Pair of Bookends, Walnut & Brass, 14.5 cm, Mid-Century 1960s

This pair of bookends from the 1960s combines two materials that defined mid-century living: warm walnut and brass. Each bookend consists of a brass sheet folded at a right angle, its flat foot sliding beneath the books, while the upright side is faced with a panel of solid walnut. There is no maker's mark; however, the reduced construction and choice of materials correspond to the desk and shelf accessories made in Germany and Scandinavia in those years.

The solid wood panels have gently rounded corners and a softly profiled top edge, where the lively, dark-striped grain of the walnut shows to particular advantage and continues over the edges. The brass foot shows an even, warm aged patina. The bases of both the brass and the wood are covered with fine felt, so the bookends stand securely and protect delicate furniture and shelf surfaces. It is precisely this restraint that makes them so versatile: they hold art books on a sideboard, organise notebooks on a desk or add a calm, warm accent to a bookshelf between ceramics and glass.

Each bookend measures 9.8 cm in width and 14.5 cm in height. Both are in very good condition with a few minor, age-appropriate signs of use on the wood and natural patina on the brass. The price is for the pair. No VAT is shown.