Rare Gordon Crosby Bentley Deskpiece Circa 1927

A magnificent late 1920s Icarus Bentley factory mascot, designed by sculptor and artist Frederick Gordon Crosby (1885-1943). Fine, hollow-cast, cire perdue (lost wax), silver-plated bronze construction, specially commissioned by Walter Bentley for use on the W.O. Bentley Cricklewood factory cars of the late 1920s. The mascot is signed 'Gordon Crosby' to the side in the correct font that mimics his written signature. Never used on the cars or taken into production due to copyright issues, so an amazing survivor.  Mounted on a highly stylised Art Deco black and white-veined marble display plinth, coinciding with the 1927 opening of  the  Jack Barclay Bentley Showroom at 12 George Street, Hanover Square and displayed there until the showroom moved to 53 Berkeley Square in Mayfair. The original ‘Bentley London’ main dealer Jack Barclay plaque is proudly displayed on the front of the plinth. Offered in superb, correct and unrestored original condition.