A "Hibou" glass mascot by Rene Lalique will auction at Bonhams as part of the sale of the Robert White collection on September 19.
One of a significant number of mascots featured in the collection, it's expected to make around £55,000-65,000 ($72,140-85,257).
 'Hibou' is French for owl |
Lalique is one of the biggest names in glassware.
It's particularly well known for its art deco mascots, which adorned the most extravagant motorcars of the 1920s and 1930s.
Toby Wilson, head of automobilia at Bonhams, explains: "The heyday of mascots began in the interwar years (1918-1939).
"The radiator cap had become a common feature on the bonnet of most cars, and it provided a natural perch for mascots, which came in a multitude of fantastic designs.
"As styling moved the radiator under the bonnet the use of mascots on motorcars was reduced. It was only in 1974 that for the protection of pedestrians, mascots were banned from the front of cars.
"Some forty years later, only a limited number of these original sculptures are still available, creating high demand and values that continue to rise."
White, who founded a successful chain of photographic shops, died last year.
He had pledged the funds raised from the sale of the mascots to the cancer wing at Bournemouth and Poole Hospital.
The eclectic sale will include a broad range of items, from cameras to motorbikes.
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