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An authentic, hard-to-find antique cast iron paperweight figure produced by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. This piece depicts a snow baby wearing a textured hooded snowsuit, holding a red-and-white striped beach ball, accompanied by a seal balanced on its hind flippers resting against the snow baby's side. Cast with characteristically tight seams and heavy weight for its size, this figure retains its original cold-painted finish, featuring a textured ivory/white body, black painted seal, and red/orange trim on the ball and boot accents. A scarce collectible crossover appealing to Hubley, snow baby, cast iron toy, and paperweight enthusiasts alike.
Origin & Age
Manufacturer: Hubley Manufacturing Company (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
Period/Era: Circa 1920s–1930s (Art Deco / Interwar Era)
Country of Origin: United States
Material & Specifications
Primary Material: Solid Cast Iron
Finish: Original Cold-Painted Enamel (Textured Off-White, Black, Red/Orange)
Dimensions: Approx. 1.75" W x 2" H (1-7/8" H x 1-3/4" W x 7/8" D)
Weight: 110 grams (~3.88 oz)
Condition Assessment
Very Good antique condition, strictly preserving its untouched original cold-painted surface without touch-ups, repainting, or chemical cleaning.
Displays authentic age-appropriate paint loss, micro-chipping, and surface oxidation along elevated edges (hood, ball, seal head, and base perimeter) consistent with 100+ years of age and handling.
Structurally intact with zero cracks, chips to the iron, stress fractures, or metal repair work. Base is solid and level.
Reference Standard
Book Reference: The Doorstop Book: An Identification and Price Guide by Smith, John & Linda (or Cast Iron Decor: Doorstops, Paperweights, and Toys by Bertoia, Jeanne).
Catalog Reference Note: Documented under Hubley novelty miniature paperweights / novelty figures, late 1920s line listings.
Authenticity Assessment This piece displays classic markers of authentic 1920s Hubley production: high-density iron casting, smooth-milled flat bottom perimeter with fine interior mold grain, and crisp facial/garment relief detail without the heavy, blurred pitting common to modern recasts. The paint exhibits original cold-paint traits, including localized micro-flaking down to dark iron, surface micro-crazing, and absence of modern synthetic gloss binders or modern primer layers underneath.
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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer
We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.
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