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Pair of Antique Painted Cast Iron 3lb Weights / Bookends
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
paperweight. Original paint on the cast iron. Trademark of Mighton on one side of each of them.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Industrial Bookends

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Cast Iron Gazelle Door Stop or Bookend
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice vintage Art Deco style Gazelle cast iron door stop or book end by Littlestown Hardware
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Bookends

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Iron Cast Bulls Bookends
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Mid-Century Modern sculptural iron cast bulls bookends. This set of two pieces were made in Japan
Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Antique Cast Iron Art Nouveau Johnsonsoniana and Bacon quote Bookends
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique Cast Iron Art Nouveau Johnsonsoniana and Bacon quote Bookends. Quotes read: Number 1 “Books
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Bookends

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Cast Iron Jack Bookend or Doorstop
Located in Fairfield, CA
A large cast iron mid-century jacks for using as bookend or doorstop. Nice heavy weight. Matte
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Large Mid-Century Cast Iron Jacks or Bookends
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Finely patinated pair of oversized, cast iron jacks work can be used as bookends, doorstops or
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Vintage Cast Iron Brass Cigar Smoking Bulldog Bookends - a Pair
Located in Harlingen, TX
A pair of vintage 1940's smoking English bulldog bookends. Heavy cast iron heads with brass cigars
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Vintage Cast Iron Door Stops or Bookends
Located in Hanover, MA
Cast iron hand painted figures of General Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee. Can be used as
Category

20th Century American Bookends

Materials

Iron

Bill Curry Nut Bookends, Nickel Chrome, Cast Iron, Signed Design Line
By Bill Curry Design Line
Located in New York, NY
Bill Curry nut bookends, nickel chrome cast iron, signed, Design Line. Strong heavy 8 sided nut
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Vintage Set of Heavy Bronzed Cast Iron Nude Woman Bookends
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Heavy cast iron gilded bookend set prominently showcasing nude woman. She looks as if she's riding
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Cast Stone

Antique Cast Iron US Navy Frigate Constitution Nautical Ship Bookend Paperweight
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique ironside with a bronzed finish, depicting the United States Naval frigate / galleon / clipperThe Constitution on a rectangular base. "USS Constitution, also known as Old Iro...
Category

Early 20th Century Bookends

Materials

Iron

Whimsical Pair of Cast Iron Painted Orange Snail Bookends Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Whimsical pair of cast iron painted orange snail bookends. We love the large-scale and pop color of
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Cast Iron Seated Dogs on Black Marble Bookends, Set of 2, c. 1940 s
Located in Ross, CA
Vintage set of two bookends, made in Europe in the 1920's -1950's. The bookends are two seated cast
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Bookends

Materials

Marble

Pair of Vintage Cast Metal Brass Patinated Figural Horse Bookends
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This pair of cast and brass patinated sculptural horse bookends are unsigned, but presumed to have
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Cast Iron General Doorstop
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Cast iron door stop of the rather serious General James Yorke Scarlett 1799-1871. Sporting his
Category

Antique 19th Century English Country Bookends

Mid-Century Jacks Iron Bookends Attributed to Bill Curry for Design Line
By Bill Curry, Design Line
Located in Brooklyn, NY
For your consideration is this handsome mid-century pair of Jacks bookends composed of rough cast
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Cast Iron Stylized Siamese Cat with Gold Patina
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple and elegant Gilt Siamese kitty in a Art Deco stylized cast iron doorstop. In excellent
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Cast Iron Dog Doorstop Boxer the Imp with Original Paint
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Two fabulous cast iron dog doorstops in original paint. A boxer and the other not sure of the breed
Category

Vintage 1920s American Industrial Bookends

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Cast Iron Siamese Cat Door Stop with Gold Remnant
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous Art Deco Modern cast iron Siamese Cat door stop with gold paint remnants. Rare hard to
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Bookends

Materials

Iron

1940s Bradley Hubbard Bookends
By Bradley Hubbard
Located in New York, NY
1940s cast iron with bronze finish bookends by Bradley & Hubbard.
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Bookends

Materials

Iron

Antique Weidlich Brothers Peacock Bird of Paradise Pair of Bookends
By Weidlich Bros. Mfg. Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful set of antique peacock bookends. Made of cast iron, these bookends range from the 1920s
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Nouveau Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Owl Bookends, Powder Coated
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Pair Cast Iron Orange Powder Coated Bookends Absolutely spot on in terms of this MCM
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Antique Art Nouveau Cast Iron and Brass Adjustable Book Stand by Judd Company
By Judd Co.
Located in Doylestown, PA
Art Nouveau bronzed cast iron and brass book stand attributed to the Judd Foundry, c. 1920s. The
Category

Early 20th Century North American Art Nouveau Bookends

Materials

Brass, Iron

Pair of Bronze Wash "Viking Ship" Bookends by Bradley Hubbard
By Bradley Hubbard
Located in San Diego, CA
features a stunning Viking Ship with large sail. They are made of bronze wash on cast iron and are in good
Category

Early 20th Century American Bookends

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Bill Curry Jacks Sculptures Bookends Paperweights for Design Line 1967
By Bill Curry Design Line
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Large Handmade Iron Jacks bookends by Bill Curry in chocolate brown enamel. Bill Curry
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Temple of Isis Bookends by Bradley Hubbard, American, c. 1900
By Bradley Hubbard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of cast iron temple bookends by Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company who operated in
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Revival Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Bill Curry for Design Line Jax or Jacks bookends
By Design Line, Bill Curry, Bill Curry Design Line
Located in Phoenix, AZ
haves. These are Design Line Model J-1 Jacks, made in California. They are cast iron in a turquoise or
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Vintage Black and Gold Foo Dog Bookends
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of vintage black and gold foo dogs made of cast iron. Can be used as bookends or
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Bookends with Lions from a Monument in Lucerne
Located in Petaluma, CA
These neat bookends are a direct copy of a monument in Lucerne as written on the front. From the
Category

Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Revival Bookends

Materials

Iron, Spelter

Vintage Pair of Atomic Jacks Bookends, Doorstop or Paperweight Bill Curry
By Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage pair of 1950s atomic era, Mid-Century Modern iron jacks-jax. The pair are functional as
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Vintage Native American Bust with Headdress single Bookend
Located in Seattle, WA
Believed to be cast iron , not confirmed. Single Bookend of Native American bust with headdress
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Set of Three Vintage Atomic Jacks/Jax Bookends/Doorstop Attributed to Bill Curry
By Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of three 1950s atomic era, Mid-Century Modern iron jacks-jax. The pieces can be used as
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Jack Jax Bookends by Bill Curry for Design Line
By Bill Curry Design Line
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern decorative jack bookends by Bill Curry. Made of heavy cast iron. Great
Category

Vintage 1950s Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Sculptural Brass Jack / Jax Bookends in the Style of Bill Curry
By Bill Curry, Design Line
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of cast iron sculptural jack / jax bookends in the style of Bill Curry for Design Line
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

19th Century Industrial Button Press
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Industrial Button press makes a great choice for a "Steam Punk" bookend or desktop
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Industrial Bookends

Materials

Iron

Midcentury Arched Cat with Glass Eyes Doorstop in Old Green Paint
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous style with arched back and tail with green glass eyes. Green is not original color. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Category

Vintage 1940s American Industrial Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Hubley Cast Iron Deer Bookends
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Astoria, NY
A pair of Art Deco era figurine bookends by Hubley, produced circa 1940s, each in cast iron
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Pair Large Cast Iron Horse Bookends/Sculptures
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Large pair of finely detailed iron horse sculptures/bookends.
Category

Vintage 1960s Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Vintage Anglo-Indian Style Cast Iron Figural Bookends
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Vintage cast iron, painted figural bookends depicting a pair of Indian men wearing turbans and
Category

20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Figurative Sculptures

Hollywood Regency Cast Iron Lion Bookends with Faux Bronze Patina
By La Maison London
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a pair of cast iron lion bookends with wonder faux bronze patina
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Hollywood Regency Books

Materials

Bronze, Iron

Vintage 1930s French Gilded Cast Iron Heraldic Lion Doorstops or Bookends a Pair
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of French painted cast iron doorstops or bookends in the form of heraldic lions, circa 1930s
Category

Early 20th Century French French Provincial Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

19th Century Eagle Iron Bookends, Pair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These fantastic early cast iron black painted bookends are in great condition and retain their
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack More Folk Art

Materials

Iron

Art Deco Woman Dancing Bookend Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Woman Dancing Art Deco Sculpture Bookend, France This charming solid cast metal bookend with that
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern Bill Curry Jack Bookend
By Bill Curry
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern decorative jack bookend by Bill Curry. Made of heavy cast iron. Great bookend
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Iron

Vintage Black Standard Poodle Dog Sculpture Bookends, 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful pair of black and green painted cast iron standard Poodle dog sculpture bookends
Category

Vintage 1940s Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Davy Jones Pirate Treasure Chest Bookends Pair With Skull And Cross Bones Hats
Located in South Burlington, VT
Antique pair hand cast pirate treasure chest sculptural book ends, circa 1930 Skull and crossbones
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Iron

Pair of Cast Iron Bookends
Located in San Francisco, CA
This charming little pair of cast iron bookends will add a touch of whimsy to any collection, and
Category

20th Century Bookends

Heavy Vintage Native American Cast Iron Bookends
Located in Wilmington, DE
iron bookends. Measuring 7.5" wide, 5.25" high, and 4" deep, these solid and durable bookends showcase
Category

Vintage 1920s American Bookends

Materials

Iron

Gilded Ankh Bookends
Located in Stamford, CT
Cast iron Bookends in Ankh Shape. Heavy and solidly made.
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Bookends

Materials

Iron

Antique Bradley Hubbard Fireplace Bookends
By Bradley Hubbard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A LOVELY ADDITION TO ANY LIBRARY, THESE CAST IRON BOOKENDS WITH A FIGURAL FIREPLACE MOTIF ARE FROM
Category

Early 20th Century American Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Indian Shawmut Bank Bookends
Located in Pasadena, CA
Honor a piece of American banking and cultural history with this striking pair of vintage cast iron
Category

Late 20th Century American Bookends

Materials

Iron

1920s Cast Iron Football Player Bookends
Located in Essex, MA
A pair of charming cast iron painted football player andirons, American, circa 1920s.
Category

Early 20th Century American Bookends

Materials

Iron

Rampant Lion Bookends on Marble Plinths in Cast Iron
Located in Quechee, VT
solid cast iron with a bronze wash. Since they weigh nine pounds each, they are practical and useful and
Category

20th Century American Gothic Revival Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair 19th Century Cast Iron Griffins
Located in New York, NY
American, 19th century, cast iron hitching posts depicting winged griffins. Each griffin is
Category

Antique 19th Century American Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Oversized Cast Iron Jacks
Located in North Egremont, MA
A nice pair of large jacks with good paint. use these amusng Pop Art objects as bookends or paper
Category

Vintage 1950s American Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Terrier Bookends
Located in Essex, MA
A pair of black painted, cast iron terrier figural bookends, mounted on rectangular onyx plinths.
Category

Vintage 1940s American Bookends

Materials

Onyx, Iron

Mid-Century Brass Jax Bookends
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Brass Jax Bookends. Cast iron heavy weight construction with satin brass patina.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

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Cast Iron Bookends For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of cast iron bookends available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, iron and bronze, all cast iron bookends available were constructed with great care. Cast iron bookends have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 19th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Mid-Century Modern, Art Deco and Hollywood Regency cast iron bookends are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made cast iron bookends over the years, but those made by Hubley Manufacturing Company, Bill Curry Design Line and Bill Curry are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

Finding the Right Bookends for You

A good pair of antique, new or vintage bookends will look wonderful in your reading nook. And the need for these trusty home accents has stood the test of time, which means there are many different kinds to suit any design taste or furniture style.

Bookends weren’t created until the 1870s. Serving faithfully in the background, they went unobserved for a while. The authors of the Oxford English Dictionary report that the term “book end” didn’t appear in printed material until 1907. The primary function of bookends is to ensure that your books remain upright in your bookcase, but style and form have taken the lead over the years. Furniture makers have ensured that bookends demand as much attention as the books themselves. Indeed, while competing with carefully curated first editions or rows of colorful spines is no small task, plenty of bookends steal the stage.

If you’re looking to add a dose of intrigue or decorative flourish to your reading room that will be difficult to ignore, stone bookends and metal bookends can take on the appearance of small, provocative sculptures rather than functional accessories to keep your books orderly on your shelves. Depending on what kind of textures you’re thinking of introducing to your home office or study, a pair of brass bookends or a bronze set will pop against your dusty hardcovers and any decorative objects you’ve accumulated while working to style your bookcase. A pair of mid-century modern bookends carved from dark, exotic woods such as teak can also introduce warmth to a home office or study. While teak was a favorite of designers who worked with furniture in the mid-20th century, all manner of wood bookends have emerged over the years, with some woodworkers carving ornate patterns or figures into their pieces.

Bookworms, take note: You can find an extraordinary range of antique, new and vintage bookends for your dazzling book displays and bookshelves today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Cast Iron Bookends
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The difference between iron and cast iron comes down to content. Iron is generally pure iron, a chemical element that is a solid metal at room temperature. Cast iron is a mix of iron, carbon, silicon, manganese, sulfur, phosphorus and other elements. Both iron and cast iron can be used to produce furniture, cookware, decorative objects and other items. Generally, cast iron is heavier than iron. Shop an assortment of iron and cast iron pieces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Cast iron columns are vertical supports produced out of cast iron, a material made from iron and alloys with a carbon content of more than two percent. During the 19th century, cast iron columns were used in architecture. Today, they primarily function as decorative objects. Shop a range of cast iron columns on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The name of the person who invented cast iron is unknown. However, anthropologists and archaeologists have determined that the ancient Chinese were the first to develop it. The earliest known examples of cast iron date back to the 6th century B.C. Cast iron production didn't begin in Europe until the 14th century A.D. Shop a collection of cast iron furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Yes, cast-iron furniture rusts.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Cast iron is frequently used for fireplaces due to its properties. The metal is highly durable, allowing it to hold up to the effects of frequent use. It also readily conducts heat to help warm up interiors. You'll find a variety of cast iron fireplaces on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    Cast iron is often used for benches because of its characteristics. Its strength makes it well-suited to support the weight of two or more adults, and its hardness allows it to resist damage due to weather exposure. Shop a range of cast iron benches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Cast iron beds were made starting in the 1850s. These types of beds were handmade until World War I through the use of molds.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
    Whether cast iron columns are hollow depends on the piece. Most cast iron columns are hollow due to the manner of crafting, but some are solid. On 1stDibs, find a selection of columns.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    Yes, you can generally use cast iron as a planter because the material is durable and sturdy. However, you may need to drill drainage holes in a cast iron piece that wasn't intended to function as a planter to allow excess water to exit the vessel. On 1stDibs, find a selection of cast iron planters.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    A cast iron fireplace insert is a firebox that fits into an existing fireplace surround. The insert is made of cast iron, a type of iron that is more than 2 percent carbon. Cast iron is highly durable and very resistant to the effects of heat. You'll find a selection of cast iron fireplace inserts on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
    Cast iron trivets are used for many things but are especially ideal for slow cooking meat. They can prop up food in Dutch ovens to prevent burning and increase heat distribution.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Cast iron doorstops originated in the late 18th century. Osbourn Dursey invented the first doorstop in 1878. Decorative cast iron stops became popular in the 1920s and remained so throughout World War II. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of antique cast iron doorstops.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Cast iron is stronger than steel.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    To keep a piece made of cast iron from rusting, place it in a cool, dry space with good air circulation.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    How to hang a cast iron bell depends on the style. Some cast iron bells have loops at the top that you can hang from a hook anchored onto your desired mounting surface. Others have brackets or frames that you can secure with mounting screws. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron bells.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    Yes, cast iron tables can rust. Pieces are more likely to develop rust when exposed to humidity, such as in bathrooms or outdoor living spaces in coastal areas. Wiping surfaces clean regularly and touching up scratches and chips can reduce the risk of rust. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cast iron tables.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 24, 2021
    Yes, cast iron firebacks are quite sturdy and work really well. As they are made of solid iron, it's a challenge to move and place them. Given that, cast iron firebacks are the best protection for the back wall of the fireplace. Find a variety of firebacks on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Unlike cast iron, wrought iron is not brittle and will bend rather than break. Wrought ironwork is produced with a hammer and anvil and tends to be more intricate than cast ironwork, which is characterized by repetitive designs that can be carved into a wooden pattern and cast. 

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, cast iron umbrella stands and anything made of cast iron can rust. Keeping your cast iron umbrella stand away from moisture and humidity is the best way to keep it from rusting. However, because it is designed to hold wet umbrellas that may be impractical. Some people like to paint cast iron to protect it from rusting. You’ll find a variety of cast iron and other umbrella stands from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    Whether cast iron garden furniture lasts depends on the quality of the pieces and how well you care for and maintain them over time. Many people choose cast iron, aluminum, wicker or rattan garden furniture for their outdoor patio sets. Shop an assortment of garden furniture on 1stDibs.

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