Curious Folding and Extendable Bookend. Circa 1900.

Original and beautiful foldable double bookend, that can be extended to reach an area of up to 165 mm in length. Made around 1900, its original design is joined by its practical systems which fold and extend it, and also by the extreme quality of its materials. The device is made of solid wood: the interior shows the beautiful red and black hardwood grain, while the outside has a black ebonized finish. The foldable sides are embellished with an attractive brass deta each, in perfect conditions and which depicts a medieval floral design. In fact, the whole piece shows a Neo-Gothic style typical of the early twentieth century. Although the object is in good conditions, the ebonized outside has some minor signs of friction, easy to recover by a good restorer. The beauty of this curious device is due to its simple design, its antique charm and its simplicity and functionality. The sides are attached to the base by brass hinges that allow its folding and unfolding. Also, the base holds the two pieces of wood that are attached to the sides, which can slide back to extend the surface of the object. The bookend is an antique and most original piece, and at the same time highly functional. Any library, cabinet or shelf will be exalted by the presence of this beautiful and unique object. Extended object dimensions: 560 x 165 mm.