This vintage bookend, entitled “Buddy” ” “ The Original Seeing Eye Dog for the Blind” , was designed, sculpted and cast by McClelland Barclay c.1929.It is made of spelter metal with bronze finish, and a beautiful verdigris patina. It is a heavy piece, weighing in at just under four pounds. It measures a full 7″ tall x 5 1/2″ long x 6 1/2″ wide, and it is in excellent condition.

There is an interesting story associated with this piece. The inscription reads: ” Buddy, the original seeing eye dog for the blind, McClelland Barclay.” It was created in honor of a German Shepherd who was the first dog trained by The Seeing Eye, Inc. of Morristown, NJ. However, as the story goes, “Buddy” was actually a female German Shepherd named “Kiss.” The dog’s trainer did not like having to refer to her as “Kiss”, so he renamed her “Buddy.”

The detailing on this bookend is extraordinary. Although it was originally designed to serve as a bookend, it is so beautifully made, it looks as though it was sculpted by hand. It would certainly make a wonderful stand alone sculpture in the home of any German Shepherd enthusiast.

Please note: Because of the size and weight of this piece, we will not be able to offer free shipping. Please let us know if you would like us to estimate shipping fees for you.