4” Antique Cast Iron “Doggie” Bin Pull c. 1897

Just look at that winsome little face!  How can you resist?  The “Doggie” design is probably the most sought drawer or bin pull by lovers of Victorian hardware.  They take after their big brother, the prized “Doggie” doorknob (Item CC1003), with both being patented by the Metallic Compression Casting Company in 1870.

I’ve done a bit of research on the “Doggie” pull and come up with some interesting answers and questions – typical of antique hardware research.  As noted above MCCC was the first to manufacture these pulls in 1870.  In the early 1870s MCCC was purchased by Russell & Erwin.  It would be expected that R & E continued to manufacture this item, just as they continued to manufacture the “Doggie” doorknob.  Note that it is not offered in Russell & Erwin’s 1897 catalog.  The next reference I find is the pull being shown in the Reading Hardware catalog of 1897.  It is offered in two different sizes – 4” and 3-1/2”.  Perhaps the original patent expired?

I believe that the smaller pulls (because of their rarity) are by MCCC but it would be impossible to say for certain.  With these being the larger 4” size I would date these as circa 1897.  Note that there are reproductions made of these but I will guarantee that mine are authentic antiques.  

These bin pulls are sold individually but all have about the same amount of wear (minor) to the original varnish type finish.  They have no rust and have been cleaned only to remove dust.

4” wide   
Center/center holes 3-1/2”