Male Figures
What you should know about our vintage and antique bookends.
| All our items have a history; they have been previously owned, which is part of their unique charm. They have normal signs of age and use and most collectors believe that, too, adds to their allure. | We describe and show items as thoroughly as possible. All weights are for the pair. All items are subject to prior sale. Enjoy browsing our outstanding collection of rare treasures. |
#1003 "Bar Mitzvah"
Price: $75.00
| What a joyous pair of multi-colored enameled brass bookends depicting a young man celebrating his Bar Mitzvah and surrounded by the symbols of the 12 tribes of Israel. | Dimensions: 4-1/4" w x 4-1/4" d x 6" h Weight: 1-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent condition with only slight signs of use. |
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#1005 "Wailing Wall"
Price: $75.00 SOLD
| This touching brass rendition of four devotees praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem was made in Israel, circa1960. | Dimensions: 4" w x 3-1/4" d x 5" h Weight: 1-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition. |
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#1013 Village Blacksmith
Price: $125.00
| A slice of life glimpse into 18th century America is afforded by this wonderfully appealing vintage set of bronze-plated cast iron bookends inscribed "The Village Blacksmith." The set was crafted in 1924 by BronzMet. | Dimensions: 3-3/4" w x 2" d x 4-1/8" h Weight: 3-1/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1014 King David & King Solomon
Price: $250.00
| This duo of bronze masterpieces made in Israel by the eminent Nordia Company portrays the two most famous Hebrew kings, David and Solomon. Clearly signed and dated to the early 1950s by the Israeli tax stamps and serial numbers they each bear, this rare set folds on hinges and displays perfect verdigris patination. | Dimensions: 3-1/4" w x 4-1/2" d x 4-1/4" h Weight: 1-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Exceptional. |
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#1020 Long-Time Sweethearts
Price: $350.00
| One of the most delightful pairs of bookends ever produced by the esteemed Armor Bronze Co., "Long-Time Sweethearts" always produces smiles. The faces of the two seniors gazing at each other just sparkle with joy. This set, in bronze-clad gray metal with a ploychrome finish is circa 1925. Each is stamped with the Armor Bronze logo and one still bears the original paper label. | Dimensions: 3-1/4" w x 4-1/2" d x 7-1/4" h Weight: 6-1/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with some minor enamel loss that does not detract from the overall effect. |
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#1021 Father Knickerbocker
Price: $495.00
| A very rare and substantial vintage set of the colonial Father Knickerbocker relaxing in his library. (Father Knickerbocker used to represent New York City in cartoons, much the way Uncle Sam represents the United States. Produced by the distinguished Judd Company circa 1925, this pair in monochrome cast iron is stamped 9961 and finished with a bronze-copper coating. | Dimensions: 5-1/4" w x 4" d x 5-1/2" h Weight: 11-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with some finish worn away but not to the detriment of the overall effect. |
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#1027 Reading Monk
Price: $175.00
| This is a delightful set in vibrant polychrome over gray metal produced by the well-known Ronson Company. Each is marked L.V.A. (Louis V. Aronson) 1922. | Dimensions: 3-1/4" w x 2" d x 4-1/4"h Weight: 2 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with minor paint loss on the base that does not detract from the overall effect. |
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#1034 Reading Scholar
Price: $125.00 SOLD
| This is believed to be a rare variation of the "Reading Monk" by Ronson, circa 1922 in polychromed gray metal. This version has the world at the scholar's feet. | Dimensions: 4" w x 2-1/4" d x 5" h Weight: 5 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with only age-appropriate wear. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1035 Pirate Stands Alone
Price: $125.00
| A proud look of triumph is on the face of this version of the swashbuckler from Littco, circa 1928 in bronze-clad cast iron. | Dimensions: 4" w x 2-1/2" d x 7" h Weight: 7-1/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with a wonderful patina and only age-appropriate wear. |
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#1040 Dickens & Twain
Price: $150.00 SOLD
| The bas relief portraits of these two literary giants, Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, are wonderfully detailed in bronze-coated cast iron circa 1926 and attributed to the X-3 foundry. | Dimensions: 3" w x 4" d x 6" h Weight: 4-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with only age-appropriate wear. Felt bases replaced. |
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#1043 Bacon/Johnson Quotes
Price: $175.00 SOLD
| The North Wind depiction in the arched top area caps (a bit awkward) each of these magnificent , substantial bronzed cast iron pieces, circa 1930, featuring notable quotes from two brilliant writers. From Samuel Johnson: "Books that you may carry to the fire and hold readily in your hand are the most useful after all." From Francis Bacon: "Reading maketh a full man; writing an exact man; histories make men wise; poets witty." | Dimensions: 6" w x 3-1/4" d x 7" h Weight: 8-1/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition with only age-appropriate wear. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1046 Hold Those Books
Price: $250.00
| This whimsical and colorful bookend set from the celebrated K&O foundry has an old librarian struggling to manage a pile of books taller than he is. Finished in multi-colored polychrome, most of which is still intact, over the gray metal below, this set, circa 1920s, is complemented by a lovely, rich bronze patina. Both pieces are signed with the K&O mark on the - back. | Dimensions: 2-3/4" w x 4" d x 6-1/4" h Weight: 5 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear. |
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#1048 Shakespeare Seated
Price: $350.00
| Rare, substantial and important, this depiction of the Bard at work bears not only the imprint of the artist, C.S. Allen, but the original paper label of the esteemed Armor Bronze foundry. This set is the highly-prized bronze-clad polychrome version, circa 1926 with much of the original color faded but highly visible. | Dimensions: 5-3/4" w x 4-1/4" d x 8" h Weight: 6-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition with age-appropriate wear. |
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#1050 Longfellow Bust
Price: $375.00
| The celebrated American poet never looked more distinguished than in this strikingly detailed figural bust set into a niche from the masters at Bradley & Hubbard. Each piece has a brass plate along the front edge with the name Longfellow engraved on it. The distinctive B&H mark is stamped into the back of each of these handsome bronze-clad cast iron pieces, circa 1920. A companion set to these, of Shakespeare, is in the Smithsonian Collection. | Dimensions: 4-1/2" w x 2-3/4" d x 5-3/4" h Weight: 12 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with some high point finish wear appropriate to its age. |
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#1056 Asleep at Mid-Story
Price: $350.00
| A senior citizen is caught napping in his favorite chair with his book still opened in his lap in this most charming and delightful slice of life from the acclaimed Kronheim & Oldenbusch (K&O) foundry, circa 1929. K&O are renowned for their often whimsical and colorful depictions and this set is no exception. Executed in gray metal with a golden bronze and polychrome finish, the set still bears the K&O markings on the back of each. | Dimensions: 3-1/2" w x 5" d x 4-1/2" h Weight: 5 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition with minor paint wear appropriate to their age. |
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#1058 Israeli Pioneer & Rabbi
Price: $425.00 SOLD
| This important solid bronze set of bookends is extremely rare (perhaps one of a kind) and portrays an old rabbi-scribe at work on one unit and a kibbutz worker in the foreground with other workers in the background on the other unit. Each piece bears the Hebrew "Yisroael" and features a wonderful verdigris patina. | Dimensions: 3-1/2" w x 6" d x 3-1/2" Weight: 1-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with wear appropriate to their age. |
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#1059 Pirate
Price: $395.00 SOLD
| Here is a stunningly vibrant and colorful depiction of the quintessential pirate sculpted and signed by the artist, Paul Herzel, in this polychrome over plated gray metal pair of very rare bookends from the acclaimed Pompeian Bronze foundry, circa 1928. | Dimensions: 3-1/4" w x 3-3/4 " d x 9-1/2" h Weight: 6-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition with wear appropriate to their age. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1063 Turbaned Scholar
Price: $275.00
| This set is a glorious example of the talent of one of the most acclaimed metalworking artists of his era, L.V. Aronson, and demonstrates his exceptional skill. The pieces are intricately detailed, even on the base, and still exhibit the resplendent colors of the polychrome finish over bronze-coated gray metal. Each piece is piece is imprinted "L.V, Aronson, © 1923." | Dimensions: 3-3/4" w x 2-1/2" d x 3-3/4" h Weight: 2 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition with only wear appropriate to their age. |
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#1079 Blowing the Shofar
Price: $125.00 SOLD
| The brilliant color of the enameled tile is stunningly luminous against the subdued verdigris patina of these bronze pieces made in Israel by Dayagi. | Dimensions: 3-1/2" w x 2-1/" d x 5" h Weight: 1-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with some surface wear that only enhances their charm. |
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#1080 Shakespeare Bust
Price: $275.00 SOLD
| In this exceptional tribute to "The Bard" in bronze-clad gray metal from the distinguished Pompeian Bronze foundry, circa 1925, Shakespeare's bust is complemented by an art deco bas relief frieze above his head which still retains some the original polychrome finish. One of these substantial pieces has the original foundry label in place. | Dimensions: 4-1/2" w x 3-1/4" d x 6-7/8" h Weight: 8-1/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with only some loss of color appropriate for its age. |
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#1085 Dante Bust
Price: $250.00
| This rare and superbly crafted set of bronze-clad bookends is a fully figural depiction of Dante Alighieri, known as the "Father of the Italian language." Produced by the esteemed Armor Bronze foundry circa 1920s, its polychrome finish still is vibrant and the original foundry label remains affixed to one piece. | Dimensions: 3-1/2" w 2-1/4" d x 5-1/2" h Weight: 3 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with some minor enamel loss wear appropriate to its age. |
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#1092 The Thinker
Price: $150.00 SOLD
| Here is Rodin's definitive sculpture of a heroic figure representing intellect and poetry masterfully depicted in this pair of solid bronze bookends, circa 1925. | Dimensions: 4-1/4" w x 2" d x 5-1/2" h Weight: 3-3/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with wear appropriate to their age. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1102 Science & Study
Price: $195.00 SOLD
| Each seated bas relief figure in this matching pair of bookends, from the acclaimed Bradley & Hubbard foundry, circa 1930s, and captioned "Science" and "Study," is portrayed as diligently applying brain power to serious and weighty issues of intellect. The set is strikingly executed in cast iron with a brilliantly toned bronze coating. | Dimensions: 5" w x 3" d x 5-3/4" h Weight: 8-1/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1103 Shakespeare Profile Bust
Price: $225.00 SOLD
| This classic sculptural rendition of the heroic bust as bookend bears the Bard's name on the base and is made of cast iron with a lustrous bronze surface finish. Although the foundry is unknown, the pair is believed to be circa 1930s. | Dimensions: 4" w x 1-7/8" d x 6" h Weight: 3-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with only minor surface wear. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1105 Beethoven at the Piano
Price: $295.00
| In these rare, remarkable, elaborate and elegantly designed pieces of metal sculpture as bookends, the incomparable Beethoven is working at his square grand piano with sheet music clearly in view and so detailed that the notes are legible. Produced by the celebrated J.B. Hirsch foundry in 1932, the set is highlighted by the ivorine (celluloid) keyboard which contrasts with the overall finish of so-called "French Bronze," (electroplated gray metal or spelter). Each piece is marked with the foundry logo on the rear. |
Dimensions: 4-1/4" w x 5-1/2" d x 5-1/2" h Weight: 8-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with some surface finish wear. One keyboard section has been restored and one base crack has been imperceptibly repaired and restored. |
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#1108 Golfer
Price: $95.00
| In this engaging, dimensional period set, a 1930s golfer with his knickers, old fashioned woolen "cabbie cap" and argyle sweater is teeing off on a most picturesque course. The pair is made from heavy pewter and is from an unknown foundry. | Dimensions: 4-3/4" w x 5-3/4" d x 5-1/2" h Weight: 1-3/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition. |
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#1116 Ye Olde Printer
Price: $450.00
| This extremely rare and most charming sculptural set must resonate with anyone who has any appreciation for the printed word. For hundreds of years from the early 1500s right on through the 20th century, the hand-operated screw-type press was used by printers the world over to put words on paper for mass circulation. This depiction of the humble printer, on his knees for his craft, was produced by the acclaimed Armor Bronze foundry, circa 1925. Made of bronze-clad gray metal, the pair is signed by the artist, J. Ruhl, and bears the Armor Bronze shield logo. | Dimensions: 4-1/4" w x 3" d x 5" h Weight: 5 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition with wear appropriate to their age. |
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#1117 Babe Ruth
Price: $350.00
| These extremely rare cast iron depictions of the "Sultan of Swat" (the only such version we have ever seen) have been attributed to the celebrated Hubley foundry, but they bear no markings to confirm this. The pair is circa 1920s and has only some traces of the original polychrome finish, lending an air of aging charm to this distinguished set. | Dimensions: 4-1/4" w x 2-1/2" d x 8-1/2" h Weight: 5-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: No cracks, chips or dents but most original color has aged off, providing this set a true vintage appearance. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1122 Shakespeare Bust
Price: $250.00
| The elegant portrait of the Bard of Avon on each of these pieces is executed in striking bas relief and presents a glowing contrast to the dark background. The set is fashioned from cast iron with a bronze finish. Some have attributed this set to Bradley & Hubbard but since neither piece has a maker's mark, we cannot agree. Nevertheless, the workmanship and detail is superior. | Dimensions: 5" w x 2-1/2" d x 6"h Weight: 6-1/2 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1126 Shakespeare & His Works
Price: $200.00
| This wonderfully detailed bust of William Shakespeare situated in front of the footlights of the theater, pen in hand with manuscript pages strewn about, was produced circa 1930s by the masterful Jennings Bros. foundry. This highly prized set in cast gray metal with a resplendent bronze finish features, on the rear, a partial list of the Bard's works as well as the maker's mark, "JB 2303." | Dimensions: 3-1/2" w x 1-3/4" d x 4-1/4" h Weight: 2-1/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Excellent vintage condition. |
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#1128 Teeing Off
Price: $395.00
| This very rare set of solid bronze bookends displaying a knicker-clad golfer and his suited young caddy just exudes the sunny and pleasant mood of a spring morning on a picturesque golf course. The pair is circa 1930 from an unknown foundry. | Dimensions: 3-3/4" w x 2-1/4" d x 5-1/2" h Weight: 6-3/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with only wear as appropriate to age. |
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#1134 On the Links
Price: $250.00
| This is a wonderfully detailed figural set of bookends, believed to be circa 1930s, showing a golfer about to tee off. Cast in gray metal with a bronze finish, the set has an irresistible simple charm. | Dimensions: 3-1/2" w x 4-1/2" d x 5-1/2" h Weight: 5/1/2002 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition with only age-appropriate wear. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1137 Longfellow Quote
Price: $300.00 SOLD
| A portrait of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow adorns the crest of these substantial cast iron pieces from the distinguished Bradley & Hubbard foundry, circa late 1920s. Each bears the poet's quote: "Then read from the treasured volume the poem of thy choice." | Dimensions: 4-1/2" w x 2-1/2" d x 6" h Weight: 7-1/4 lbs. Condition Comment: Very good vintage condition. Felt on bases replaced. |
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#1141 Beethoven Bust
Price: $425.00
| The power and majesty of Beethoven's genius is immediately apparent in this heroic, sculptural treatment from the renowned Bradley & Hubbard foundry, circa 1926. Each of the two very substantial pieces in bronze-coated cast iron, is superbly detailed, from the facial expression to the background frieze, and bears the B&H hallmark on the rear. Each has a brass identification plate affixed. | Dimensions: 6" w x 2-1/2" d x 6-1/2" h Weight: 11 lbs. Condition Comment: Good vintage condition with wear on one brass ID plate. Felt on bases replaced. |
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