$72.00
Vintage pair of lion bookends made of weighted gray metal (4+ lbs.) with bronze finish. They are modeled after the Lion of Belfort, a huge monument by celebrated 19th century sculptor, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi (1834 – 1904), French sculptor and painter, best known for designing the Statue of Liberty (history below). The bookends are highly detailed–there’s an arrow under the lion’s front paw–made in Germany and marked “EJC1000″ on the back. They measure 3-5/8″ tall x 5″ wide x 2.25” deep. Green felt on the bottom. Excellent vintage condition with a crease on the back of one which appears to be original to manufacture. They likely date from before 1945.
1 in stock
HISTORY (from online sources): The original red sandstone Lion of Belfort monument measures a massive 72′ x 36′ and was finished in 1880. It was sculpted in individual blocks which were moved to the cliff below Belfort Castle and assembled there to dominate the local landscape. The lion symbolizes the heroic French resistance during the Siege of Belfort, a 103-day Prussian assault from December 1870 to February 1871. The original model depicted the lion facing defiantly east towards Prussia, but Bartholdi was asked to calm its expression to avoid a diplomatic fallout with the German Empire. In response, he reversed the statue to face west with its rear to Prussia, but added an arrow beneath its front paw that points back towards the German border.
SHIPPING: $12 flat rate shipping valid only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes. For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.
A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.” As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift. All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof.
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Customer has up to 30 days unless vendor opts out of return policy per item to return a product for any reason such as damaged item, size, or unhappiness with product upon arrival. Read our full return policy.
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!
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Your Review
danicatheracecardriver –
Wonderful experience, meticulous packaging!
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!