Almost certainly one-of-a-kind, these artisan-made antique Folk Art bookends feature a classic “Compass Rose” (also known as a wind rose or compass star) and represent an exceptional piece of early 20th-century craftsmanship.
Likely dating back to the 1920s or 1930s Art Deco era, this fabulous maker’s endeavor captures the simple, bold geometric shapes popularized by the American Arts and Crafts Movement, making them a stunning addition to any Craftsman-style home or historic library decor.
Petite in size at about 5 inches tall but weighing more than 13 pounds the pair, these solid metal bookends are built for maximum utility, easily capable of holding up a heavy row of reference books on an executive office desk.
On the front of each is a three-dimensional four-point compass rose, in darker, contrasting, bronze. The maker elegantly dimpled the edges of both square brass plates into a wavy pattern, mounting the vertical slab on a corner so it appears diamond-shaped.
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The structural construction is rock-solid, utilizing a single-screw to hold the thick plates together alongside a hidden steel pin to prevent any rotation of the vertical diamond plate — a very sound and robust design (see the photo taken prior to the new rubber pads glued to the bottoms).
Upon handling these vintage bookends, you will instantly notice the incredible heft caused by their unique fabrication. Each piece is constructed out of two massive slabs of solid brass plate, measuring nearly one inch thick. To be precise, a caliper reading shows a 0.890-inch thickness for the plates. Each bookend measures a petite 5.165 inches tall, base 3.965 inches square, a hefty 6.5+ pounds each, the pair weighs in at a whopping 13.1 pounds. To protect your fine woodwork, the original worn felt pads have been replaced with a brand new, high-quality protective rubber mat of suitable density to safely cushion their substantial weight.
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A compass rose, sometimes called a wind rose, rose of the winds or compass star, is a figure on a compass, map, nautical chart, or monument. This classic maritime symbol has been traditionally used on navigational charts to display cardinal directions — a distinct explorer aesthetic that makes the pair an ideal gift for lovers of old maps, marine historic artifacts, or sea navigation history.
A fantastic artisan handmade pair of vintage bookends, wonderful functional decorative sculpture-like decor for your American Craftsman home. Also a great gift for anyone who loves old maps & nautical charts, or collectors of antique surveyor instruments (compass, transit, theodolite).
