October Fall Classic
Lot 1212e:
Description
This is a fantastic lot of three period-correct automotive hood ornaments, predominantly reflecting the Art Deco and streamline styles that defined the golden age of motoring. The star of the set is the iconic “Flying Indian” or “Chief Pontiac” mascot used on 1933-1935 Pontiac vehicles, a beautiful die-cast zinc (likely pot metal) casting with remnants of red paint on the feathered headdress and the arrow-like element, mounted on its original stepped base with a threaded post. Next, the striking, arched Bighorn Sheep or Ram mascot is a more generic aftermarket or accessory piece, possibly from the 1930s-1940s, featuring an aged silver-colored finish with significant brass or gold-toned lacquer loss, showing two threaded mounting posts. Finally, the unusual seahorse or hippocampus mascot, mounted on a small, shell-shaped radiator cap base, is a charming and distinctive piece, perhaps from a smaller European or accessory vehicle of the 1920s or 30s. All three pieces show heavy oxidation, pitting, surface wear, and loss of original finish and breakage consistent with age and use on a vehicle, though the Pontiac Chief is the best preserved with a smoother surface and intact mounting hardware. The seahorse shows significant metal fatigue and surface pitting, while the Ram’s silvering is heavily degraded and has exposed the underlying metal. This is a great set for the collector of early 20th-century automotive mascots. H 8.5″, W 3″, D 8″ (Pontiac Chief); H 4.5″, W .5″, D 8″ (Ram); H 4″, W 3″, D 6″ (Seahorse). See photos.
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