Lot 138: A bronze 'Angel of Victory' car mascot, by Franz Bergman, Austrian, 1920s,

A bronze 'Angel of Victory' car mascot, by Franz Bergman, Austrian, 1920s,
signed 'Nam Greb' and with sculptor's 'B' initial in jar symbol mark to rear of base, finely detailed mascot in bronze with dark patina and traces of gilt decoration in places, 19cm high.
Franz Bergman (1838-1894) was a professional sculptor from Gablonz who came to Vienna and founded a small bronze factory in 1860. His son Franz Xaver Bergman (1861-1936) inherited the Company and opened a new foundry in 1900. From that time the Bergman bronzes were marked with the 'jar' symbol and outstanding works were signed 'Nam Greb'.See lot 202 Bonhams sale 15 August 2008, where another example of this rare mascot sold for a hammer price of $2000.