Vintage 1949 Louisville Cast Iron Bear Paperweight / Doorstop
A wonderfully heavy piece of American industrial history, this cast iron bear figure is dated JAN 1949 and engraved with the LOUISVILLE logo across the front. It is believed to have come from the International Harvester Louisville Works foundry, cast from the plant's very first iron pours and presented to VIPs and employees as a commemorative keepsake.
Standing roughly 4 3/4 inches tall and weighing about 1 1/2 pounds, the bear works equally well as a desk paperweight, shelf sculpture, or small doorstop. The solid iron surface shows only light wear consistent with its age, with crisp detail still visible in the lettering and the bear's form.
A great crossover collectible for fans of cast iron, vintage advertising, factory memorabilia, and bear figures alike. Please review the photos closely and reach out with any questions.