These are european antique, probably French, bronze metal griffin gargoyle mythological art deco bookends. Modernist in style and origin, circa 1925, and in wonderful condition. I think they are regule or very heavy white metal with a bronze plated finish. The finish is just the nicest I have seen, with glimmers of gold among the darker bronze and deliberately applied verdigris or greening, meant to mimic aged bronze, and it does perfectly. This finish is over 99 percent intact. These have no damage and sit proudly on light celadon green onyx bases which are also in great condition. These measure 7 inches high by 6 inches long and weigh 8 pounds the pair. They are also very rare, only set of these I have ever seen in 18 years of collecting bookends and they are guaranteed old, genuine and original. What I like best of these is the artistry of the sculpture of the medieveal heraldic creature, the griffin, or gryphon. Similar to a gargoyle but different. Griffins were supposed to be half lion and half eagle and sometimes half dragon. This one has the arched head of a combined eagle and dragon. Giant curved beak and long tongue but huge lion claws on it's forepaws. Then you have the nicest design of ivy on the side of the pillar it is rearing up on and the modernist extremist design of the tapering back of the creature into a medieval crossbrace or arch. Very much like the creatures you see on Notre Dame in France. Nice stone pattern on the base and just beautifully made. I know these are european, they came from an estate auction with european antiques and the style and design is very French. Thanks for looking and please see my other auctions for more antique and vintage cast metal bookends and doorstops that I will combine on shipping whenever possible.

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