This unique pair of Monk Scribe electroformed bronze bookends was made by Armor Bronze in New York City (NYC) in the 1920's or 1930's as confirmed by the company "shield" stamped in the side of both bookends. Originally known as the National Metalizing Company, Armor Bronze moved to Taunton, MA in 1934 and in 1946 changed their name to Armor Bronze & Silver Company. Armor Bronze produced lamps, works of art, doorstops, bookends, and trays of exceptional beauty.
The beginning of commercially produced electroformed art metal in the United States is attributed to P. Mori and Sons of NYC in the late 1880's. This company coined the term “Galvano Bronze” to describe the process which catered to a growing market seeking high-quality but relatively inexpensive bronze castings of ancient and contemporary sculptures. Armor Bronze was one of several companies that used the Galvano process.
The tell-tale identifier of old bronze-clad bookends is the indentation or depression on the underside store of each bookend showing where the hanging wire was cut off.
Electroformed castings were products of a plating process in which the metal is applied by electrolysis to a plaster casting instead of being poured into a mold in a molten state, the end result being the appearance of a metal casting. The process of producing electroformed bookends was expensive and time-consuming thus because of the time and labor involved, manufacturers of electroformed bookends are all but extinct.
"GSA" is inscribed on one side of each bookend with the encircled "C" copyright symbol. Both bookends are in good condition with a small scratch on the under thigh of one monk (see photos) and no chips or cracks. Both bookends have an attractive bronze patina. The base of one bookend has the number "3" incised and both bases have an indentation where a hanging copper wire was cut off. Each bookend weighs 1 pound 6 ounces and stands 4.5" tall, 3.5" deep, and 2.75" wide. Imagine this beautiful rare pair of Art Deco Armor Bronze Monk Scribe bookends in an office, study, or living room!
To ensure safety in shipping, the pair of bookends will be bubble wrapped and packed separately in one sturdy cardboard box then packed in a second box and shipped USPS Priority Mail which includes tracking and insurance. Extra insurance will be added to cover the full value of the bookends.
Please consider viewing other antique and vintage items in my shop. I have an eclectic collection from more than 40 years of collecting and am frequently adding new items to my shop.
Thank you for looking and considering a purchase!
Product code: Vintage Art Deco Armor store Bronze Monk Scribe Bookends - Made in USA - 1920's to 1930's