René Lalique Epsom Car Mascot Model 1153 Frosted Glass

Description Original Rene Lalique Car Mascot An original René Lalique Epsom car mascot, model 1153, introduced in 1929 and modelled as a racing horse’s head. Press moulded in frosted glass and signed in moulded relief R. Lalique France, the mascot is presented on its original black glass base. The Epsom mascot takes its name from the historic Surrey racecourse, long associated with The Derby and The Oaks, two of Britain’s best known flat races. Lalique is believed to have drawn inspiration from the prestige of British horse racing following time spent in London during the late nineteenth century. Car mascots by René Lalique were created as luxury radiator ornaments at a time when the motor car was emerging as a symbol of modernity and status. Many examples were designed to be illuminated from beneath, allowing the frosted glass to glow after dark and emphasising the sculptural form. Epsom is one of three horse head mascots produced by Lalique and forms part of a small group of equestrian subjects created during the late 1920s. Today, original René Lalique car mascots remain highly sought after by collectors of Lalique glass as well as enthusiasts of early automobilia. Sold in perfect condition without any damage or restoration. See more pieces from our Rene Lalique Car Mascots collection. Literature The Exceptional Collection Mark Goodger Antiques 36-37 Félix Marcilhac book René Lalique maître-verrier Page 503 René Lalique (1860-1945) Master of French Glass, Art Deco Sculpture and Luxury Car Mascots René Jules Lalique was one of the most influential designers of the late 19th and early 20th century, celebrated for his pioneering work in Art Nouveau jewellery and later for his groundbreaking Art Deco glass creations. Trained in Paris and London, Lalique designed for leading houses such as Cartier and Boucheron before establishing his own studio, where he transformed the world of decorative arts with his use of glass, enamel, horn and sculptural forms inspired by nature and Japanese design. By the 1920s, Lalique had become internationally renowned for his glasswork, moving beyond perfume bottles and vases to design what would become some of the most coveted symbols of early automotive luxury, his car mascots (radiator hood ornaments). Produced between 1925 and 1931, these mascots, including iconic models such as Victoire, Tête de Coq, Chrysis, Comète and Longchamp, were designed as sculptural glass figures mounted on the radiators of prestige automobiles such as Delage, Hispano-Suiza, Bentley and Rolls-Royce. These mascots were made in pressed crystal and illuminated from beneath giving them an ethereal glow, a true fusion of fine art and motoring history. Lalique’s legacy was continued by his son Marc Lalique, who transitioned the company from glass to crystal production, securing Lalique’s place as a leading name in French luxury manufacturing. His works are now held in major museum collections worldwide including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the Corning Museum of Glass and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For collectors, a Lalique piece whether a glass mascot, vase or sculptural object represents more than decorative art. It embodies the golden age of French luxury design, where craftsmanship, innovation and modern engineering met in perfect harmony. For further information on René Lalique and his famous Car Mascots please see our articles René Lalique Art Deco Car Mascots Makers and Retailers René Lalique Why Buy from Mark Goodger Antiques? With over thirty five years of specialist experience, Mark Goodger Antiques is recognised internationally as a leading authority in antique boxes and related works of art. Every item offered has been personally selected by Mark, whose knowledge and judgement are trusted by collectors, institutions, museums, interior designers, and fellow dealers worldwide. Every purchase is supplied with a full supporting package for clarity and reassurance. This includes a Certificate of Authenticity, a detailed condition and care guide specific to your item, our most recent catalogue, and a separate invoice suitable for insurance and valuation purposes. Each piece is carefully examined prior to sale to ensure accuracy of description and quality. Your purchase is fully insured during transit and protected by our straightforward money back guarantee, allowing you to buy with complete confidence. We pride ourselves on transparency, expertise, and long term relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us repeatedly over decades. When you buy from Mark Goodger Antiques, you are purchasing from a specialist family business built on knowledge, trust, and an unrivalled focus on antique boxes.