1931 Faust Diablo hood orniment

[wkollman]

I'm looking for information about this rare hood ornament because I believe I might have one. I'm looking for information on who created the original. On the bottom of the ornament it is signed R Varnier of France. I'm also looking for a picture that's in the 1931 accessory catalog showing what this is suppose to look like.

[Chris Pile]

Might be an aftermarket item.
Got a pic?

Chris Pile
Editor: The Studebaker Special

http://midwaystudebakers.tripod.com/

[wkollman]

do you have an e-mail I can send it too
can't seem to be able to attach to this

[rockne10]

Anyone remember which issue of TURNING WHEELS spotlighted these hood ornaments? Had to be at least five years ago.

Aha!
It took some searching. Tweren't five years ago; it was fourteen.
June 1995 with article by Fred Fox, [u]Studebaker Radiator Cap Mascots and Hood Ornaments, 1927-1966</u>.
The Faust Diablo [u]is</u> the back cover photo.
Studebaker part # AC-67.
Fred gives no indication of the designer.

I believe the original cover photo was contributed by Mr. Quinn.
My scanner isn't working or I would post a copy.

[Jeff_H]

Here is the back cover of the June '95 TW from my "library"



Looks easily broken

Jeff in ND

'53 Champion Hardtop

[Studebaker Wheel]

[Chris Pile]

I see that the 2nd (cruder) one lacks detail and smoothing of the piece. Perhaps the 2nd one is also not plated?
Big difference in prices, I'm willing to bet.

Chris Pile
Editor: The Studebaker Special

http://midwaystudebakers.tripod.com/

[barnlark]

Lancaster, 2008.
[img][/img]

So, Richard, does wkollman have the real deal with the sculptor's signature?

[wkollman]

Richard
I appreciate your help on this. I'm the one who purchased the one on e-bay in Sept for $305. Based on the information you left me the mascot that I purchased looks like to second picture with it signed on the bottom R Varnier France. It is my understanding that R Varnier was a metal sculpture in the art world. The only difference I see in the one that I have compared to the second picture is that the horn are slightly different on the top. They appear to be a little closer together. It is also slightly different at the bottom where it fits over the ridge on the cap. It doenn't appear to be releaved. My question to you is was there a smooth cap that they mounted these to?
Thank you
W Kollman

[Studebaker Wheel]

Well, both are the real deal. Both were apparently used and are originals from the early 1930's.

As far as securing them to a smooth cap the answer would be no if it was originally used on a Studebaker since as the photos indicate that all of the Studebaker caps had the ridge running down the center. While I am certain Studebaker offered this mascot I have a feeling that this ornament was also produced as an aftermarket item for use on other cars. These were probably not exactly the same as the one used by Studebaker.

Richard Quinn
Editor emeritus: Antique Studebaker Review

[wkollman]

[img]http://s605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/wkollman/?action=view&current=devil.jpg&newest=1

[Studebaker Wheel]

Here is the image wkollman was trying to post. Interesting comparison to the first one I posted since it is almost the identical angle.

Richard Quinn
Editor emeritus: Antique Studebaker Review

[4961Studebaker]

No information is enough on hood ornaments of the era R.Quinn.

A truely artistic point in automotive history and style. It's one of those items I instinctively take a picture of when I attend any show.

A couple favorites are the Pierce Arrow archer, and the not too often seen Hupmobile, (not so much design, but rarity in viewing)

Edited for duplicate posts, and spelling

ChopStu

137 weeks till completion.

[Johnnywiffer]

Saw this one at SB on a '64 Hawk, a few years back.

<center></center>

John

[Guest]

Located a Faust El Diablo this weekend.