1920s Small Decorative Object. Demon, Mephistopheles, Druid? Enamel over Cast Iron. retailer Ferro Enamel Supply Cleveland. Paperweight? Promotional
1920s Small Decorative Object Demon Mephistopheles Druid Death Mask? Enamel over Cast.
1920s Small Decorative Object. Demon, Mephistopheles, Druid, Death Mask? Enamel over Cast Iron. Ferro Enamel Supply Cleveland. Paperweight? Promotional Item.
MARKED: Ferro Enamel & Supply Company of Cleveland, Ohio.The company was founded in 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, as a porcelain enamel coatings manufacturer.
SIZE: about 2.5" long
AGE: Made between 1920 and 1930 (based on company history)
CONDITION: the cast iron back has some rust (I applied some WD40); There is a small chip on the front, see photos. There is expected wear, a few light scratches here and there, and some dust in the crevices. retailer See photos.
MOTIF: Not sure - is it Mephistopheles, Druid, Demon, Devil, Mask, Old Man in a Hood.
WHAT IS IT? I believe it was a promotional item given to prospective clients to show the remarkable process. It is quite an interesting object, the finish is similar to a kitchen sink or bathtub - very unusual and very cool. Most people would be familiar with an enamel cooking pan or dutch oven. It is that kind of material. A paperweight perhaps? I have shown it also hanging on the wall in one of my pics.
MORE ABOUT THE COMPANY:
Here is a brief history of the company:
1919: Harry D. Cushman establishes the Ferro Enameling Company.
1920: Robert A. Weaver creates the Ferro Enamel & Supply Co. (an arm of the business which did the marketing and other non-technical aspects of the business)
1930 The two companies merge to form Ferro Enameling Corp.
Based on this information, we can date this piece to having been made between 1920 and 1930.