Bairnsfather 'Old Bill' Car Mascot

A rare original

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.

Description: The ‘Old Bill’ car mascot in cast bronze. The mascot in the character of Bairnsfather’s ‘Old Bill’ character. The helmet top emblazoned with the artist’s name, Bruce Bairnsfather. The underneath in hollowed form, along with a central mounting screw.  This mascot still has the cut remains of the black tin mounting section. The underneath stamped with the patents number, Copyright designation, along with a large ‘S’ stamp, for the retailer, Smith & sons. Size approximately 11cm top of helmet to base of scarf.

Condition report: The  mascot remaining in very good condition, and free from dents or damage. The bronze having a fine aged patina. The remains of the cut mounting section, and the central nut, showing rust and general age.

Notes: 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 other’s after World War I.

Today, most of the ‘Old Bill’ car mascots found in the market place are modern copies.