Designer: Jane Martz (1929 – 2007) and Gordon Martz (1924 – 2015)

Item: Bookends Model WBER3-28-29-45

Manufactured by: Marshall Studios, Inc.

Country of origin: United States

Year made: Circa 1960

Materials: Walnut, ceramic tiles and steel

Dimensions: 8” x 5” x 4”

Description: Here is a well documented and important model of bookends by Jane and Gordon Martz for their firm Marshall Studios, Inc. These can be found in the firm’s catalogs dating from the 1950s and 1960s. The walnut on this set is lighter than usual, but is beautifully grained and the striped tile colors contrast well. We have handled a few sets of this model with the more commonly found solid color glazed tiles, but this model is much harder to find. These bookends with their formal minimalist design and execution are one of the more desirable models by Martz and have begun to command higher prices at auction. Since 2018 auction prices for this model at good modernism auctions have hammered for $275, which with buyer’s premium would be over $340. This set lost its original labels, but we guarantee it is an authentic.

Condition: Excellent

References: Marshall Studios, Inc. Accessories Catalog no. 19, page 8, 1960s.