AUCTION FOCUS
An eye for figures
There was a time when most manufacturers had their own radiator adornments and some are highly prized. Just look out for fakes, warns Gordon Cruickshank
Status symbol: the acme of radiator mascots must be the elephant that adorned Bugatti’s Royale, taken from a sculpture by Ettore’s artist brother Rembrandt
O
N OR OFF THE CAR, RADIATOR adornments have been a very popular collectible since they appeared at the turn of the 20th century. They win on all counts – the huge variety of designs, some are artistic masterpieces, and they’re small. Even a large collection can hang on a wall in a glass case, while a single one is easily mounted for display.