A pair of original WWII Blitz bookends made from Historic Portland Stone

The London Stonecraft Company were permitted to make souvenirs for sale to the general public to raise funds on behalf of HRH The Duke of Gloucester's Red Cross and St. John Fund. The objects they produced included bookends, inkwells, letter racks, ashtrays and serviette rings and they utilised stones recovered from historic bombed London buildings including the House of Commons after being bombed by the Luftwaffe in the London Blitz in 1940 and 1941. They also used historic stone from other damaged London buildings particularly from the East End that was very badly hit. Whilst we don't know for sure where this stone originated, we believe it likely to be taken from The Houses of Parliament, a fact possible endorsed by the Bulldog motif which is often associated with our then Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The bookends measure 6" high x 4 1/2" wide and x 2" deep (15 cm x 12 cm x 5 cm) and have lead plaques applied to the front and as well as the 'British Bulldog' they are also cast with 'London 1941.' It appears they may have originally had a felt base but is now missing. They have the odd chip and other marks which could be original battle damage as these were not made from pristine quarried stone. Due to their weight they are very functional and perfect for a small military or historical book shelf but do check delivery costs with us before order, particularly if you are based outside of the UK. Please also check out the Stonecraft ashtray which came from the same collection which we are also listing today.