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https://www.decorativecollective.com/dealers/marc-kitchen-smithA large and imposing 19th century cast iron door stop, modelled as 'Britannia Ruling the Waves'. It features 'Britannia' on the prow of a ship proudly holding a staff flying the Union Flag whilst the 'British Lion' lies recumbent by her feet. This is one of the most striking and magnificent door stops we have ever had the pleasure to sell, and is exceptionally rare. Superbly cast with lots of detail, such as the delineation on the flag, and Britannia's armoured tunic. The design has been well composed, so that even the stylised sea waves were modelled to fan out and create a suitable broad, bottom-heavy, base for the porter. It is extremely heavy and would hold back any hefty door! The British patriotic song 'Rule, Britannia!' was written in 1740, and achieved instant national popularity. Although at the time it represented more of a morale exhortation than an existing state of naval affairs, by the end of the 19th century the Royal Navy truly was a dominant force in the oceans.