well-maintained and all original late 19th century diminutive advertising paperweight designed and fabricated by chicago-based western foundry co., chicago, ill. the extensive and admirably equipped plant of this company was situated at 3634 south kedzie avenue, and in the manufacturing of light gray iron castings developed a large and far-reaching industrial enterprise throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. the western plant consisted of seven large foundries on 20 acres of land and was equipped for making light castings in large quantities. the annual output reached the large average of twenty-five thousand tons. the business was founded in the year 1892, when, under the present title, the company was incorporated. the cast iron salesman sample paperweight features a detailed birdseye view of the foundry's facilities.