Posted 9 years ago
estsalejun…
(18 items)
Found today at an estate sale. So cute. On underneath side I can tell there is a copyright mark, but can't quite make it out, and it's not in a spot that is flat so as to make a rubbing. Don't think it's a Hubley mark. Cast iron with lots of rust, but still has some original paint. I'm sure it's an oldie, but can anyone out there help me identify the maker.
This doorstop is from the same mold but the cat is colored differently. Is this the mark ( or something similar) on the bottom of your doorstop?
https://www.etsy.com/listing/213745801/old-vintage-cast-iron-persian-cat-kitten
EM110 8057 1987.
Very difficult to photo "marks," but I don't think I'm just imagining that there is something there. This image is on back side, center, of the kitty's head. Thanks for your input.
If you look carefully, you will see that the letter/numbers I gave you > EM110 8057 1987> are exactly what's printed on your doorstop. It was made in 1987, so that means it's contemporary. The mold used to make your doorstop is the same mold used to make the doorstop in the link - only the colors are different.
Thanks for your clarification. Your eyesight is obviously considerably better than mine. If I read the definition of "contemporary" correctly, this item would have been contemporary as it relates to other things made in 1987, but not in 2016. Certainly not an antique, but in any event, since it is nearly 30 years old, I believe I could call it vintage. ??
You could call it vintage. if you like. There is a blurred line between what is vintage and what isn't vintage. For me, vintage is an item which is more than 50 years old.
From Ruby Lane shops:
"Ruby Lane provides a much more helpful explanation, noting that "an item described as 'vintage' should speak of the era in which it was produced. Vintage can mean an item is of a certain period of time, as in "vintage 1950's" but it can also mean (and probably always should) that the item exhibits the best of a certain quality, or qualities, associated with or belonging to that specific era. In other words, for the term vintage to accurately apply to it, an item should be somewhat representational and recognizable as belonging to the era in which it was made."
Seems I opened Pandora's box just trying to find out the maker of the door stop. Does the "EM" with the numbers stand for the maker/foundry name, by chance? I have no clue as to what EM might mean as I am not a door stop collector. Since I'm not actively in the antiques trade, I didn't realize there was sort of a rule as to what is or is not vintage. First time I had ever heard that it has to be 50 years to be considered vintage, but, I think I'll still call this sweet little kitty vintage, even if she is just 31 years old and looks like she's been around the block a few times. When she greets my friends at the door, they will love her whether she's vintage or not. Thanks again for your help.