A lot of people have asked me about the fruit basket in the background of my photos in a recent post.
It’s a doorstop. Or door stop. Whichever you prefer.
I brought it out into better lighting so you could see it clearer.
This doostop was made by John Wright, a division of Donsco Inc..
John Wright purchased old Hubley molds and starting making reproductions using these old molds in the 1940’s. This fruit basket is from the Hubley Mold #456.
Doorstops were used in the 1800’s and early 1900’s during spring and summer to prop your doors open. You didn’t want your doors blowing shut or banging against the walls. They went out of style when air conditioning was introduced.
This doorstop has had a turbulent past. My Mom decided to brighten up the colors by repainting it. Well, she repainted everything except for the orange and apple. Must not have had any orange and red craft paint on hand.
I don’t think she ever watched the Antiques Roadshow. Because we’ve all heard from the Keno brothers that painting diminishes the value.
This is a photo of the original doorstop that was made by Hubley. An original Hubley doorstop is worth a lot more money than my 1940’s version.
One of Hubley’s most recognizable doorstops is the Boston Bull Pup.
I would love to have this little guy, but it would have to be a reproduction. I won’t be shelling out $250-$450 for him. Or her. Can’t tell from this angle.
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Great information! You sure don’t see doorstops, repro or not, very often. Thanks for sharing!!!
Pamela
I love these old door stoppers and could really really use one this winter!! We are trying to keep the french doors closed as the guest wing has no heat but the cat loves to open them.
I saw one back home and it was a cat and now I could kick myself for not buying it!!
I love yours though!
⚜ ↁℯℬℬᴵℰ⚜
Cool! And nice you know some history on the piece too. That is your signature Pam…you used to have that as your profile pic too I remember.
Donnie
They are really lovely and I love things that are useful too.
Kelly
Oh wow, I didn’t know doorstops were so “pricey.” Very cute, though!
Tete
Cool- I know these can bring some pretty good money in the antique shops and I like the original paint job- the softer colors, and isn’t it a plum in the center and not an apple? I have seen a cast iron fly that is from the older versions and it’s so heavy. I’m sure your piece is pretty big and would hold a big front door with no problem.
Hugs- Tete
Happier Than a Pig in Mud
Cute, colorful doorstop Pam! These are the kind of things that just make you smile:@)
A Vintage Vine
I love the pug one! Thanks for all the info you provide us, you are like an antiques encyclopedia of info! Love it!
Robin
I’m so glad you pulled it out to show us all. I caught a glance in your previous post and thought it looked nice.
Boy, what I wouldn’t do for a Boston Bull doorstop! I’ve seen them in photos and have always admired them.
Sunny Simple Life
I just love doorstops. The doggie one is awesome!
Tracey
I live 10 minutes from the John Wright factory – yes, they’re still in business and manufacturer of decorative metal items with a store open to the public. I have a fruit basket door stop of my own, a modern one, but I just love it!
NanaDiana
Wow! That is a great looking doorstop…the basket of fruit is gorgeous! We had an old dog doorstop when I was a kid but I don’t remember what it was. I love yours….and I wouldn’t shell out the money for the dog either!;>) xxoo Diana