Elephant Bookends Appraisal

S.J. Goldhill & Co. 1904 Ceramic Elephant Bookends

This is a pair of ceramic elephant bookends, likely crafted in Germany by S.J. Goldhill & Co. around 1904. Each bookend features a detailed elephant figure, with both elephants depicted with their trunks raised, a symbol often associated with good luck. The elephants are resting on bases designed to resemble stacks of books, indicated by vertical lines on the 'spines' and horizontal lines on the 'pages' of the sculpted element. The ceramic material exhibits a glazed finish, primarily in shades of gray and off-white/cream, with subtle variations creating depth and highlighting the elephants' features such as their wrinkles, ears, and tusks. The color palette suggests an understated elegance typical of the early 20th century. There are no visible condition issues such as chips, cracks, or significant wear apparent from the provided images, suggesting the items have been well-preserved or carefully handled. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with attention paid to anatomical details of the elephants and the stylized representation of the books. The 'watermark' information, indicating 'S.J. Goldhill & Co. 1904 Germany' on the bottom of both pieces, serves as a crucial manufacturing detail, dating the items precisely to the early 20th century. This specific maker and date add significant historical and collectible value to the bookends. The design is characteristic of the period's interest in naturalistic forms combined with functional household items.