Doorstops, a wedge or weight used to hold-open a door, were even more popular in the days before air-conditioning—when windows (and doors) were propped-open, allowing cooling breezes to waft through an overheated home or office. A sudden gust might slam an open door shut (or scatter the papers on a desk, which explains the early 20th Century necessity for paperweights, too). Electric fans, whether placed on a desk or mounted to the ceiling or wall, added another opportunity for "windy mayhem" which needed to be subdued. Designers and doorstop makers sought to turn a boringly-functional item into an object of interest, if not beauty.
The cast iron doorstop shown above, made in England in the 1930's, takes the form of an armoured knight (always a popular theme, usually with boys and young men). It is handsome and heavy and perfectly suited to the task at hand. One could also use it as a single bookend, especially suited to extra-large, heavy tomes. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248