Uncle Sam doorstop rare and desirable

#Middlebury #Antiques

Iron doorstops became a hot collectible with rising prices about 1990. A 1985 book picturing doorstops and several auctions, which included rare doorstops, sent collectors searching for examples of the 1930s and ’40s collectible. They became so popular that thousands of copies were made, many from the original molds.

Bright new paint identifies many recent doorstops, but some, with artificial wear and tear, are good enough to fool collectors today. It is almost impossible to break an iron figure, so many iron doorstops still are available with little damage. Top prices are paid for doorstops in great condition with almost all of the original paint. And, of course, rarity adds value.

This Uncle Sam doorstop sold for $21,240 in a New Jersey auction.

This original Uncle Sam doorstop has the words “For the Open Door” on the base. The words “For the Open Door” had a political meaning, and it was not just a statement about how the doorstop was used. A complicated “Open Door” policy was promoted by the U.S. in 1899. It suggested that all countries should allow China and other countries to trade with no tariffs, no special harbor charges, and with no interference or attempts to divide China. There was another Open Door political discussion in 1922, and this discussion probably is the one mentioned on the doorstop. China opened special investment zones in 1928. There were more international discussions and changes in 1978 concerned with China’s industry, trade and foreign investment.

The Uncle Sam doorstop is rare and desirable, and the one in this photo, with great paint, sold several years ago at a Bertoia Auction for $21,240. The 1985 value was $250. Vintage doorstops have all gone up in value, especially those with the original paint.

Q: My sister was given a black Couroc serving tray with 37 presidential coins in it. The coin representing President Gerald R. Ford is in the center. It’s 18 by 12 1/2 inches. What can you tell me about it?

A: The Couroc Co. was founded in Monterey, California, by Guthrie Courvoisier in 1948. The name is derived from the first four letters of his last name, “Cour,” with “oc” added to make it sound like “rock.” Most Couroc items were made of black resin and embedded with coins, wood, metal or objects from nature. Courvoisier died in 1963 and the company closed in the 1990s. The value of your tray is about $30.

Current Prices
Mechanical bank, Uncle Sam standing on platform, eagle, lever lowers arm and drops coin into bag, cast iron, paint, c. 1910, $175.
Gold medal, embossed, “Fourth of July 1913-Patterson N.J.,” Andrew F. McBride-Mayor engraved on back, 1 1/2-inch diameter, $210.
Scent bottle, ruby-red glass and silver plate, tubular with hinged lid on one end and screw cap on other, engraved July 4th 1880, Victorian, $215.
American flag, cotton on wooden stick, hourglass pattern of 44 stars, mounted on fabric and board, gilt frame, c. 1895, 27 x 24 inches, $850.

TIP: Apply your makeup, wash your hands, then put on your jewelry. This is especially important for pearls.

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