Vintage pair Lion of Lucerne bookends, Jennings Bros., bronze finish, library decor, French history, Switzerland, shelf decor, deals office decor

This is a gorgeous pair of vintage Lion of Lucerne bookends, manufactured by Jennings Brothers in the early to mid 20th C. The bookends are replicas of the controversial monument to the Swiss Guard which is located in Lucerne, Switzerland. The monument depicts a lion as it dies, flanked by the Swiss deals Cross and resting on a shield decorated with the French fleur de lys. Mark Twain called it "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

According to historians somewhere between 23 and 700 Swiss Guards died protecting French King Louis XVI from an angry mob in Paris in 1792. The lion represents those guards who died in battle.

The front of each piece is inscribed: HELVETIORUM FIDEI AC VIRTUTI, To the loyalty and bravery of the Swiss.

These bookends are in very good vintage condition. One of them has a small spot where the bronze finish has worn off (please see last thumbnail.) These are not bronze. They are metal with a bronze colored finish and a beautiful patina. The mold is stunning. There is a rubberized mat on the base to protect your surfaces.

Marked JB 1570 on the back.

7 1/2" long X 3 1/8" wide X 5 1/4" tall. Each bookend weighs just over 3 lbs.

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