Description: A pair of old bronze colored heavy cast iron bookends. The set of cast iron bookends has a design showing the wounded Lion of Lucerne laying down with a shield in front of him. The bookends represents a facsimile of the well known monument in Lucerne Switzerland which shows a rock relief in of a mortally wounded lion in Lucerne, Switzerland, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen and hewn in 1820–21 by Lukas Ahorn. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The lion has the legend "HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI" (which translates to Swiss faith and Virtue) above it along the top edge of the bookends. There is markings on the back along the bottom edge which says ""LION OF LUCERNE." Both pieces have a textured backing and felt on the bottom. This is a pair of substantial and beautiful bookends. The bookends are unmarked with as to the maker. A great set of bookends with a subject that Mark Twain called "The most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world." They are worthy of a spot in your collection or on your shelves. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date: Uncertain but most likely sometime in the mid 20th century. 

Origin: Purchased in an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania. 

Size: Measures ~3 7/8" high and the base is ~7 1/2" by ~1 7/8". The pair weighs over 4 pounds and 3 ounces and we estimate that once packaged to ship they will weigh about 6 pounds. 

Maker: Unknown. 

Marks: Unmarked as to the maker. 

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nice pair of bookends with a beautiful design. A beautiful set of bookends of substantial construction. Combined they weigh over 4 pounds and 3 ounces. Just a beautiful set of bookends, which deserve a spot in your collection or on your shelves.

Condition: The bookends are rather heavy weighing over 4 pounds and 3 ounces unpackaged. They are in very good condition with no breaks, repairs or dings that we could find. They have minor wear to the finish, some scratches, some minor stains, and some rust signs, especially on the bottom. The bottom felt is stained, soiled, has some losses and coming off at the edges, but still in good condition and solidly in place. The bookends are still great looking and would make an excellent addition to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition details.