Tique Talk by Marianne Dow: Collecting: Syroco Wood Look Bookends, Figurines, Corkscrews and So Much More

These are some BOOKENDS -- Dogs on Chairs and Fireplace Mantels, that I sold over on my Delightfully Vintage Stuff site.

Both sets are in the carved-wood-look style of SYROCO WOOD.

The photo collages above show a variety of Syroco items (click the pix to enlarge). Just do a 'google images' search for whatever category of Syroco items that interest you: bookends, ashtrays, corkscrews, figurines, tie racks, clocks, whisk brooms, and so much more. Those are the earlier pieces. Later they made home decor like ornate wall sconce candleholders, and sunburst clocks. Even later they were making resin patio furniture like adirondack chairs (see the top photo).

Here is some history about the company that made so many highly collectible and coveted decorative and novelty items.

Pic and info from VintageCorkscrews.com:

The SYRACUSE ORNAMENTAL COMPANY, also known as SYROCO, was founded in the late 1890's by an Austrian woodcarver named Adolph Holstein. Initially the company produced ornamental carvings for the embellishment of coffins and furniture as well as the interiors of fashionable homes, including the New York Governor's mansion in Albany.

As demand increased, a molding technique was developed where Syroco could create perfect replicas of their original carvings. These molds also featured a wood grain within the mold, allowing for a more detailed aesthetic.

The recipe of wood flour, waxes, and resins combined with compression molding created an inexpensive, but high quality product.

Check out Corkscrews.com for more history, and lots more photos of cool Syroco corkscrews.

More info from SCOOP:

During the '30s and '40s, Multi Products and Syroco created products for general use such as corkscrews, decorative mirrors, bookends, thermometers, ashtrays, tie racks, and other items. Numerous souvenirs were also manufactured for events and locations, including the New York World's Fair 1939.

As of 2007, Syroco has gone out of business. (Source)