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 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. We do not include delivery in our prices as this is dependent upon many factors such as whether it is mainland or overseas. The following options are available to you:- • You can arrange your own collection from our address • You can fill in the delivery request option • You can email us for further information if there is more than one item • Proovia Delivery offer a 2 person delivery system