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Attractive pair of bookends containing marble removed from the historic steps of the United States Capitol, each measuring 5.25 x 7 x 5 and weighing approximately 6.5 pounds, with the front of each bearing a silver-tone plaque featuring a design of the Capitol building with encircling text: “Original Marble – U.S. Capitol Steps, 1870-1995.” The underside of each base bears an affixed information sheet from the U.S. Capitol History Society, which reads: “This piece of historic marble was once part of the United States Capitol. Originally the marble steps to the East Front of the House wing, these steps were installed as part of the massive Capitol Extension Project in the mid-nineteenth century. Every member of the House of Representatives since has trod these steps leaving footprints of history.
By the 1850s, Congress had outgrown its former meeting places: the old House Chamber (now known as Statuary Hall) and the now restored Old Senate Chamber. The cornerstone of the Capitol Extension was laid in 1851; the House moved into its new chamber in 1857 and the Senate into its new hall in 1859. Exterior work on the extensions was completed in 1870. The worn marble East Front steps to the House wing were removed in 1995 and the U. S. Capitol Historical Society was permitted to use a portion of the removed marble to create this historic piece.” The bookends include their original box. In fine condition.
