Hubley Door Stops

Buying Guide

The purpose of a doorstop is merely to keep a door open with a heavy object. However, until the late 1700s, homes began incorporating decorative elements to prop open their doors. Iron doorstops were introduced in the early 19th century, which ultimately led to the popularity of Hubley door stops.

How can you identify authentic Hubley door stops?

One of the most significant issues with Hubley door stops is the fact that replications are frequently on the market. Therefore, consumers must know how to spot a fake. Otherwise, they could be paying too much money for what they believe is an authentic piece. Look for the following:

Phillips screws: because the door stop should be completely iron, it should not have any screws, and no Phillips screws should be anywhere.
Makers mark: original Hubley door stops have a "makers mark" somewhere on the bottom of them. Older pieces will also feature a mold number inside.
Casting: older pieces have smooth casting with tight seams, whereas replicas tend to have rough casts with seams that aren't tight.
Mold marks: on original door stops, the mold marks are filed down by hand. However, the mold marks are ground down using a tool that leaves behind marks.
Old wear and tear: original pieces feature wear and tear on hight points including the nose and ear tips. Replicas artificially age by having chips and bang marks throughout.

Why are Hubley door stops collectable?

Many collectors look specifically for Hubley door stops. They're a popular maker of iron doorstops that created detailed subjects including a series of cats and dogs. Collectors especially like it when they can find these pieces in original condition. The main reason is that, when they have minimal damage, these pieces could fetch owners up to $300 or more.

How to decorate with Hubley door stops?

While it may seem odd to decorate with a door stop, it’s common practice. Not only do Hubley door stops add a bit of whimsy to your spaces, but they do so according to a theme as well. These door stops are available in a plethora of themes including animal, children, nautical, floral, toys, country cottages, and more. Therefore, it's possible to match one of these stoppers with just about any style you're attempting to achieve.

How heavy are Hubley door stops?

Because these door stops feature construction from heavy-duty iron, they’re heavy, typically weighing around 8-10 pounds. You don’t have to worry about your door moving when these are in place. However, because they have weight to them, they’re difficult to move if you plan on kicking them away with your foot. Thanks to the iron construction, though, you don’t have to worry about this material breaking down.

How to maintain a Hubley door stop?

When you find original Hubley door stops, they may contain some rust spots. While this is fine and won’t impede upon their use, it does reduce their value. If this piece has a significant amount of rust on it, consider bringing it to an antique dealer to see if restoration is possible. That way, you can be sure it won’t insure any more damage.