Antique musketeer D'Artagnan bookends Pompeian Bronze clad, artist Paul Herzel

Description

Wonderful bookends in the figure of a bust of a musketeer, perhaps D'Artagnon.  Great detail in ruffled collar, fleur-de-lis emblem on the front of his doublet, plume in his hat behind.  All in color.
These were designed by the listed artist, Paul Herzel, his name formed into the backs of each piece.
Bronze-clad, a manufacturing technique whereby a skin of bronze was made to adhere to a plaster form through the process of electro-plating.  A handful of companies used this method in the early 1900s to make decorative household items that had the look, feel and heft of solid bronze pieces yet still were affordable by the middle class.
One of those companies was Pompeian Bronze, operating in NYC in the 1920s.  No maker's mark but the colors definitely are Pompeian, and there is a well-established connection between Pompeian and Herzel on many other sets.
Condition is fine.  No breaks in the cladding, no mashed corners.  The only flaw I find is that the tip of each beard is slightly flattened.  Pleasing that other vulnerable parts of the design - noses, brims of hats - are fine.
Paint is original, does show age-related wear, but largely is intact.  Unusual to see white paint that has survived this well - it is the white that generally has flaked off, probably for some reason having to do with chemistry.  Both pieces sit flat and stable.
5 1/8 inches tall; 4 1/4 inches side to side; 2 1/4 inches front to back.
Perfect gift for the Olympic swordsperson or fictional character re-enactor in your family.
US shipping only.  USPS priority.  I pack with care.
I SPECIALIZE IN ANTIQUE BOOKENDS AND DECORATIVE OBJECTS.  PLEASE SEE MY OTHER LISTINGS FOR INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL ITEMS.