Bronze Finish Bookends Appraisal

Vintage Equestrian Horse Head Bronze-Finish Bookends

This is a pair of decorative bookends featuring stylized horse head busts in an equestrian theme. These items are constructed from a heavy cast material, likely spelter or a weighted resin, finished with a metallic bronze-colored patina. Each horse head sits upon a stepped rectangular base that features a classic Greek Key or meander design border around the upper tier. The horses are depicted with manes and expressive facial features, showing a mid-20th-century neoclassical decorative influence. The physical condition shows visible signs of wear and age. Specifically, there are several areas of paint loss and chipping on the noses, ears, and base corners of both pieces, revealing a white or light-colored substrate beneath the bronze finish. These chips suggest the items are not solid bronze but rather a cast medium with a surface coating. The underside of the base contains manufacturer markings which appear to read 'AVERBADE RATTAS' and 'CHIGAGO ILL.', indicating a mid-century American production by the Haeger or a similar decorative arts company located in the Illinois region. The overall craftsmanship is consistent with mass-produced mid-to-late 20th-century home decor, intended to mimic higher-end bronze art.