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VintageNiepoldsBorghese Italian Floral Gilt antique bookends flowers printI saw “Borghese” (with a stamp on the bottom) on someone else’s listing of these bookends. This pair doesn’t have the stamp. Other than a famous 13th c. Italian family, I guess there was a manufacturer with that name somewhere who made these...in the 1940s.Not 1960s, per another listing; this pair dates to 1946. How do I know? Because it was one of the many items in my house while growing up that my mother would look at, sigh, and say, “That was a wedding present.” And that wedding was in 1946, people. Maybe Borghese was still making them in 1960, but I can promise you this set is from no later than 1946 (or maybe earlier, if they were “vintage” when given as the 1946 gift.)The main part is made of something substantial, maybe plaster, metallic painted, with a sturdy metal bottom that’s covered in felt. The design surface looks like a commercially printed image of the flowers, presumably ink on paper, that’s then glued to the main surface and perhaps varnished over its top. Gold painted bases and tops, nice patina overall.These babies are sturdy and heavy -- 1.8 pounds each. They will hold up a hefty stack of books.
New info: omg a fabulous fellow dealer who knew what these are sent me an explanation...with photos! See below and please check out Griffville\'s items, too, to reward him for getting involved. Honestly, people, these days when every other thing online is some kind of spam or phishing, I\'m gobsmacked to be contacted by a NICE seller-- who isn\'t looking for a specific return for his involvement. Proves that there still are some nice people at this site, thankfully.
I thought would might be interested in the origin of items with the paper “Borghese” label. Despite the connection of the name “Borghese” they were not actually made in or sold from Italy. These plaster-cast and painted wares with the black or red “Borghese”paper labels were manufactured by a now-defunct US company called Niepolds in Gaithersburg MD just outside of Washington DC, from the early 20th century until the early 1970’s when the company closed up shop for good. They sold these items wholesale to decorators, gift shops, and department stores across the US. I’ve attached screen shots from a few of my old Borghese catalogs. I used to have a substantial collection of “Borghese” items.
Your bookends are shown as #65 in a Niepold Borghese catalog from the late 40’s-early 50’s.
Hope this helps.
7-1/2 in high x 6-1/4 in wide at base x 1-1/2 in deep main piece plus 3-1/4 x 2-1/4 in metal “tongue” that sits below the books.
No returns, so please, please, please study my photos carefully and send any questions in advance.Will ship immediately upon payment via USPS or UPS, w tracking, cheap, may be slow. Will be well protected and packed. Contact me about paying extra for fancier shipping and/or quote to other places but no international. Ships from virus-free and pet-free home
