Retro Bookends Appraisal

Mid-Century Modern Walnut and Brass Bookends (Pair)

This is a pair of Mid-Century Modern bookends, likely dating from the mid-20th century, specifically the 1950s-1970s, based on their design and materials. Each bookend features a rich, dark brown walnut wood construction, exhibiting a discernable grain pattern. The primary surface of the bookends, designed to rest against the books, is a flat wood panel, with a gracefully curved or angled top edge that adds a touch of sophistication and design interest. Along the bottom edge of each bookend, there is a polished brass accent strip, providing a striking contrast against the dark walnut and contributing to the era's aesthetic. The bookends appear to be solid and well-constructed, indicative of good craftsmanship. One of the bookends clearly displays an oval-shaped gold foil sticker or decal on its top surface, which reads "WALNUT" in a stylized font, with a small design, possibly a walnut leaf or nut, above the text. This sticker confirms the primary wood material used. The visible condition suggests some minor wear consistent with age and use, such as potential surface scuffs or slight tarnishing on the brass, though these are not clearly detrimental from the available image. There are no obvious signs of significant damage, repairs, or major flaws. The construction appears to be a simple, elegant L-shape or similar form, designed to slide under books for stability. The base of the left bookend shows a partially obscured paper label, which, while not fully legible, implies manufacturing or product information. The clean lines and material combination are classic indicators of the Mid-Century Modern style.