Glass Car Mascots by Rene Lalique.These were designed by Rene lalique in both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Styles.
The most famous is the Victoire but there are Czech Copies of this car mascot from the original moulds around.
The originals are much crisper than reproduction Lalique Car Mascots
Some were issued with glass bases and various models exist.
The Antiques Roadshow has shown the popularity of Lalique Art Glass and we have all seen examples of pieces that fetch thousands of dollars Before you rush out to buy lalique glass there are a few things you should know. Firstly there are many fake Lalique pieces to be found in antique shops and flea markets.

These mostly come from Romania and the Czech Republic (where they are sold as reproductions) You really should get a reliable Guide to Lalique Glassware (there are several available at Amazon.com) as these will give you not only the prices to pay but also ways to identify fakes and other copies.

Some Lalique pieces of the 1920s are still in production today - the Bacchantes Vase for example can be bought from Lalique at their store or from several hundred authorized Dealers and Boutiques.

These are made from the original Molds and are available in various colors. You should learn how to distinguish these from 1920s and 30s versions - subtle color changes make huge differences in price.

Rene Lalique Car Mascots are widely faked and there are ways to tell the fakes such as the originals came with a fitting to screw on to the radiator cap while modern copies have flat bases and are more suitable as paperweights.

Lalique Made hundreds of Vases together with Chandeliers and his famous Perfume Bottles.

You can start collecting Lalique fairly inexpensively with their modern range of fish and pendants but I advise you to be cautious when buying expensive pieces when you first begin collecting the more expensive pieces until you have more experience.

Artlcle by Keith Jones (C)2009

VICTOIRE
Le Lalique was probably the best known hood ornament made by
Rene Lalique. It is certainly the most desirable to collectors of Automobilia.

These were designed by Rene lalique in both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Styles.
The most famous is the Victoire but there are Czech Copies of this car mascot from the original moulds around.The originals are much crisper and are engraved signatures. The copies are with acid etched signatures.

These were either of Glass or a mixture of Bronze and Glass.
Some have been copied by other manufacturers so please ensure the Lalique Signature is on the piece.

Especially popular with collectors are the range of semi-draped or nude ladies and the Eagle Head mascots.

The VICTOIRE ( a ladies head with Flying hair streaming back) is the most sought after car mascot.

Things to look out for - chips and scratches on the glass are not unusual and are a sign sometimes of authenticity as it shows the piece probably was used on a car.
Some pieces have the bronze base removed and have been used as rather classy paperweights - they are more valuable with the base.
Some earlier models were actually also produced as paperweights too.

One of the earliest Car Mascots was Grand Libellule (a dragonfly).
Some but not all were also fitted with a light bulb in the base to make them glow at night. These look gorgeous.Some had a filter compartment so that you could change the colour that the mascot glowed.

Car mascots in coloured glass are fairly rare.
Many were actually produced as paperweights and bookends.
The best collection of Car hood Ornaments is in Japan at the Toyota Company Museum in Hakone
Many early examples were damaged through over use on poor roads so prime examples usually end up in museums.