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Wonderful matched pair of antique Hubley Manufacturing Company No. 497 cast-iron accordion player bookends, made in the USA and dating to approximately the 1920s–1930s.
Each depicts the same seated musician wearing a cap and playing an accordion. The substantial cast-iron figures retain an attractive aged bronze-tone finish with naturally developed green patination concentrated in the recessed details.
Both are clearly marked on the reverse:
MADE IN U.S.A.
497
The figures are mounted on individually shaped polished banded onyx/calcite stone bases with beautiful natural variations of burgundy, amber, cream and olive. Because this is natural stone, the bases vary somewhat in shape and thickness; one is noticeably taller and heavier than the other.
The two figures intentionally face the same direction rather than being mirror images, consistent with documented examples of the Hubley No. 497 pair.
These are exceptionally substantial decorative pieces, weighing just over 10 pounds combined, and have wonderful presence displayed with books in a library or study. They would also make an excellent gift for a musician, accordion collector or collector of early American cast iron.
Dimensions & Weights
* Overall height: approximately 6¼–6½” each
* Pair spans approximately 9” when displayed together
* Taller/thicker stone-base bookend: 5 lb 2.5 oz
* Lower stone-base bookend: 4 lb 14.2 oz
* Combined actual weight: 10 lb 0.7 oz
Condition
Good antique condition with attractive age-related character.
The cast-iron surfaces exhibit finish wear, rubbing, small scratches and areas of naturally developed green patination. There is more noticeable finish loss on the reverse of one figure where the underlying gray cast iron is visible.
The natural stone bases exhibit age-related surface and edge wear along with inherent color, veining and variation. Please examine the photographs carefully for the individual condition of both pieces.
The figures have not been polished, refinished or otherwise restored. Their aged surfaces and patina have intentionally been preserved.
The stone bottoms have likewise been left unaltered. A set of self-adhesive felt furniture-protection pads will be included for the buyer’s optional use but will not be applied.
Sold as the original matched pair shown.
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