exceptional c. 1930's american art deco doorstop in the form of a abstract "startled cat" designed by walter von nessen for the chase brass & copper co., waterbury, ct. the body and/or legs are comprised of copper-plated tubular brass pipe bent into an inverted u-shape. the spherical brass metal head features two lightly incised round eyes and two flanking conical ears tightly affixed to the head. the cat's tail is made of a solid brass rod bent sharply at a right angle, away from the body, pointing straight up. underside of the base contains incised manufacturer markings. nicely aged surface patina.