Unusual Cut-Out Arts & Crafts Mission Period Peacock Bird of Paradise Bookends - $225 - (Indian River, MI)

Unusual rare pair of matching bookends made of steel, each with an intricate cut-out pattern or design of a peacock or bird of paradise, surrounded and framed by what looks to be grape clusters and trailing vines. The cut-out steel layer is repousse in places, and riveted to a solid steel back (12 rivets on each bookend), with what looks to be a thin layer of intact textured silk or similar cloth sandwiched between the two layers. I have never seen anything like this, either in person or in research publications or on-line databases. Looks to be early arts & crafts / mission period to me, circa 1900. Unsigned. Each bookend is about 6 and 1/2 inches tall, just under 5 and 1/2 inches wide at the widest spot, and 5 inches deep at the back (base). Metal is light brown in color - there may be remnants of a historic patina, or possibly just light historic corrosion - specially highlighted areas look to be bare metal. Exceptional workmanship, whoever made them. Came to me out of an old East Coast estate. See my other listings for similar interesting period-specific items. All sales are final - no returns. Please ask questions before bidding. Shipping to Lower 48 States only, no international sales. Payment due within 3 days of auction end. If you have a feedback score of 10 or less, you must contact me before bidding. In "as found" condition - this item is vintage, and not new. Photos are as important as my written description, please review all the photos carefully, including at close-up magnification. Selling from my personal collection. Thanks.

Posted in Indian River, MI, Antiques
From ebay.com - 1 month ago