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CHESHIRE ANTIQUES CONSULTANT LTD

Rolls Royce Kneeling Spirit Of Ecstasy Car Mascot By Charles Sykes Circa 1934

Stock No

CAC00086

Member since
2023
  • £1,395.00
  • €1,689 Euro
  • $1,771 US Dollar

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Item Description

Cruise around town in style with this Rolls Royce Kneeling Spirit of Ecstasy Car Mascot. Crafted by Charles Sykes in 1934, this is so collectible & sure to make heads turn! Add a touch of timeless elegance to your ride with this iconic piece.

Dated 26.1.34 for the 26th January 1934.

Signed inscribed C.Sykes on the lower base side area.

The model is Eleanor a provocatively lady.

The casting is superb, you can clearly see the lady's intricate detail with ripples which highlight movement and shape of this exciting wonderful sculpture.

So adorable and highly sought after by private collectors & tv film studio prop shops.

Made from chrome.

This is so wonderful to the touch.

The spirit of Ecstasy is the bonnet ornament on a Rolls Royce, in the form of a woman leaning forwards with her arms outstretched and raised behind her. Billowing cloth runs from her arms to her back resembling wings, she was designed by Charles Robinson Sykes. 

It carries with is a secret story about a love affair between John Walther Edward Douglas Scott Montagu the second Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, who was a pioneer of the automobile movement and the editor of the  car Illustrated magazine from 1902 and the model for the emblem.

Eleanor Velasco Thornton. Eleanor also known as Thorn was John Walter's secretary, whom he fell in love with in 1902 when she worked for him on the motoring magazine.There secret love was to remain hidden, as Montagu was already married to Lady Cecil Victoria Constance Kerr. Eleanor impoverished social and economic status  was an obstacle to their love. 

Sykes was once again commissioned by Rolls-Royce in the 1930s to make a lower version of the mascot to suit the needs of the new sports saloons by providing their drivers with a clearer view of the road ahead.

The kneeling lady mascot was unveiled on 26 January 1934 and was as undeniably a reflection of Eleanor as it was a symbol of the Rolls-Royce. 

It also bore on the plinth the inscription "C. Sykes, 26.1.34", the date when the first piece was finished. This version was, however, discontinued after the Silver Dawn, Phantom IV and Silver Wraith models, in favour of a smaller version of the original standing mascot, and so it remains to date. The last Phantom IV delivered and the final 4 or 5 years of the Silver Wraith carried this standing version.

Free standing.

Having such a beautiful finish with charming patina.  

The unwrapped weight as follows weighs around 400 grams approximate.

Condition report.  

Offered in fine used worn condition.  

Having various noticeable charming patina with natural weathering wear, dirt, scuffs, scratches, stain marks commensurate with usage & old age.   

International buyers worldwide shipping is available please ask for a quote.

  



Size

Height (8.5cm) 
Width of base (3.2cm) 
Length depth (10cm)    
                                                                    

Item Info

Seller Location

Covent Garden, London

Item Dimensions

H: 8.5cm W: 3.2cm D: 10cm

Period

1930's

Item Location

United Kingdom

Seller Location

Covent Garden, London

Item Location

United Kingdom

Seller Contact No

+44 (0)7494 763382

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