This 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.

• Dimensions: Approximately 3.75 inches tall by 2 inches wide

• Weight: 279 grams (approx. 9.8 oz)

Origin United States (Attributed to Wilton Products / John Wright Company, Wrightsville, PA)

Age c. 1940s – 1950s

Material Cast Iron with original cold paint

Condition 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.

Reference

• Book Title: Figural Bottle Openers in Cast Iron

• Author: FBOC (Figural Bottle Opener Collectors) / standard reference literature on mid-century cast iron novelties by Donald H. Bull & John R. O'Neill

• Reference Note: 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.

Authenticity Assessment This piece displays all primary hallmark characteristics of authentic 1940s–1950s American cast iron novelty production:

1. Casting Quality & Seams: 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.

2. Paint Characteristics: 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. Base Finishing: The flat base displays typical period factory finishing, ground smooth with minor pit marks inherent to historical sand-casting processes.

3. Weight & Mass: 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.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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