Model No: 1164 Pintade. Created September 1929
Imagining a guinea fowl as a radiator mascot was a challenge.
René LALIQUE proves to us, in 1929, that anything is possible, by transforming this innocuous animal into an astonishing and superb mascot.
Originated in Africa the feathers of the bird are viewed as symbols of fertility and in Greece history it was sacred to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt.
This guinea fowl, broken down into geometric elements, is very clearly part of the cubist movement, which flourished between 1910 and 1930.
Height: 10cm
Clear (white) glass press molded
Price (1932 Lalique et Cie Catalogue): 295FF
Breves of Knightsbridge, London UK did not list this rare model in their Car Mascots leaflets or material, Likewise the Hibou, Renard and Chrysis created later. This was probably as a result of the economic climate and fading fashion for car mascots at the time of launch.
Other names for this mascot - Pintade, Guinea Hen.Mascotte, Hood Ornament, Car Mascot, Bouchon De Radiateur, Radiator Cap.
Appeared in 1932 Lalique Catalogue. Removed from 1937 Catalogue(though available as book-ends at this time and continued as apaperweight).
No known reissue in crystal post 1947, not marketed today.