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 is beautifully grained and the tile colors contrast well.  We have seen this model with a few different color glazes used for the tiles, and in our humble opinion this set is one of the better. This model with its formal minimalist design and execution is one of the more desirable models by the Martz’s and has 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 example retains its original label, which are often missing on Martz’s bookends.  

Condition: Excellent

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