This very sweet set of AETCO bookends measure 5" high by 5" across by 3" wide. This set has a classic plinth form with a charming backsplash design of a single little cherubic boy holding a floral garland, with a sweet bunny at his feet. It is glazed in a very deep blue, almost black lustrous glaze, which thins at the high points, accentuating this lovely design beautifully. This set is well-marked with the AETCO logo on the backsides, along with the date 1926. This set is well documented in the tile book by Norm Karlson on page 75. It is in near original condition, except for a teensy tiny old edge fleck on the back side edge, which we show in the photos. This very charming and lovely bookend set will steal your heart, we guarantee it!
The American Encaustic Tiling Company was founded in 1875 by Benedickt Fischer & George Lansing, both of New York City. Due to the abundance of clay deposits and the natural gas reserves in the ground, the original plant was built in Zanesville Ohio, adjacent to the Muskingum River for ease of transporting product. There were numerous other large pottery operations in the area including Weller Pottery, Roseville Pottery, J. B. Owens Pottery, Zanesville Tile; Peters and Reed, and too many more to mention. The American Encaustic Tile Co. was very successful. By 1890, it was purported to be the largest tile manufacturer in the world. The company produced a wide variety of decorative art tiles as it rapidly grew and expanded its facilities. After the Great Depression, it was reorganized as Shawnee Pottery.