Solid brass scallop shell bookends in a matching heavy pair with deeply textured radiating shell ridges.
Both bookends are solid and usable, with visible tarnish, patina, surface marks, darkened areas, and sticker staining from a previous owner. No breaks are visible in the photos.
The gold tone brass and sculpted seashell form fit coastal, nautical, mid century, Hollywood Regency, and collected bookshelf decor.
Details
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Item: Pair of solid brass scallop shell bookends
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Item Type: Decorative bookends
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Era: Mid to late 20th century
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Materials: Solid cast brass
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Color: Gold tone brass with aged patina
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Maker and Mark: no visible maker's mark
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Pattern or Model: Not confirmed from photos
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Style: Coastal, nautical, mid century, and Hollywood Regency
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Dimensions: Each bookend stands 4 inches tall. Base measures approximately 2 inches by 2 3/4 inches.
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Special Features: Matching scallop shell pair with deep radiating texture and combined product weight of 3 pounds 5 ounces. The book shown in the photos is for demonstrating use and is not included.
Condition Grade: Good
Positives
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Graded Good: The pair is complete, heavy, and usable with clear signs of age and prior display.
- Both bookends retain their matching scallop shell shape and deeply modeled surface texture.
- The solid brass construction gives the pair enough weight to support books on a shelf.
- The raised shell ridges remain clearly defined on both pieces.
Issues / Wear
- The brass shows tarnish, darkened areas, patina, surface scratches, and small marks from age and handling.
- Green oxidation is visible in some recessed areas of the shell texture.
- Sticker residue and staining from a previous owner remain visible on one underside.
- The backs and bases show uneven finish and surface discoloration visible in the photos.
Condition Grade Key
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Near Fine: Close to new. Any flaw is small and named above.
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Very Good: Light use. Every flaw is named above, and none of them get in the way of reading or display.
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Good: Complete and usable, with clear signs of use. Every flaw is named above.
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Fair: Heavy wear or damage, named above. A reading or working copy, not a display piece.
Collector's Notes
Solid brass shell bookends were a familiar decorative form in mid to late 20th century interiors, especially in coastal and nautical rooms.
The aged brass surface gives them a collected look while leaving the sculpted shell pattern easy to see.
Shipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)
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Photo-verified condition, no surprises
- Packed with care. Glass and fragile pieces get extra cushioning
- Ships in 2 business days
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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.
I do my best to capture colors accurately, but your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Please Note
These pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.
How Reading Vintage sources and grades every piece
