Chase Cat Statue in Copper and Brass, Walter Von Nessen

Whimsical and stylish this art deco streamlined Cat Doorstop fashioned of copper and brass by Walter Von Nessen is highly collectible – especially in perfectly restored condition such as this one we are pleased to present on our site.

Von Essen was born in Germany and studied prior to WW1 in Berlin, then after the war also designed furniture in Stockholm before emigrating to the United States in 1923 , eventually opening Nessen studio dedicated primarily to lighting design in 1927.  He became famous for ultra simple design in a series of decorative items for industrial and household use for the Chase Brass and Copper Company in the 1930s. He  often employed plumbing  parts and supplies also manufactured by the Chase Co.  by turning them into clever objects in mixed metals.

He designed bookends, lamps, cocktail shakers, tea kettles and toasters, many of which have found their way into permanent museum collections as he is considered one of the most important contributors to the streamlined Art Deco/Modernist  movement of the mid to late 1930s.