original c. 1930's american art deco machine age "startled cat" bookends. designed and patented by walter von nessen for the chase brass & copper co., waterbury, connecticut. the exceptionally rare bookends feature abstract startled cats positioned on a flat rectangular base. the body and/or legs are made from a single piece of pipe bent into an inverted u-shape. a spherical head with large round eyes and two conical ears is affixed on the right side. the tail, joined to the body on the left side, is bent at a right angle away from the body, then points straight up. comprised of copper and yellow brass with original nickel-plated finish largely intact. expected surface wear. manufacturer markings lightly incised under the original felt pads. priced for the pair.