Description

Retailed by Derfield, Burlington Arcade, London

From our Decanters collection, we are delighted to offer this Mercedes Radiator Grill Decanter by Rudspeed. The decanter modelled as a radiator gill from a classic Mercedes W120/W121 “Ponton,” car with a large front simulated grill surmounted by the iconic three pointed Mercedes logo star. The case is cast in heavy chromium-plated metal surrounding a glass container with viewing window to see its current fill level, the rear of the case is stamped Ruddspeed Ltd. (England) Reg. Design below the retailers label and comes with the original box which also contains the retailers sticker inside. The Radiator Decanter dates to the Mid-Century Modern era circa 1960.

Ruddspeed was founded in 1945 by Ken Rudd from a disused stable in Worthing. After working on general engineering for local farmers he graduated to more specialised work on sports cars naming his company K.M. Rudd (Engineering) Ltd. In 1953 Rudd became sufficiently well known as a competition driver that he was invited by Donald Healey to understudy for him at Le Mans. He formed RuddSpeed Ltd which was set up to undertake conversations for Austin Healey, Volvos, Alphas and later became known for converting Ford Mustangs to RHD cars, as well as one off commissions for customers. Rudd’s vision throughout his life was to take a good car and make it better which included suppling Ruddspeed Volvos to the West Sussex Police as well as other models being driven by Ian Fleming and Bruce Reynolds. Ken Rudd passed away in 2009 and the brand continues today in honour of Ken.

Ruddspeed of Worthing made a limited range of these famous radiator grill decanters in the 1960’s, they included – Mercedes, Bugatti (with black & chrome grills), Jaguar, Rolls Royce (flat screw cap and Spirit of Ecstacy cap), and Bentley with green, charcoal and chrome radiator grills. These luxury decanters were sold by Harrods of London and other high-quality shops and garages in the UK, in the 1960s.

With every purchase from Mark Goodger Antiques, you will receive our latest catalogue, a Certificate of Authenticity, detailed care instructions for your chosen piece and an independent invoice (for insurance purposes) will be enclosed. As well as being protected by a no-hassle, money-back policy, your piece will be entirely insured during the shipping process to ensure the safety of your item.

Additional information