Bookends (2) - Wrought iron

Antique Arts & Crafts / Jugendstil Bookends Attributed to Goberg (Hugo Berger) – Owl and Solid Sphere – Hand-forged Bronzed Iron, ca. 1910 (4 kg)

Description:

An exceptionally rare and museum-grade pair of antique Arts & Crafts / Jugendstil bookends, convincingly attributed to the famous German metal artist Hugo Berger, working under his globally sought-after brand name 'Goberg' (ca. 1900–1915).
With a monumental weight of no less than 2.0 kilograms per piece (a combined weight of 4.0 kg!) this pair ranks among the absolute top tier of early 20th-century decorative forging. The set forms a perfect bridge between European Jugendstil, the early Amsterdam School, and the international Arts & Crafts movement.
Art-historical Attribution to Goberg (Hugo Berger):
Although these pieces (as is often the case with his early or experimental work) are not explicitly stamped, they are attributed to Goberg's workshop with 100% certainty for the following decisive reasons:
1. The Iconic Owl Motif: The owl, precisely engraved into the metal, was Hugo Berger's absolute signature motif. Goberg objects with the owl (such as his famous inkstands and candlesticks) are among the most sought-after lots by collectors worldwide.
2. The 'Hammered' Construction: The specific, heavy forging technique where the thick iron at the top and bottom is folded into tight, organic scrolls is identical to documented Goberg works.
3. The Blind Screw Connection: The massive, heavy sphere at the front is anchored from the inside with a characteristic authentic screw connection at the back — a construction method for which Berger's workshop was renowned.
Deep Symbolism & Iconography:
The design tells the classical story of erudition and science, perfect for a 'Dark Academia' library or design interior:
• The Owl: The universal symbol for wisdom, intellect, and deep knowledge.
• The Book: The front and back mimic the shape of a robust book cover.
• The Solid Sphere: Symbolizes the globe and the infinity of the cosmos. Together with the owl, it represents: "Knowledge that embraces the world."
Condition:
In splendid, untouched antique condition. The hand-forged iron is finished with a deep, warm bronzed film layer that over the decades has developed a fabulously beautiful, authentic dark patina. No fractures, no restorations, and structurally indestructible. The displayed bottle is only used as a scale indicator.
Specifications:
• Artist: Attributed to Goberg (Hugo Berger, Germany)
• Period: Early 20th century (ca. 1910)
• Style: Arts & Crafts, Jugendstil, Early Amsterdam School
• Material: Hand-forged heavy iron, bronzed and patinated
• Weight: ca. 2.0 kg per piece (Total weight: 4.0 kg!)
This lot is, due to its weight, packed extremely professionally, double-layered and shock-resistant. Worldwide shipping takes place with a high-quality Track & Trace service.

Rare Antique Arts & Crafts / Jugendstil Bookends – Attributed to Goberg (Hugo Berger, Germany, c. 1900–1915).
An exceptional and highly collectable pair of heavy, hand-forged bookends. Weighing an impressive 2.0 kg each (4.0 kg in total), this set is a prime example of early 20th-century European metalwork, perfectly bridging the gap between German Jugendstil and the international Arts & Crafts movement.
Key Features & Attribution to Goberg:
• The Iconic Owl Motif: The finely engraved owl is the absolute signature motif of Hugo Berger. Goberg items featuring the owl (such as his famous inkpots and chambersticks) are highly sought after by international collectors.
• Signature Craftsmanship: The robust construction with thick, hand-forged iron artistically folded into scrolls at the top and bottom is identical to documented Goberg designs.
• Authentic Construction: The heavy, solid patinated sphere on the front is securely anchored from the back using a period-correct, blind screw connection—a construction method characteristic of Berger’s workshop.
Specifications:
• Artist: Attributed to Goberg (Hugo Berger)
• Period: Early 20th Century (c. 1910)
• Style: Arts & Crafts / Jugendstil / Mission Style
• Material: Hand-hammered iron with a rich, original bronzed patina
• Total Weight: 4.0 kg!
An excellent, museum-quality addition to any 'Dark Academia' library or high-end design collection. Secure worldwide shipping with professional packaging.