Late 19th Century Mr Punch Door Stop in Cast Iron

Late 19th Century Mr Punch Door Stop in Cast Iron

English circa 1880

Exquisitely Whimsical Victorian cast iron door stop/door porter

Charming folk art collectible

Rare piece

Likely from Archibald Kenrick & Sons foundry of West Bromwich, England

Boasts intricate detailing

Showcases the skilled craftsmanship by metalworkers of that era

Wooden forms were pressed into sand moulds

Finest quality Hot cast iron was then poured in

Depicting the iconic characters Mr. Punch and his loyal dog Toby

Mr. Punch sitting on a stack of books, finger on nose

Toby at his side wearing top hat and ruff (Clown’s outfit)

A slightly obscure RD No.

Heavy quality and very sturdy; stands well

In mint condition with remnants of a gilded finish

Perfect addition to any home or office

Sure to add character and elegance to any room

Full of antique charm and historical significance

Must-have for any collector of Victorian memorabilia

H: 31cm (12.2") W: 23cm (9.1") D: 9cm (3.5")

This doorstop, adorned with Mr. Punch and Toby, pays homage to the iconic British puppet show characters that hold a storied place in British literature and entertainment. Punch and Judy, the puppet duo, are quintessentially British, with origins in the 16th-century Italian Commedia dell'arte. The character Punch evolved from Pulcinella, a classic figure in Neapolitan puppetry, which was anglicized to Punchinello before being shortened to Punch.

Punch puppet shows are first noted in British literature in the late 17th century. By the 18th century, Punch and Judy shows had become a staple of popular entertainment, with performances using hand puppets in portable stages on street corners. Initially aimed at adult audiences, they shifted towards children's entertainment by the late Victorian era.

The shows are known for their "spirit of outrageous comedy, often eliciting shocked laughter, and are characterized by the anarchic antics of Mr. Punch." This reflects the Victorian version of the show, which mirrored the era's moral values.

Doorstops featuring these characters were in vogue from the late 18th to the 19th centuries, reaching peak popularity between the 1920s and 1940s.

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• You can arrange your own collection from our address

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