Old Bill Bonnet / Raidiator Mascot

An excellent and of course original example of the heavy bronze Bairnsfather 'Old Bill' Car Bonnet / Radiator Mascot.

In very good condition this rare Mascot is in undamaged condition and mounted for display on a wooden base.

Created by Bruce Bairnsfather, soldier & war artist, the 'Old Bill' car mascot was manufactured in bronze, and sold exclusively through Smith & Sons of Portland St, London. The buyer of the car mascot would have been a wealthy person of the day. In 1915 you had to pay a huge £2.12.6 to own one.

The ‘Old Bill’ Car Mascot, cast in bronze and, created in the character of Bairnsfather’s ‘Old Bill’ character. The helmet top emblazoned with the artist’s name, Bruce Bairnsfather. The underneath is in hollowed form, the patents number appearing on the back of the scarf. The size is approximately 11.5cm top of helmet to base of scarf.

Bruce Bairnsfather (1888-1959) invented the character of 'Ole Bill' launched in the 'Bystander' magazine in 1915. Bairnsfather had been a pre-war regular in the British Army but left to train as an artist. He was recalled in 1914 and served with the 1st Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regiment until diagnosed with shell shock in 1915.  One of his most famous art pieces was the ‘Old Bill’ car mascot, which adorned his own car, and many others after World War I.

A charming and very displayable art piece of wide collector’s interest.