Large decorative patinated cast brass doorstop depicting a stylized dolphin with its long tail entwined around Neptune’s trident.
The composition belongs to the neoclassical maritime decorative tradition, combining a fantastical dolphin, spread fins, a vertical trident and a stepped rectangular base. At 43 cm high, the piece has a strong sculptural presence beyond its original function as a doorstop.
Variants of this type are documented among European, particularly English, decorative doorstops produced from the late 19th century through the 20th century. As no maker’s mark has been identified on this example, we retain a deliberately cautious 20th-century dating.
The piece retains a natural aged patina, with casting irregularities, small marks and surface variations consistent with its age and manufacture.
Technical Details
Object: doorstop / decorative object
Subject: fantastical dolphin and Neptune’s trident
Origin: Europe, probably in the English decorative tradition
Period: 20th century
Material: cast brass
Finish: natural aged golden patina
Construction: hollow cast and assembled
Mark: no identified maker’s mark
Dimensions
Height: 43 cm / 16.9 in
Width: 17 cm / 6.7 in
Depth: 7 cm / 2.8 in
Weight: 2.4 kg / 5.3 lb
Condition
Good vintage condition. Natural patina, small marks, localized oxidation and casting irregularities consistent with age and manufacture. The underside retains its original, unrestored appearance.
