October Fall Classic
Lot 1212h:
Description
This is an outstanding collection of mid-century automotive art, showcasing the jet-age styling that defined American car design in the 1950s. The lot includes three distinct chrome hood ornaments, all cast from metal, likely zinc or pot metal, and finished with brightwork. The most recognizable is the streamlined “Bird” or “Rocket” for a 1956 Chevrolet, a classic piece from the Tri-Five era known for its elegant, forward-thrusting design. The long, V-shaped ornament, reminiscent of a jet plane’s delta wing or an arrow, is consistent with the factory hood ornament used on 1953-1954 Chevrolet models, notably the Bel Air. Finally, the third piece, with its more organic, figural shape that resolves into a pointed nose, is the upper portion of a 1950-1951 Nash ornament, which was famously designed by illustrator George Petty as a “Flying Lady” or “Flying Mermaid” figure. The lot is an excellent snapshot of the post-war design shift toward aviation-inspired motifs. All three pieces show heavy patina consistent with their age and use. The chrome plating on all ornaments is worn, with significant pitting, spotting, and dullness, which is common for original die-cast chrome from this period. Nash dimensions: 14.5” long x 2.5” tall x 6” wide. 1956 Chevy dimensions: 14” long x10.5” wide x 2” tall. 1953-4 Chevrolet: 17” long x 6” wide x3” tall. All dimensions do not include display rods mounted below. See photos.
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