A pair of mid-century heavy cast brass duck head bookends.
Brass bookends cast in the form of animal profiles became immensely popular during the early to mid-20th century as home libraries grew in private residences. Makers utilized traditional sand-casting methods to produce these substantial pieces, often applying a lacquered or natural finish to the heavy brass.
Waterfowl and specifically duck motifs were favored subjects in studies and libraries, reflecting an appreciation for wildlife and traditional country house aesthetics. These decorative objects were mass-produced by various hardware and metalwork foundries in the United States and Europe, remaining a staple of traditional interior decoration for decades.
