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ID #SA1097590
FOR SALE
£165
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Wonderful Pair of Tall Ship Brass Book Ends – Circa 1930
For sale by Kingsdown Antiques
for sale €193     $210
£165
Kingsdown Antiques

Kingsdown Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2015
Browse dealers 252 items
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Wonderful Pair of Tall Ship Brass Book Ends – Circa 1930

1920 - 1940
Description

A Wonderful Pair of Brass Book Ends with nicely modelled detail of a tall ships at sea. The bottom of each bookend reads ‘The Barque Macquarie’ – circa 1930.

*When launched in 1875, the Macquarie was hailed as the finest passenger sailing ship afloat. She was built and owned by the famous London shipowners R. Green and Co. Costing £42,000 and originally named Melbourne, she was beautifully modelled with fully furnished accommodation for 50 passengers. Until she was sold in 1887, she regularly traded between London and Melbourne, after that, her name was changed to Macquarie and she was placed in the Sydney trade until 1897.

Measurements:

Height: 6 1/4" (approx. 16cm)

Width: 4" (approx. 10cm)

Depth: 2 3/8" (approx. 6cm)

Total weight: 1592g

In good condition.

Physical Dimensions
Height
16cm (6.30")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
6cm (2.36")
Declaration

Kingsdown Antiques has dated these Brass Tall Ship Bookends to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1097590
Dealers Internal Reference
P51079
Dealers Notes

***IMPORTANT NOTE***

Dear customers,

Just a quick note to let you know that I’ll be on vacation from Wednesday, 7th October 2026 through to Wednesday, 14th October 2026, so the shop will be closed during this time.

If you have an order already in process, please rest assured I’ll be keeping a close eye on any messages relating to it - and I’ll address any issues as soon as I can. Items are still available to purchase, and all new orders received while I’m away will be processed promptly when the shop reopens on Thursday, 15th October 2026.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Warmest wishes,

Jozef

Kingsdown Antiques

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Please note that we are often out sourcing items during the day, so email is the quickest way to reach us. We aim to reply promptly. If you do call and we are unable to answer, please leave a voicemail and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

We are a father and son antiques business with over 40 years of experience. We love what we do and we hope you will love it too.

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Description
A Wonderful Pair of Brass Book Ends with nicely modelled detail of a tall ships at sea. The bottom of each bookend reads ‘The Barque Macquarie’ – circa 1930.

When launched in 1875, the Macquarie was hailed as the finest passenger sailing ship afloat. She was built and owned by the famous London shipowners R. Green and Co.

“
Costing £42,000 and originally named Melbourne, she was beautifully modelled with fully furnished accommodation for 50 passengers.
Kingsdown Antiques

Until she was sold in 1887, she regularly traded between London and Melbourne, after that, her name was changed to Macquarie and she was placed in the Sydney trade until 1897.

Measurements:

Height: 6 1/4" (approx. 16cm)

Width: 4" (approx. 10cm)

Depth: 2 3/8" (approx. 6cm)

Total weight: 1592g

In good condition.

Height
16cm (6.30")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
6cm (2.36")
Date of Manufacture

Kingsdown Antiques has dated these Brass Tall Ship Bookends to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1097590
Dealers Internal Ref
P51079
Kingsdown Antiques
Kingsdown Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2015

Trustworthy reliable professional. Free UK & worldwide shipping

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Kingsdown Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves.
1 / 6
Archive I A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves.

Wonderful Pair of Tall Ship Brass Book Ends – Circa 1930

Archive II A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves. View II
Archive III A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves. View III
Archive IV A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves. View IV
Archive V A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves. View V
Archive VI A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Kingsdown Antiques

Kingsdown Antiques
Telephone 07402 643497
Location
Bristol
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/denby
Verified Since Jun 2015
Items For Sale 252
Items Sold 3,025
Kingsdown Antiques
Kingsdown Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2015
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/denby
Verified
Jun 2015
For Sale
252
Sold
3,025
A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves.
Wonderful Pair of Tall Ship Brass Book Ends – circa 1930
Ref: SA1097590
A pair of solid brass bookends featuring a relief design of a tall sailing ship on ocean waves.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectBookends
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleMaritime
  • MaterialBrass
  • ColourWarm Brass
  • MotifsTall ship sails, Textured wave base, Embossed lettering
  • SizeH 16 cm (6 in) x W 10 cm (4 in) x D 6 cm (2 in)

These maritime bookends from 1930 take the form of a matching pair depicting tall ships at sea. Modelled in a warm brass with an antique metallic finish, the pieces display sculptural relief details including multi-tiered billowing sails, rigging, and a textured base representing ocean waves with embossed lettering along the front border that reads “IRON BARQUE MACQUARIE”. The cast metal shows varied highlights and deep shadows across the nautical surfaces. Each bookend measures 16 cm high, 10 cm wide, and 6 cm deep. This solid accessory pair sits practically on a bookshelf, study desk, or mantelpiece in a gentleman’s library or traditional study to support heavy volumes while providing a decorative focal point.

FAQs

Nautical-themed bookends gained widespread popularity during the early twentieth century, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. Depictions of historic tall ships and galleons reflected a cultural fascination with maritime exploration, seamanship, and historic naval transport.

Bookends from this era were typically produced using sand-casting or die-casting techniques in solid brass, bronze, or cast iron with a brass electroplate. The weighted base provided stability for supporting heavy hardback volumes, while hand-finishing highlighted relief details.

Authentic pieces usually feature crisp casting details in relief, natural surface wear, and a subtle patina in recessed areas. Look for stamped manufacturer marks, titles along the base, or felt linings on the underside intended to protect wooden shelving.

These decorative objects work well paired with leather-bound books on a dark wood bookcase, positioned on a home office desk, or set within a mantelpiece display alongside globe ornaments and vintage maps.

Dust regularly with a soft dry cloth to prevent buildup in detailed relief areas. Avoid harsh chemical polishes if retaining an aged patina is preferred, or use a mild brass cleaner sparingly to restore bright metallic shine.
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