antique Judd bookends, Grecourt Gates, Smith College, c. 1926, solid bronze For Sale

Offered here a highly desirable pair of solid bronze bookends manufactured by Connecticut-based Judd manufacturing Co. in 1926 (based on a Judd catalog) of bookends.  These are one of the best pairs of Judd bookend made.

These bookends are a replica of the gates at Chateau Robecourt, Grécourt, France. During The Great War a relief unit from Smith College, located in Northhamton, Mass.,had made it headquarters in the destroyed town of Grécourt to provide aid to the residents of the war-torn town.  The philanthropic and heroic effort by the women of Smith was well documented.  Following the Great War a larger-than-life replica of the Grecourt Gates was erected and dedicated on October 18, 1924 on the Smith campus.  In 1926 Judd designed these bookends.

Originally these would have had a paper label on the bottom that read "This solid bronze bookend is a replica of the gates at Chateau Robecourt, Grécourt, France. The Smith College Relief Unit made their headquarters during the World War at the park of the ruined Chateau. Replica of the Robecourt gates now erected at Smith College, Northampton, Mass.Dedicated October 18, 1924 are (sic) a memorial to the Smith College Relief Fund, 1917-1920."

Google a brief video to learn more about this great story.

Judd cJo shop mark on the backside as well as their stock number 9663. Solid bronze, 2 piece construction. Condition is excellent. A couple of small rubs to the patina. These bookends are solid bronze and are marked as such on the backside. See photos.  The ornate detail to these castings is outstanding.

The bookends are 5 inches tall, 5-1/2 inches wide and 2 3/8 inches deep.  The pair weigh 6 pounds. original felts.

Shipping is $16

Any questions please ask.