Gebbie Drayton—creator of the iconic Campbell’s Soup Kids and Dolly Dingle—this charming piece embodies Drayton’s celebrated wide-eyed character design.

The figure depicts "Puppo" in a seated profile posture with an intricate, hand-painted honeybee resting on his right rear hip (Hubley Catalog Design #75).

Listing Specifications & Details

• Manufacturer / Foundry: Hubley Manufacturing Company (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)

• Design / Model: "Puppo" with Bee on Rear Hip (Hubley Design Catalog No. 75)

• Designer / Artist: Grace Gebbie Drayton (creator of Campbell’s Kids & Dolly Dingle)

• Era / Circa: Circa 1914–1920s

• Material: Cast Iron with Original Cold-Painted Enamel Finish

• Dimensions: Approx. 4.75" High x 4.0" Wide at Base

• Weight: 3 lbs 7.9 oz (Solid cast iron)

• Construction: Single-piece solid casting with flat back (unpainted/hollowed back)

• Color Scheme Variant: Rare Chestnut / Orange-Brown Patched Variant with off-white body, black eyes, and hand-painted bee on hip

While Hubley "Puppo" doorstops and banks are occasionally found in common black-and-white or black-and-tan color combinations, examples featuring this warm chestnut / orange-brown patched color scheme are significantly scarcer and rarely appear on the market.

The paint surface is 100% original, exhibiting a heavy, authentic 1920s cold-painted enamel finish with desirable deep micro-craquelure (alligatoring) and natural wear down to the dark underlying iron at high points—a hallmark of genuine undisturbed antique surface integrity.

Authenticity Assessment

• Casting & Seam Quality: Fine-grained sand-cast iron showing crisp original mold detail with smooth edges, tight mold lines, and no heavy modern reproduction flash, grinding gouges, or coarse surface pitting.

• Paint Surface & Patina: Pure, un-restored 1920s cold-painted enamel displaying uniform age-craquelure across the face and torso. High-wear areas show dark, naturally oxidized iron rather than artificial chemical distressing or raw bright metal.

• Back & Cavity: The flat back exhibits proper Hubley sand-cast texture, authentic century-old dark iron oxidation, and correct edge contours.

• Hand-Painted Details: The honeybee detail on the hindquarter displays authentic hand-brushed execution with proper aged pigment loss and thin wing outlines intact.

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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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