Desk Figurine Appraisal

Vintage Cast Iron Man in Rocking Chair Figurine

This item is a vintage cast-iron figurine depicting a man seated in a rocking chair. The figure appears to be made from a single mold of dark-colored metal, likely cast iron, and subsequently hand-painted with varying degrees of detail and finish. The man is depicted wearing a wide-brimmed black hat, a red shirt or jacket, and dark trousers. His face is painted with light skin tones, and there are visible features for eyes, nose, and mouth, although the details are somewhat crude and worn. A dark-colored scarf or cravat is visible around his neck. He appears to have dark straps, possibly suspenders, over his red shirt. His hands, also painted in skin tone, are resting on his lap. The rocking chair is entirely black and features a slatted back and seat, typical of traditional wooden rocking chairs, but rendered in metal. Both the figure and the chair show significant wear to the painted surfaces, with numerous chips, scratches, and areas where the underlying dark metal is exposed. This wear suggests considerable age and handling. The figurine has a folk art or toy-like quality, characteristic of early 20th-century cast iron production, often used for decorative purposes or as doorstops. The craftsmanship is robust and functional for its intended purpose, but not highly refined in terms of artistic detail. The overall condition, despite paint loss, indicates a sturdy construction that has withstood the test of time.