Fine & Rare Art Deco “Movie Camera” Automobile Mascot

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Description


Fine & Rare Art Deco “Movie Camera” Automobile Mascot

British Registered Design No. 765659 (Registered Design: 1930)
A scarce, highly sculptural Art Deco automobile mascot in the form of a reel-to-reel film camera—an unusually specific and sophisticated subject that speaks directly to early cinema culture and executive-level collecting. Cast in solid bronze and originally nickel-plated , the piece presents today with an authentic, time-earned patina that many connoisseurs actively prefer over later restoration.

�� What it is
This is a period radiator/hood mascot (automobilia) designed as a miniature motion-picture camera with twin reels . The stamped Registered Design number 765659 anchors the model to an officially protected British design (registered 1930). Bonhams catalogues an example as “A rare ‘Movie Camera’ mascot, British, Registered Design 1930,” describing it as nickel-plated bronze and noting the same Registered Design number .

️ Craftsmanship and materials
The casting is notably crisp and dimensional—qualities typically seen in high-grade interwar automobilia rather than decorative reproductions . It is substantial for its size (approximately 1.4 kg) , reflecting a dense bronze cast rather than a lightweight alloy. The remains of the original nickel plating and the warm bronze showing through create a refined, museum-object character —ideal as a desk sculpture in a production office, screening room, or private study .

Provenance (verifiable and market-credible)
Private collection from the Wiltshire based vendor. From the notable auction house Richard Edmonds Auctions (UK) in the Classic Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia sale dated 5 March 2023, where the lot is catalogued as “A car mascot in the form of a movie camera, stamped RD NO. 765659… Extremely heavy. We’ve never seen another of these!”
Subsequently curated and presented by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD for the open market.

The “John Grierson” connection
There is a by-repute association with John Grierson �� (pioneer of British/Canadian documentary). Without primary documentation, this should be presented as a compelling narrative tradition rather than a proven attribution—aligned with best practice in top-tier cataloguing .

Why you’ll love it
A true crossover trophy — film heritage meets luxury automobilia in one object
Instantly recognizable silhouette — reads “cinema” from across the room
Registered Design credibility — the RD number is the collector’s anchor, not just decoration
Executive display presence — ideal for a director/producer office, studio library, or screening room
Authentic vintage patina — honest wear that signals age, originality, and character

Why it appeals to high-end American film & TV buyers
For directors, producers, showrunners, studio executives, and serious collectors ��, it sits comfortably within the broader ecosystem of screen-heritage collecting. The Academy Museum draws from Academy holdings described as over 52 million items, including cameras among preserved categories .
The BFI National Archive positions itself among the major film and television collections , and the National Science and Media Museum cites over 3 million items of historical and cultural significance .
(We do not claim celebrity ownership; rather, this is correctly positioned as the caliber of piece that belongs in that collecting universe .)

Condition report
Offered in fine used vintage condition. Surface wear consistent with age and historical handling: patina, scuffs, scratches, minor oxidation/weathering . Most nickel plating has worn through, revealing underlying bronze ; a small rear handle element is missing (typical on surviving examples) ��. Restoration is possible, though many collectors prefer the original, honest surface .

Dimensions (cm)
Height: 13.7 cm
Camera width: 4.2 cm
Depth (front to back): 13.5 cm
Base width: 9.4 cm



Reserve: $6,384.00

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Location: This item ships from United Kingdom

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.