Rolls Royce Bronze Statue: Spirit Of Ecstasy Sculpture By Charles Sykes – VS6206

Rolls Royce Bronze Statue Additional Details

This vintage Rolls Royce bronze statue, and all of our automobilia collectibles are guaranteed to be authentic, backed by over a century of experience in the antiques and collectibles marketplace. This sculpture is original memorabilia from one of automotive history's most iconic brands. We are a one stop shop when it comes to outfitting your man cave or game room. We can can outfit an entire gas station or automotive themed room for you, or help you find that one special item that has been missing from your collection. In addition to signs, we have vintage visible gas pumps, oil pumps, lubesters, and more, that we have fully restored to working, museum quality condition. Our petroliana restorations are the best in the business because nobody has been doing it longer, or pays as much attention to detail.

This rare, original Rolls Royce bronze statue is the perfect conversation piece that will wow your friends and clients alike. Like all of our vintage collectible signs, it is guaranteed authentic, investment quality memorabilia. We specialize in those hard to find signs that serious collectors are looking for. All antique collectables offered are genuine memorabilia and appreciable assets, not fake reproductions. All items are fine collectable art at the highest world class collector level. Contact us for pricing on this vintage Rolls Royce bronze statue, or any of our collectible Americana, antique signs, old gas pumps, and classic collectables at 1-800-292-0008.

About Spirit Of Ecstasy: History

The first Rolls Royce hood ornament was introduced in 1909 and was known as the "Rolls Royce emblem." It featured a simple, circular design with the letters "R-R" in the center. However, this design was soon replaced by the iconic "Flying Lady" hood ornament, which was first introduced in 1911. These Rolls-Royce hood ornaments, and statues are known as “The Spirit Of Ecstasy”, and are an iconic symbol of the Rolls Royce brand. 

The statue depicts a graceful woman with her arms outstretched and her robes flowing behind her as she leans forward, representing the spirit of ecstasy, speed, and grace. The statue was created by British sculptor Charles Sykes in 1911 at the request of Rolls Royce co-founder and owner, Charles Rolls. Rolls was looking for a distinctive hood ornament for his cars, and Sykes was commissioned to create a design that would represent the qualities of the Rolls Royce brand. Sykes used the image of Eleanor Velasco Thornton, a secretary and model who was the lover of John Scott Montagu, a friend and business associate of Rolls, as the inspiration for the statue. Sykes created a clay model of the sculpture, which was then cast in bronze and placed on the hood of Rolls Royce cars. The Spirit of Ecstasy became an instantly recognizable symbol of the Rolls Royce brand.

The Spirit of Ecstasy was delivered by the company with every Rolls-Royce. Each was done using the technique which was thousands of years old and known as the lost-wax method. This practice results in the mould's being destroyed to reveal the casting, which explains why no two figures are exactly alike. Sykes, assisted by his daughter Jo, remained responsible for manufacturing the Spirit of Ecstasy for many years. Likewise, each of the unique creations bore his signature on the plinth. Even after Rolls-Royce took over the casting of the figures in 1948 each Spirit of Ecstasy continued to receive this inscription until 1951.

Today, they are made by specialists in Southampton, England, using a wax casting process combining methods and materials dating back over 5,000 years with 21st Century technology. Each figurine is based on a three-dimensional computer-generated image, digitally mapped from the original Spirit of Ecstasy. Using this image, skilled craftspeople created a solid cast tool, made by hand using cutters measuring just 0.2mm in size to ensure even the finest details were precisely replicated. From this cast tool, they produced a highly accurate wax model of the figurine, which was then coated in ceramic. After this coating had dried, the wax was melted away, leaving a perfect mould from which the new cast would be taken.

Each figurine is made by filling the mould with molten stainless steel, at a temperature of 1600°C. Once the steel has cooled, the mould is opened to reveal the Spirit of Ecstasy in all her glory. The final transformation takes place in the Finishing Department, using a process called peening. The casting is blasted by millions of stainless-steel balls, just 17 thousandths of an inch (0.04mm) in diameter, which help to polish the surface without being abrasive. After machining, a final mirror polish and stringent quality assurance checks, the completed figurine takes her rightful place above the iconic Rolls-Royce grille.

Today, the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornaments, especially the originals that were cast and signed by Sykes, are considered a valuable collector's item, and are highly sought after by collectors and Rolls Royce enthusiasts around the world.  The value of the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament can vary depending on a number of factors, such as its age, condition, and rarity. Original examples of the hood ornament, such as those made in the early 20th century, can be especially valuable, as they are highly prized by collectors.

In addition to the hood ornament, the brass statue of the Spirit of Ecstasy was also used in Rolls Royce showrooms as a display piece. These statues were typically mounted on a black base and placed in prominent locations within the showroom to showcase the brand's iconic hood ornament.

Today, the brass statue of the Spirit of Ecstasy is also considered a valuable collector's item and is often sought after by Rolls Royce enthusiasts and collectors. These statues can be found in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from small desktop models to large, full-size displays. As with the hood ornament, the value of these statues can vary depending on a number of factors, including their age, condition, and rarity.

There have been several notable sales of bronze statues of the Spirit of Ecstasy in recent years. For example, in 2016, a 1920s-era bronze statue of the Spirit of Ecstasy sold at auction for £66,000 (approximately $86,000 USD) at Bonhams in London. This particular statue was signed by Charles Sykes, the original sculptor of the Spirit of Ecstasy. In 2019, another bronze statue of the Spirit of Ecstasy sold at auction for $57,500 USD at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction. This statue was also signed by Charles Sykes and was mounted on a wooden base.

Portions Excerpted From: Spirit of Ecstasy: The Human Drama Behind The Legend