Vintage Ruddspeed Ltd Roll's Royce Radiator Decanter Midcentury

A superb crystal decanters and stopper, signed to the base, Royal Brierley, mid 20th century in date. The decanter features a shouldered cylindrical form with collar neck. The bo...

A large vintage decorative Rolls Royce silvered bronze sculpture, The Spirit of Ecstasy, dating from the mid 20th century. The winged maiden was designed by Charles Robinson Sykes (1875-1950), and she stands on an attractive round black marble plinth base. In 1910 Rolls-Royce slowly became aware that some owners were affixing 'inappropriate' ornaments to their cars. Claude Johnson's brief to Sykes was to sculpt a mascot for Rolls Royce that embodied 'speed with silence, absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy and a beautiful living organism of superb grace' to become the standard emblem of the Rolls-Royce brand and it was Sykes' daughter, Jo (born 1908) that believed it was on the road from London to Beaulieu that her father first became 'Very impressed with the smoothness and speed of the Rolls Royce car.... imagining that even so delicate a thing as a fairy could ride on the bonnet without losing her balance.' In early 1911 Sykes' presented his mascot, entitled "The Spirit of Speed", to Rolls-Royce. This figurine had her arms outstretched behind her and her gaze firmly fixed forward. She was soon retitled "The Spirit of Ecstasy" by Johnson and became the official symbol of Rolls-Royce automobiles on 6th February 1911. It is a striking piece thought to be a former Rolls Royce car showroom sculpture. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition. Dimensions in cm: Height 70 x Width 31 x Depth 42 Dimensions in inches: Height 2 foot, 4 inches x Width 1 foot x Depth 1 foot, 4 inches The Spirit of Ecstasy is the bonnet ornament on Rolls-Royce cars. It is in the form of a woman leaning forwards with her arms outstretched behind and above her. Billowing cloth runs from her arms to her back, resembling wings. The Spirit of Ecstasy, also called "Emily", "Silver Lady" or "Flying Lady", was designed by English sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes and carries with it a story about secret passion between John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, (second Baron Montagu of Beaulieu after 1905, a pioneer of the automobile movement, and editor of The Car Illustrated magazine from 1902) and the model for the emblem, Eleanor Velasco Thornton. Eleanor (also known as Thorn) was the secretary of John Walter, who fell in love with her in 1902 when she worked for him on the aforesaid motoring magazine. Their secret love was to remain hidden, limited to their circle of friends, for more than a decade. The reason for the secrecy was Eleanor's impoverished social and economic status, which was an obstacle to their love. On the other hand, Montagu was married to Lady Cecil Victoria Constance Kerr since 1889. Eleanor died on 30 December 1915 when the SS Persia was torpedoed by a U-boat south of Crete. She had been accompanying Lord Montagu who had been directed to assume a command in India. He was thought to have been killed too, but survived and was saved after several days adrift in a life raft...

This is a beautiful pair of cut glass ship's decanters with faceted ball stoppers, dating from the mid 20th Century. Add a touch of elegance to your next dining experience. Conditi...

A superb set of three vintage cut crystal square decanters and stoppers, with porcelain spirit labels inscribed 'Sherry', 'Brandy' and 'Gin', dating from the mid 20th Century. Add an...

A superb pair of vintage sterling silver mounted hobnail-cut crystal square decanters and stoppers, with the makers mark of Moody & Archer and hallmark...

This is a lovely attractive antique Victorian silver plated tantalus with three cut glass decanters and stoppers, circa 1860 in date. The three cut glass decanters are of unusual in shape and feature superb facet cut linear decoration with facet cut stoppers. The silver plated decanter holder has a central stem with a loop handle and the three decanters sit in circular wells. It is raised on three pierced scrolled supports and has exquisite engraved decoration in the manner of Elkington. The craftsmanship is second to none and this beautiful tantalus is sure to add an elegant touch to your next dining experience. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition. Dimensions in cm: Height 41 x width 27 x depth 27 Dimensions in inches: Height 1 foot, 4 inches x width 11 inches x depth 11 inches Tantalus is a type of liquor decanter in which the bottle stoppers are locked down tightly by a metal bar. This was to prevent the theft of the contents by servants. Like the name suggests, the decanters themselves are visible, drawing temptation while unattainable. A key is required for entry. The most common types of tantalus holds three bottles or decanters while there are also smaller types housing only two. There are many different forms of tantalus. Often the encasement has metal handles on both sides and ornately carved decor. Crystal and metal versions are also a beautiful option when choosing a tantalus. Tantalus derived its name from the story of the mythological Greek king...

Vintage 20th Century Ruddspeed Ltd chromium plated "Rolls Royce Radiator" decanter / flask, the metal radiator grill containing a glass liner, black felt to the bottom of the flask. The back is stamped "RUDDSPEED LTD (ENGLAND) REG. DESIGN No. 910435". Ruddspeed of Worthing made a limited range of these famous radiator grill decanters in the 1960’s. They included: Mercedes, Bugatti (with black & chrome grills), Jaguar, Rolls Royce with flat screw radiator cap and one that features the Spirit of...

A vintage Bugatti chrome radiator grille decanter made in England in the 1970s, bearing the red enamel radiator badge. The decanter is equipped with a “slot” in the casing at the rear allowing visibility of the contents with baize cloth to the base. The finish is of a very high quality and heavily chromed throughout. Ruddspeed of Worthing made a limited range of these famous radiator grill decanters in the 1960’s. They included: Mercedes, Bugatti (with black & chrome grills), Jaguar, Rolls Royce with flat screw radiator cap and one that features the Spirit of Ecstacy...

A vintage Bugatti chrome radiator grille decanter made in England in the 1970s, bearing the red enamel radiator badge. The decanter is equipped with a “slot” in the casing at the rear allowing visibility of the contents with baize cloth to the base. The finish is of a very high quality and heavily chromed throughout. Ruddspeed of Worthing made a limited range of these famous radiator grill decanters in the 1960’s. They included: Mercedes, Bugatti (with black & chrome grills), Jaguar, Rolls Royce with flat screw radiator cap and one that features the Spirit of Ecstacy...

A vintage Bentley chrome radiator grille decanter made in England in the 1960s, bearing the red enamel radiator badge. The decanter is equipped with a ...

A wonderful display piece or indeed addition to any serious man cave is this exceptionally well made mid-century Classic Stable Rolls Royce radiator spirit decanter retailed through Harrods and dating from around 1960. The heavily made decanter is of tall rectangular grill shape made in chromed metal with a screw off radiator cap...

A vintage Bentley chrome radiator grille decanter made by Classic Stable Ltd of Worthing with wire mesh grille, bearing the red enamel radiator badge. ...