Artisan Bookend Appraisal

"The Blacksmith" Cast Iron Bookend

This item is a single cast iron bookend, likely part of a pair, depicting a blacksmith at work. The overall color is a dark, matte, possibly painted or chemically treated black, with some areas showing lighter wear or possibly original highlighting. The bookend features a rectangular upright section with a relief sculpture of a shirtless, muscular man wielding a hammer over an anvil or forge. In the background of this scene, there are abstract or stylized white specks, possibly representing sparks or a starry background, which contrast sharply with the dark figure and ground. A small red highlight is visible near the forge, suggesting heat or fire. The base is also cast iron, forming an L-shape typical of bookends, allowing books to rest against the upright section. The surface of the bookend, particularly the base and the figure, shows signs of dust and age, suggesting a well-used or vintage piece. There is no visible significant damage such as chips or cracks, but the paint or finish appears to have some minor scuffs consistent with age and handling. A unique feature is a piece of white string, resembling a candle wick, protruding from the top edge of the upright section. This could indicate that the bookend was once modified or used as a base for a candle, or it might be extraneous material. The craftsmanship appears sturdy, characteristic of cast iron pieces from the early to mid-20th century. The style is industrial or folk art, celebrating labor. The letters "SF" are faintly visible vertically along the left side of the blacksmith figure, which could be a manufacturer's mark, designer's initials, or a series abbreviation. The bookend possesses a robust and utilitarian aesthetic.