c. 1910s Asprey London Bronze "Caesar" Radiator Mascot, Likely Second-Casting
This extremely scarce radiator mascot is understood to be an Asprey London 'Caesar', a later casting based on the original 1905 'Caesar' mascot made for King Edward VII's personal vehicles in honor of his beloved wire-haired fox terrier, who became a national for his grieving behavior following the King's death.
The original 'Caesar' was a one-off, and sold at Bonhams in 2009 for over US$6,000. However, there appear to have been a select few later copies made, cast in bronze and plated in nickel, and they are few and far between. The example here measures approximately 4.25" tall, 2.25" wide, and 3" deep, and is attached to a 3.5" square base made by the previous owner. It is in excellent original condition, and shows well with beautiful patina. The plating has aged gracefully on the sculpture itself, and adds definition to its features, but some flaking along the base is less desirable. The threads on the mounting post are damaged, but the provided nut turns freely without binding.
Of the photographic evidence available online through a cursory Google search, there appear to be 4 different examples to reference, including this item and the King's original piece. The original lacks any readily visible trademark stamp; the other two known later castings each have different trademarks (one stamped "A" in the center of the front, at the base, and the other having "A S P R E Y" carved into it in a different font, at the same location). Our example does not have a trademark, with the base appearing most similar to the original (King’s) piece. Without confirmation from Asprey despite attempted contact, we are assuming that - as our example best mimics the original - the lacking trademark is correct for the piece. If we are informed otherwise by Asprey, we will edit the listing to reflect this.
This extremely scarce radiator mascot is understood to be an Asprey London 'Caesar', a later casting based on the original 1905 'Caesar' mascot made for King Edward VII's personal vehicles in honor of his beloved wire-haired fox terrier, who became a national for his grieving behavior following the King's death.
The original 'Caesar' was a one-off, and sold at Bonhams in 2009 for over US$6,000. However, there appear to have been a select few later copies made, cast in bronze and plated in nickel, and they are few and far between. The example here measures approximately 4.25" tall, 2.25" wide, and 3" deep, and is attached to a 3.5" square base made by the previous owner. It is in excellent original condition, and shows well with beautiful patina. The plating has aged gracefully on the sculpture itself, and adds definition to its features, but some flaking along the base is less desirable. The threads on the mounting post are damaged, but the provided nut turns freely without binding.
Of the photographic evidence available online through a cursory Google search, there appear to be 4 different examples to reference, including this item and the King's original piece. The original lacks any readily visible trademark stamp; the other two known later castings each have different trademarks (one stamped "A" in the center of the front, at the base, and the other having "A S P R E Y" carved into it in a different font, at the same location). Our example does not have a trademark, with the base appearing most similar to the original (King’s) piece. Without confirmation from Asprey despite attempted contact, we are assuming that - as our example best mimics the original - the lacking trademark is correct for the piece. If we are informed otherwise by Asprey, we will edit the listing to reflect this.
This extremely scarce radiator mascot is understood to be an Asprey London 'Caesar', a later casting based on the original 1905 'Caesar' mascot made for King Edward VII's personal vehicles in honor of his beloved wire-haired fox terrier, who became a national for his grieving behavior following the King's death.
The original 'Caesar' was a one-off, and sold at Bonhams in 2009 for over US$6,000. However, there appear to have been a select few later copies made, cast in bronze and plated in nickel, and they are few and far between. The example here measures approximately 4.25" tall, 2.25" wide, and 3" deep, and is attached to a 3.5" square base made by the previous owner. It is in excellent original condition, and shows well with beautiful patina. The plating has aged gracefully on the sculpture itself, and adds definition to its features, but some flaking along the base is less desirable. The threads on the mounting post are damaged, but the provided nut turns freely without binding.
Of the photographic evidence available online through a cursory Google search, there appear to be 4 different examples to reference, including this item and the King's original piece. The original lacks any readily visible trademark stamp; the other two known later castings each have different trademarks (one stamped "A" in the center of the front, at the base, and the other having "A S P R E Y" carved into it in a different font, at the same location). Our example does not have a trademark, with the base appearing most similar to the original (King’s) piece. Without confirmation from Asprey despite attempted contact, we are assuming that - as our example best mimics the original - the lacking trademark is correct for the piece. If we are informed otherwise by Asprey, we will edit the listing to reflect this.