The Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company was founded in Knoxville, Illinois in 1908. They made very high quality plumbing fixtures: toilets, sinks, water fountains and other "sanitary ware." Abingdon's products were made of "vitreous porcelain"—a very heavy, dense, porcelain ceramic, coated with glass-like enameling which made the piece durable, impervious to damage or staining, and easy to clean. The company was regarded as the best in the business. They were the first company to introduce colored plumbing fixtures in 1928. And, in 1933, Abingdon provided all the plumbing fixtures for the Chicago World's Fair.
Alas, during the Great Depression, the building industry was hard hit. Orders for plumbing fixtures dried-up. So, in 1934, Abingdon began producing decorative consumer goods (with the very same vitreous porcelain) like vases, bowls, cookie jars, and the bookends shown above. This move allowed the company to continue production during the lean years. In 1950, Abingdon discontinued its line of "art ware" and returned full-time to its signature product line.
The Art Deco horse head bookends, shown above, were made by Abingdon during the Great Depression period (1934-1950). They are crafted of the company's signature vitreous porcelain, in the black coloration. Click on the photo above to learn more about these handsome (and durable) bookends.
More horse-themed bookends tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.