Sailing ship bookends · pair, brass, 14 cm

A pair of brass bookends, each around 14 cm high: a full-rigged ship under set sail, on a wave as base, worked through in the casting right into the rigging.

The sails are individually formed and stand free — you can see between them. Hull, rail and bowsprit are cleanly set off, the waves at the base modelled as coarse crests. The raised surfaces of the sails are polished bright, in the recesses the patina sits dark — it is precisely that alternation that brings out the form.

Bookends come in pairs, and here they do: two pieces, set up as mirror images, with the foot folded back to be pushed under the books. Both are solid enough to actually hold a row, not just decorate it.

Around 14 cm high, read off the tape. The tape lies beside them in the third photograph.

• A pair — two pieces
• Brass, cast, distinct weight
• Each around 14 cm high (read off the tape)
• Sails freely formed, rigging worked through
• Base as a wave crest
• Foot folded back for pushing under
• No mark or signature

Good. Both complete, no breaks on masts or yards. Patina evenly grown, bright on the raised parts. Both stand firmly.