{"product_id":"vintage-1940s-1950s-cast-iron-sitting-elephant-bottle-opener-figural-paperweight-cold-paint","title":"Vintage 1940s-1950s Cast Iron Sitting Elephant Bottle Opener Figural Paperweight Cold Paint","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis authentic vintage cast iron figural bottle opener features a sitting elephant with its trunk raised high in a classic \"lucky\" posture. The bottle opening mechanism is seamlessly integrated into the mouth and underside of the trunk\/jaw area. Cast as a solid piece, this heavy piece functions double-duty as a desktop paperweight or barware collectible. It retains its original factory cold-painted finish (grey body with pink\/red accenting in the inner mouth and inner trunk loop, white accents on the tusks\/feet, and dark eyes). The flat ground base is finished in a smooth tan\/grey paint coat, typical of mid-20th-century foundry finishing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 3.75 inches tall by 2 inches wide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 279 grams (approx. 9.8 oz)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e United States (Attributed to Wilton Products \/ John Wright Company, Wrightsville, PA)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e c. 1940s – 1950s\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Cast Iron with original cold paint\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Very Good Vintage Condition. Demonstrates authentic, age-appropriate wear to the original cold paint along high-contact edges (ears, trunk tip, and base trim). Free of cracks, structural chips, or repairs. Metal shows minor natural surface oxidation on exposed high points, confirming age while maintaining a stable, uncleaned vintage patina.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBook Title:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFigural Bottle Openers in Cast Iron\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e FBOC (Figural Bottle Opener Collectors) \/ standard reference literature on mid-century cast iron novelties by Donald H. Bull \u0026amp; John R. O'Neill\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Classified under the \"Sitting Elephant \/ Trunk Up\" cast iron figural opener series produced by Pennsylvania foundries (Wilton\/John Wright) during the mid-20th century barware popularity boom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthenticity Assessment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This piece displays all primary hallmark characteristics of authentic 1940s–1950s American cast iron novelty production:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-e0d0c364-7fff-e5f6-aade-7849b8ff07b3\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCasting Quality \u0026amp; Seams:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Features tight, well-fitted mold seams that have been factory hand-filed prior to painting, avoiding the coarse, jagged flash lines typical of modern reproductions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaint Characteristics:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Features authentic mid-century \"cold paint\" application. The paint exhibits natural flaking and micro-chipping concentrated strictly on outer perimeter edges and high points (ears and trunk edge), rather than artificial distressing. 3. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBase Finishing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The flat base displays typical period factory finishing, ground smooth with minor pit marks inherent to historical sand-casting processes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight \u0026amp; Mass:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Weighs a solid 279 grams for its compact 3.75-inch height, confirming dense gray iron alloy rather than lighter modern pot-metal or aluminum alloys.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping calculated by USPS\/UPS\/FedEx based on your ZIP code.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eItem Description and Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eCustomer Service Commitment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50476604162091,"sku":"1496","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20260915_211953.jpg?v=1790203255","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/vintage-1940s-1950s-cast-iron-sitting-elephant-bottle-opener-figural-paperweight-cold-paint","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}