Some of the most popular mascots for collectors are those made by glass designer René Lalique, like this example, left, which topped the day at the Chichester rooms of Strides (15% buyer’s premium) on March 28.
Depicted as the head of a peacock – presumably Lalique was unaware of the bird’s unlucky reputation in some quarters – it had once graced the bonnet of a 1928 Hispano Suiza limousine, illuminated from within by a bulb connected to the dynamo.
The vendor, a local doctor, had had it valued by a London saleroom at £3500 but in Chichester it sparked a bidding battle which ended with a collector’s winning bid of £6500.
Lalique peacock high flier
Over the years, car mascots have been used to advertise not merely the marque of the machine but also as good luck charms and were patriotic symbols during the First World War. In the mid-Sixties, car mascots were banned in the UK, being deemed a ‘danger to public safety’ because of the injuries they could cause in collisions. Since then, naturally, their collectabilty and value has steadily increased.
