Bentley Radiator Decanter by Classic Stable

Description

The Bentley Radiator Decanter by Classic Stable is a mid twentieth century novelty barware piece modelled as the radiator grille of a Bentley automobile, produced in England during the Mid-Century Modern period.

The decanter is formed from heavy chromium plated metal surrounding an internal glass container, shaped in the form of a Bentley radiator grille with detailed mesh front. The mounted radiator cap forms the removable lid to the decanter, while the upper section is finished with an enamelled Bentley badge. To the rear of the piece there is a vertical viewing slot allowing the remaining contents of the glass container to be seen.

The underside is signed “Classic Stable Ltd, Worthing Sussex, BGS B529, Made in England”, identifying the English manufacturer.

The Bentley Radiator Decanter dates to the second half of the twentieth century, circa 1960, and reflects the continued popularity of motoring themed barware and decorative objects during the Mid-Century Modern period.

View the full Decanter Collection.

Measurements

20cm High x 12.5cm Wide x 5.5cm Deep (7.87 x 4.9 x 2.17 Inch)

Who were Classic Stable?

Classic Stable was an English manufacturer producing novelty motoring decanters during the mid twentieth century, designed by Tony Gardiner in the 1960s. The range was available by special order and included models inspired by Bentley, Rolls Royce, Mercedes and Jaguar automobiles.

The decanters were produced using heavy silver plated or chromium plated metal casings fitted around removable glass containers, each finished with detailed radiator grilles, enamelled badges and radiator cap stoppers. The underside of each example carries a Classic Stable factory plaque, while a viewing slot to the rear allows the contents of the decanter to be monitored.

Classic Stable decanters are now closely associated with Mid-Century Modern barware and motoring themed decorative objects, combining functional design with detailed automotive styling.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on Classic Stable.

What is Mid-century Modern?

Mid-Century Modern is a design movement that developed across Europe and the United States in the period following the Second World War, broadly between 1945 and 1969. The term was later popularised by Cara Greenberg in her 1984 publication Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s and is now widely recognised within design history.

The movement is defined by clean lines, functional forms and a clear emphasis on materials, often avoiding applied decoration in favour of simplicity and practicality. It spans a wide range of disciplines including furniture, interiors, architecture and product design, reflecting the shift towards modern living in the mid twentieth century.

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Additional information