These folding bookends probably date to the late 19th or early 20th century. Paper images of the hands from Michelangelo's Creation of Adam on the Sistine Chapel Ceiling. Hinged with brass bottoms. Gold leaf or gold-painted trim, with plaster and wood underneath.
The bookends are not made to stand up by themselves; they need books to hold them. It's a symbiotic relationship.
A few dings: There is one small chip in the gold leaf or gold paint at one lower edge, showing plaster underneath, and another small chip in the gold leaf at one upper corner, showing wood underneath. (See last two pics.) There are water spots on the top of one image. (See 3rd pic.) The other image has a couple water spots too, but they are less noticeable.
The wool felt on the bottom has a few small holes. They might be moth holes.
On the whole, though, these are a classy pair.
(Jane Austen book not included.)