Antique Art Nouveau 1920s Minerva Expandable Bookends or Rack Judd Mfg Co #9923

Description

Terrific Antique Art Nouveau "MINERVA" Expandable Bookends or Book Rack, By Judd Mfg Co, Conn. USA, #9923

Approx: 5.25"H x … more Terrific Antique Art Nouveau "MINERVA" Expandable Bookends or Book Rack, By Judd Mfg Co, Conn. USA, #9923

Approx: 5.25"H x 6.25"W x 8.5"-15" L, 2 lbs
Circa: 1910-1930

A few of these are currently listed, but they are actually fairly rare. It is made with brass expanding bars, but the faces are most likely a cast iron with an antiqued finish.

Both ends feature the Minerva portrait with a burning oil lamp and the number 9923 stamped on the reverse side.

Very good condition. Pictures are from all sides to help you see the condition.

"Minerva" was the Roman goddess of wisdom, crafty warfare, creativity, art, crafts, commerce...

This antique Judd expandable bookrack is made of cast iron which has been given a brass finish. The piece features discs at either end which bear detailed profiles of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, set on a stippled ground. Minerva is shown wearing an Etruscan helmet decorated with scrolling shapes and a ram's head at the front. Her long wavy hair falls down her neck to the toga clasped at her shoulder. The discs are also decorated with the embossed image of a lighted lamp.

This is a truly fascinating piece! less