Bronze plaque titled 'Elephant' by Gurley Perforated Pattern Co.

This bronze plaque was created by the Gurley Perforated Pattern Company, which was established in Troy, New York in the late 19th century. The company was known for producing precision instruments, engineering tools, and decorative items including bronze plaques and bookends. Gurley bronze pieces are sought after by collectors of American industrial art and antique engineering tools. The elephant design would have appealed to both decorative art enthusiasts and those with an interest in exotic animals, which were popular motifs in late Victorian and early 20th century decorative arts. These plaques were often used as paperweights, bookends, or simply as decorative objects in offices and studies.