Vintage Cast Iron Cockerel Doorstop in Hand Painted Russet and Green

Every country kitchen needs someone to take charge, and this little cockerel has clearly appointed himself. Cast in solid iron and painted by hand, he stands chest out on a patch of green grass, his russet and gold feathers giving way to a sweeping dark tail, with a bright red comb and wattle and a sunny yellow beak. Beneath him sits a plum coloured octagonal plinth, picked out with small golden twigs.

The cockerel has been a favourite of British and French kitchens for centuries, a symbol of early mornings, good luck and farmhouse plenty, and cast iron versions were made to hold doors open in cottages and farmhouses alike. This one carries on that tradition in miniature. Turn him round and you’ll find a neat wedge cast into the back, so he slides under a door rather than simply leaning against it.

He measures 7 x 10 x 7 cm, small enough to perch on a windowsill, dresser shelf or Aga rail, with the reassuring weight only cast iron brings. His paint shows light wear in keeping with his age, which only adds to his weathered farmyard character.

Stand him by the back door with a pair of wellies, add him to a dresser alongside blue and white jugs and egg cups, or let him keep the pantry door ajar. He would make a lovely gift for anyone who keeps hens, collects kitchenalia or simply enjoys a bit of rustic colour, and he sits beautifully with terracotta, mustard and sage tones.

He won’t wake you at dawn, which already puts him ahead of the real thing.