Rare architectural doorway building art bookends, cast iron, probably 1920\'s
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Rare architectural doorway building art bookends, cast iron, probably 1920\'s:
$125.00
Great bookends depicting the front of a stone building with Greek Revival facade as the main architectural element for the entrance. Wonderful detail throughout the design, to include 4-globe lights on the low walls flanking the front door and shrubbery on either side. Not sure how to date the building: if truly Greek Revival, then first half of 19th C; but if those lights are electric, then late 19th or early 20th C. I have never seen these before, not in the reference books or on-line collections.
The person from who I purchased these thinks they may be a rendering of an International Order of Odd Fellows building somewhere. He told me he purchased the set at ansale which had many IOOF items. I found a website which shows pictures of various IOOF buildings still standing around the country, but do not find this facade among them. Perhaps my bookends show a building that no longer stands. I have written to IOOF to ask. I will post any information I receive. And if there IS an IOOF connection, it then is likely themanufacture of these bookends was a private undertaking for the members of that group.
In the meantime, whether or notthese have anything to do with Odd Fellows (or any other fraternal organization), they still are pretty cool.
Cast iron (a magnet sticks) with a bronze-colored finish applied. On the backs is cast R G Pope. Sounds like the name of an artist, though the location of themarking is where I normally would expect to find the name of the company that made the set. I do not recognize that name either as artist or as foundry, but the quality of the detail in design and casting suggests both were quite skillful. I would guess these as circa 1920\'s;certainly no more recent than the 30\'s.
Condition is fine. No damage to the metal. Finish is original, does show some areas of discoloration, but otherwise has aged to a lovely golden bronze patina. Felts on the bottoms could be original.
6¼ inches tall; 4¾ inches wide; 2¼ inches deep. And pretty heavy at 2¾ pounds EACH PIECE.
Perfect gift for the architect or Odd Fellow in your life.
US shipping only. USPS priority. I pack with care.
Rare architectural doorway building art bookends, cast iron, probably 1920\'s:
$125.00