Charles Sykes. Charles Robinson Sykes (18 December 1875 – 6 June 1950) was an English sculptor, best known for designing the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot which is used on Rolls-Royce cars.
He was born in 1875 in Brotton, in present-day Redcar and Cleveland, England. Reference: Wikipedia
A RARE AND EARLY ‘ST. CHRISTOPHER’ MOTORING FIGURINE ‘MASCOT’ BY CHARLES SYKES, 1899, signed ‘C.Sykes’ to rear of tapered square base and inscribed ‘St Christopher’ to front of base, ‘cire perdu’ cast figure in bronze with dark patina depicting the patron saint of travellers ‘seeking the way’ with hooded cloak and staff, 11cm high, fixed to wooden base with believed original mounting stud and bolt.
This bronze St. Christopher figurine is of the type as believed to have been fitted to the 1899 12 Hp Daimler of Member of Parliament John Douglas-Scott-Montagu (1866-1929), 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu, who reportedly drove his Daimler adorned with the St. Christopher figurine, into the yard of the Houses of Parliament in 1899, and believed to be the first time a ‘mascot’ was fitted to a motorcar.
Sold for £ 6,125 inc. premium at Bonhams in 2018
Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy Mascot by Charles Sykes, 1918-1925 Charles Sykes Nickle-plated brass
Sold for $1,500 at RM Auctions / RM Sotheby’s in 2019
A Rolls Royce Chromed Kneeling Spirit of Ecstasy Automobile Mascot Marks: C Sykes, 26-1-34, reg. us pat. Off, trade mark Reg 4-1/8 inches high The mascot featuring kneeling Spirit of Ecstasy figure with flowing arms outstretched, raised on domed and squared plinth.
Sold for $1,100 at Heritage Auctions in 2017
Charles Sykes Maker Mark
