Author Topic: Cast Iron Setter: Real or Fake?  (Read 1624 times)

ghopper1924

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Cast Iron Setter: Real or Fake?
« on: March 29, 2017, 08:32:27 am »
We've had a couple of these recently, and here's another one.

This setter is about 15" long, 8.5" high, and weighs about 9 pounds. It's held together by 2 flathead screws, one at the neck and one at the rear flank. It's spray painted, with a bit of chipping, but overall the paint is in excellent shape. The texture feels a bit grainy, and there are noticeable file marks at the joined areas, i.e. feet, etc. The two halves are connected well. As you can see, there is no "scalloping" underneath that you typically see in obvious reproductions, like those with poorly joined halves and Phillips-head screws.  There are no discernible markings.

It's not an obvious reproduction, but could it be a good one? On the side of originality: flathead screws, authentic-looking spray paint, good joinery. Fake? slightly grainy paint feel and no discernible numbers or markings.

Prices on these are all over, from $75.00 to $400.00, so if this is "real" then I'm setting the price at $150.00. What say you?

« Last Edit: March 29, 2017, 08:37:27 am by ghopper1924 »
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Ipcress

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Re: Cast Iron Setter: Real or Fake?
« Reply #1 on: March 29, 2017, 10:18:43 am »
It looks very modern on those pics - not just the paint but the casting.

There are loads of these about. Dogs, monkeys, oriental subjects like Shishi. Some are painted and then treated to extremes ( heat, cold, wet ) to fake the ageing process.

At least with this one they didn't go that far.

Rauville

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Re: Cast Iron Setter: Real or Fake?
« Reply #2 on: March 29, 2017, 10:47:47 am »
Most old cast iron is as smooth as a "baby's bottom". A sandy / salty surface would be a warning sign to me. Also, the Hubley doorstops usually came with the screw heads filled and painted over. Probably not a new reproduction, but in my opinion not a 1940's version either.
http://doorstops.com/1dogs_h.html

mart

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Re: Cast Iron Setter: Real or Fake?
« Reply #3 on: March 29, 2017, 10:55:44 am »
http://www.dakotapaul.com/items/showitem.asp?iid=3350

Here is an original with the Hubley sticker still attached !! Compare the size !! Don`t think Hubley ever remade the molds and even if more than one mold was used they should be within 1/4 inch of each other !!

ghopper1924

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Re: Cast Iron Setter: Real or Fake?
« Reply #4 on: March 29, 2017, 12:36:04 pm »
Thanks all! Any idea on value??
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

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mart

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Re: Cast Iron Setter: Real or Fake?
« Reply #5 on: March 29, 2017, 03:46:48 pm »
Go $150. !!  You can always come down if needed !!

ghopper1924

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Re: Cast Iron Setter: Real or Fake?
« Reply #6 on: March 29, 2017, 05:58:06 pm »
Sounds great. There is some impressive knowledge around here!! ;) :)
"I collect antiques because they're beautiful."

-Broderick Crawford