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ID #SA1237603
FOR SALE
£1,580
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C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty, Extra Large, Leather Elephant Bench Seat (English)
For sale by White Space Antiques
for sale €1,849     $2,007
£1,580
White Space Antiques

White Space Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2026
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C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty, Extra Large, Leather Elephant Bench Seat (English)

1920 - 1940
Description

C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty, Extra Large Leather Elephant Bench Seat (English).

Often referred to as 'Omersa', this particular model was designed and produced by 'Old Bill' who was the original designer of leather animals for Liberty of London from 1927 until handing over the reigns to Omersa in 1955 upon his retirement.

This extra large model was produced between 1930 and 1935, and is 100cm to the top of the trunk. It was designed as a fireside bench and as such most examples dried out and perished. This piece is in excellent condition, with no breaks, rips or tears. It features glass eyes, tooled leather and resin tusks.

This model's ears are also solid, over the flappy leather models, which from research suggests it was produced as a shop promotional model. This would explain how it has survived for almost 100-years and makes it an extremely rare example.

DIMENSIONS:

100cm H

97cm W

CONDITION:

No breaks, rips or tears. Leather is not brittle. Overall in good condition.

WEBSITE:

For more information or more detailed images, please visit our website:

https://www.WhiteSpaceAntiques.com

Physical Dimensions
Height
100cm (39.37")
Width
97cm (38.19")
Declaration

White Space Antiques has dated this Leather Elephant Bench Seat to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1237603
Description
C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty, Extra Large Leather Elephant Bench Seat (English).

Often referred to as 'Omersa', this particular model was designed and produced by 'Old Bill' who was the original designer of leather animals for Liberty of London from 1927 until handing over the reigns to Omersa in 1955 upon his retirement.

fig 1. An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks.
fig 1. C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty, Extra Large, Leather Elephant Bench Seat (English)

This extra large model was produced between 1930 and 1935, and is 100cm to the top of the trunk. It was designed as a fireside bench and as such most examples dried out and perished. This piece is in excellent condition, with no breaks, rips or tears. It features glass eyes, tooled leather and resin tusks.

“
This model's ears are also solid, over the flappy leather models, which from research suggests it was produced as a shop promotional model.
White Space Antiques

This would explain how it has survived for almost 100-years and makes it an extremely rare example.

fig 2. An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks.
fig 2. C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty, Extra Large, Leather Elephant Bench Seat (English)

DIMENSIONS:

100cm H

97cm W

CONDITION:

No breaks, rips or tears. Leather is not brittle. Overall in good condition.

WEBSITE:

For more information or more detailed images, please visit our website:

https://www.WhiteSpaceAntiques.com

Height
100cm (39.37")
Width
97cm (38.19")
Date of Manufacture

White Space Antiques has dated this Leather Elephant Bench Seat to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1237603
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2026

Curate your white space

Dealer Profile

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

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An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks.
1 / 5
Archive I An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks.

C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty, Extra Large, Leather Elephant Bench Seat (English)

Archive II An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks. View II
Archive III An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks. View III
Archive IV An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks. View IV
Archive V An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks. View V
Enlarged Archival View
White Space Antiques

White Space Antiques
Telephone 07760 835542
Location
Westbury
Wiltshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/whitespace
Verified Since Feb 2026
Items For Sale 67
Items Sold 3
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Verified Since Feb 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/whitespace
Verified
Feb 2026
For Sale
67
Sold
3
An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks.
C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty, Extra Large, Leather Elephant Bench Seat (English)
Ref: SA1237603
An extra-large antique dark brown leather elephant bench featuring a raised trunk, detailed hide texture, glass eyes, and short tusks.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectFootstools
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleArt Deco
  • MaterialLeather, Wood, Glass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsRaised trunk, Textured hide, Contrast tusks, Stitched seams
  • SizeH 100 cm (39 in) x W 97 cm (38 in)

This extra-large leather elephant bench seat originates from the Art Deco period around 1930 and follows English production traditions associated with Liberty of London. The construction incorporates dark brown leather, wood, and glass, finished with a textured hide, stitched seams, a raised trunk, contrast tusks, and glass eyes. Visible details include solid upright ears, heavily tooled surface texturing across the body and limbs, and curved white tusks extending from the jaw below the open mouth and trunk. Practical application places the piece at 100 cm high and 97 cm wide, suited for placement as an occasional seat or sculptural furnishing in a traditional study, library, or living space today.

FAQs

Leather animal footstools gained widespread popularity in Britain during the early to mid-20th century, frequently retailed through London department stores such as Liberty. These pieces were constructed as functional footrests and whimsical interior accents, designed to develop a rich patina over decades of use.

These items are constructed using full-grain cowhide or pigskin leather stitched over a rigid internal steel or wooden frame. The interior is tightly packed with woodwool or straw to maintain the anatomical shape, often featuring glass eyes and resin or polished wood tusks.

Authentic period pieces exhibit hand-stitched seams, thick leather hide showing natural surface cracking and age-related patination, and dense internal stuffing. Collectors also inspect structural weight and examine maker stamps or retail tags associated with historic manufacturers.

A leather animal bench serves as a focal sculptural element when positioned alongside classic armchairs, in an entrance hall, or within a study. Its warm brown leather tones pair effectively with natural timber, stone flooring, and muted neutral wall palettes.

Keep the item positioned away from direct sunlight and artificial heat sources to prevent the hide from drying or cracking. Regular application of a specialist leather wax or balm helps preserve flexibility and maintain the surface finish.
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