LOT 148 ◊

A 'L'Air' superb aviation illuminated desk-piece depicting Louis Bleriot in his Channel crossing monoplane, after August Moreau, French, circa 1910,

Estimate: £5,000 - £8,000

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 148^◊

A 'L'Air' superb aviation illuminated desk-piece depicting Louis Bleriot in his Channel crossing monoplane, after August Moreau, French, circa 1910,

The Golden Age of Motoring Sale|1 November 2024, 13:00 GMT|London, New Bond Street

A 'L'Air' superb aviation illuminated desk-piece depicting Louis Bleriot in his Channel crossing monoplane, after August Moreau, French, circa 1910,

signed, bronzed and patinated pewter figure depicts a draped nude lady in the art nouveau style, holding aloft a flaming torch, arising from the flame appears a representation of a Louis Bleriot Monoplane XI aeroplane made of solid bronze, the figure standing on a winged platform above a marble base applied with a plaque marked 'l'Air la science domine l'univers par Augusto Moreau (Medaille D'or)', (plaque is loose). The aeroplane measures 32cm long with 32cm wingspan and is a superb and detailed representation of the Monoplane in which Louis Bleriot made his historic and memorable flight over the Channel from France to England in 1909. Below the wings there are two bulb carriers, enabling the aeroplane to be illuminated. 81cm high overall.

Footnotes

August Moreau (1834-1917) was born in Dijon, Paris 1834. He went to the French school with A. Millet', A. Dumont and Thomas Alumn, where he studied under Mathurin Moreau. His debut was in the Paris show room with French artists and the Societaire de Groupment Artistique, where his work was well received and won several exhibition medals in the 1880s and 90s. His sculpture work was awarded gold medals in America and Brazil in 1889 and a bronze in Paris in 1900. His works of art are displayed in the most important museums of the world.

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 client services.
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.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
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