Antique Art Nouveau Sliding Book Rack with Brass Finish

Antique, adjustable, brass finished cast iron Book Rack with Art Nouveau motif with stylized flowers. This heavy book rack weighs 2 lbs 14 oz and measures 12" (30.5cm) by 7 3/4 (19.8 cm) and 7/8" (2.2 cm) when completely folded. It extends by the sliding rods on the bottom to 20 3/4" (56.8 cm) when fully opened. The interior accommodates from 11 1/4" (28.5 cm) to 19 3/4" (50 cm) of books between the ends.This rack is in very good condition with some wear to the finish as shown in the photos. Still slides smoothly and closes easily. Such book racks were produced by H.L. Judd Company of New York in the company's facility in Wallingford, CT, starting in 1910. The company started as a harness manufacturer in 1833 and varied its product mix over time to adjust to demands in the market for metal products. These racks were part of an art metal line of high quality sand castings that included bookends and book racks of cast iron, brass and bronze that were produced through the 1930s. Such items were also produced by other manufacturers such as Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company, creating a wide variety of designs and motifs. A classic, simple Art Nouveau design suitable to show off any book collection on a table or shelf and makes it easy to keep books neat due the adjustable sides.