LOT 48 †

A fine 'Mr Mercury' mascot in sterling silver by Mappin & Webb, London, 1931, a believed special commission for National Benzole Co.Ltd,

Estimate: £5,000 - £6,000

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 48^†

A fine 'Mr Mercury' mascot in sterling silver by Mappin & Webb, London, 1931, a believed special commission for National Benzole Co.Ltd,

The Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale: Collector's Motor Cars and Automobilia|5 July 2019, 11:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

A fine 'Mr Mercury' mascot in sterling silver by Mappin & Webb, London, 1931, a believed special commission for National Benzole Co.Ltd,

unsigned, solid cast sterling silver mascot in the form of the head of the mythical Roman figure with winged helmet, with hallmark to upper edge of left wing and to left side of base, 9cm high, 11cm long, mounted on a period polished radiator cap above a turned wooden display base.

Footnotes

According to information supplied by the vendor, it is believed that this mascot was specially commissioned by Samuel Henshaw, the founder and chairman of National Benzole, having, after some discussion, eventually chosen the 'Mr Mercury' figure as the National Benzole marketing logo, which first appeared in advertising campaigns in 1928.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
27.5% on the first £2,500 of the hammer price; 25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £2,500 up to and including £300,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £300,000 up to and including £3,000,000; and 13.9% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £3,000,000. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT.
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £500,000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £500,000. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Automobilia
- Cars