A matched pair of heavy classic flamboyant pirate bookends by Paul Herzel for Pompeian bronze. They are from 1928 and are still decorative and useful today. The pirate reminds me of Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp).

The pirate stands on the sand with one foot on the treasure and a hand on a long sword. Below the pirates are a relief scene of palm trees and a pirate galleon. They are cast bronze with good deep molding. The color is a nice dark bronze brown from years of oxidization with traces of other color patination. The bases have an old maroon felt.

A cast mark on the back of each bookend reads COPYRIGHT 1928 POMPEIANBRC with a small circle. The artist’s name is above and it reads PAUL-HERZEL with a copyright mark.

MEASUREMENTS

4” (10.2 cm) wide x 2 3/8” (5.9 cm) deep x 7 3/8” (18.6 cm) tall. Weighs 4 lbs 13.4 oz (2195 g)

CONDITION

The hand of one pirate holding his sword broke off and has been repaired. There are no other breaks, cracks, or dents. There are small patina losses and wear. The felt on one bookend is punctured.

A classic pair of pirate bookends to add to a collection or use to hold books up in your library.