Notorious curmudgeon, W. C. Fields, advised actors to "Never share the stage with animals or children." They are just too darn cute!
That's true for this pair of cast iron bookends, made in the Twenties or Thirties. A pair of watchful terrier puppies—simultaneously slouchy and attentive—are ready to hold-up your books or decorate your mantelpiece. The bookends are heavy. However, they do not have traditional "flat backs" which most bookends do. So these bookends are most effectively used holding-up thick and heavy, hardback tomes—which don't lean much, they just need to be kept upright.
The bookends were made by Hubley in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Hubley began its business life in 1894, making cast iron household items, like door stops. After the Turn-of-the-Century, they moved-on to toys and collectibles and became most famous for producing scale models cars. After World War II, Hubley teamed-up with automakers to produce a series of collectible replica cars.
Please click on the photo above to learn more about these charming terrier bookends.
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).
We also can be found in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248