Lot 382

Exceptional Mid-Century American Chrome-Plated Automotive Hood Ornament, Jet Age Modernist Design

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 382
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3
Exceptional Mid-Century American Chrome-Plated Automotive Hood Ornament, Jet Age Modernist Design
Exceptional Mid-Century American Chrome-Plated Automotive Hood Ornament, Jet Age Modernist Design
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3

Exceptional Mid-Century American Chrome-Plated Automotive Hood Ornament, Jet Age Modernist Design

Current Bid: $25

(5 Bids)
by California Auction Company LLC
August 1, 2026 9:00 AM PDT
Live Auction
1212 E. Harding Way
Stockton, CA, US 95205

A striking and sculptural American automotive hood ornament executed in brilliantly styled chrome-plated die-cast metal, embodying the dramatic aerodynamic forms that defined the Jet Age of the 1950s and early 1960s. With its soaring twin fins, sharply faceted central spear, and elongated streamlined profile, the ornament captures the optimism and futuristic styling that characterized Detroit's golden era of automotive design. Originally conceived as both a functional mascot and an artistic statement, hood ornaments of this caliber transformed ordinary automobiles into symbols of speed, luxury, and technological progress. The bold geometric styling reflects the influence of contemporary industrial design, aviation, and the emerging Space Age aesthetic that dominated American manufacturing during the period. Today, original hood ornaments have become highly sought after by collectors of automobilia, industrial design, and mid-century decorative arts. Equally compelling as a display sculpture, this example possesses an unmistakable modernist presence and displays beautifully as an object of automotive history. An impressive acquisition for collectors of vintage automobilia, transportation memorabilia, or twentieth-century industrial design.

  • Literature: Comparable examples illustrated in publications covering American postwar automotive styling and mid-century hood ornaments, including reference works on Detroit automobile design of the 1950s and 1960s.
  • Circa: Circa 1955–1965
  • Condition: Overall good vintage condition. Chrome plating remains bright with scattered oxidation, light surface scratching, and age-related pitting visible throughout, particularly across the upper surfaces. Minor wear consistent with prolonged automotive use and age. Mounting stud remains present. No obvious breaks or repairs observed from the available photographs.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Paypal, Visa

Shipping

An invoice will be sent to you after the auction is completed. Please pay for the items you won, then we will pack your items and send you another invoice for the shipping cost. If you have a credit card on file with us (California Auction Company), the card will be charged. You can put a card on file by contacting us at (209) 464-2100. Otherwise, we will email shipping invoices via Paypal or Square.

California Auction Company LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 + $50