Art Deco Airplane Bookends | Circa 1930s

These Art Deco bookends, in the shape of an airplane, are a charming relic from the early days of aviation. At a time when manned flight was a relatively new concept, they embody a growing fascination around these flying vessels.

The histories of aviation and horology are intertwined and, as such, hold a special place in our heart. Long before the days of the Rolex and Pan Am collaboration, the first-ever wristwatch was supposedly designed by Louis Cartier for the eccentric aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, to be used during his early flight experiments (when carrying a pocket watch was considered impractical). The fascination for airplanes quickly spread across popular culture, as they became an object of fixation for many.

It is unsurprising to see an aircraft turned into an ornamental object such as these bookends, especially during the period of Art Deco design, which was driven by a desire to be modern. Contemplating these bookends, every detail of the design appears to have been well thought out. They feel timeless, yet modern. Minimalist, yet distinctive.

Measuring 55cm in length and 52mm in height, they are made out of rather heavy nickel-plated brass, lending themselves well to their core function of supporting books. Having long adorned the shelves of the A Collected Man office, we felt that it was time for them to fly off to a new home.