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John and Nancy Smith are widely recognized authorities on doorstops, which they have avidly collected for over 35 years. As dealers under the name American Sampler, they have appeared at major antique shows since 1971. They reside in Maryland As long as there have been doors there have been doorstops. Early on they may have been a convenient rock or piece of furniture, but in the 19th and early 20th centuries, doorstops were manufactured as decorative items for the home. Generally cast in iron, they are avidly sought after by todays collectors. Though mass produced, they were usually painted by hand and so each has become a unique treasure, appreciated both for its shape and the folk art quality of its finish. This wonderful new book brings together over 1,000 doorstops photographed in full color and organized by categories: flowers, birds, animals, wagons, Native Americans, people, houses And windmills, and nautical. It includes an informative history of doorstops, valuable information for collectors, histories and marks of the foundries that made them and more. Gathered from various wonderful collections, this book represents some of the finest doorstops ever produced and gives the reader a broad, encyclopedic view of the hobby. Values are included.