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Lot 82:
Description
This vintage automotive radiator mascot was produced by the Birmingham Medal Co for the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers (A.O.F.B.), a British charitable organisation active between 1924 and 1931. The cast metal figure depicts a member in a cowl sitting astride a beer barrel while holding a foaming tankard. The front of the barrel features an inset circular plaque with the characters XXXX above A.O.F.B. in blue on a gold-coloured ground. The reverse of the barrel contains an incised circular plaque marked BIRMINGHAM MEDAL CO SUMMER HILL TERRACE around the border, with the traditional drinking phrase NO HEEL TAPS! in the centre. The figure is cast from a heavy metal alloy with remnants of a silvered or nickel-plated finish. It is mounted on its original threaded steel bolt with a heavy hexagonal nut and rubber and metal washers.
Height: 9.5 cm
Width: 5 cm.
Condition report:
The mascot shows extensive wear to the original plating across the figure and barrel, revealing the yellowish base metal beneath. The mounting hardware, including the bolt, nut, and washers, exhibits heavy surface rust and corrosion. There are areas of green verdigris and oxidation within the deeper recesses of the casting. The front plaque has minor surface scratching and slight fading to the blue pigment, while the reverse plaque remains clear and legible. The casting is structurally sound with no missing parts.
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