‘Monsieur Bibendum’, Michelin Car Mascot, 1916
Price Code: SOLD
Reference: 7030
Michelin
The earliest design of the famous tyre manufacturer’s car mascot, dating from 1916, featuring Mr. Bibendum (Michelin Man) in the ‘scruter l’horizon’ stance (looking into the distance) and kneeling on a Michelin tyre. the heavy and solid cast silvered bronze figure stands on its original radiator cap, and is stamped MICHELIN CABLE to the tyre. The mascot has its original silvered bronze patina.
The mascot is signed on the underside of the tyre GENERES and MADE IN FRANCE.
Mr. Bibendum was an idea of André Michelin (1853-1931) who after seeing a stack of tyres which resembled the silhouette of a man at the 1894 Lyon exhibition, developed the character as the company’s central advertising mascot.
The mascot stands at 4½ inches (11½ cm) tall.
All images and text copyright © Pullman Gallery Ltd. 2024
