Vintage MICHELIN MAN Bibendum cast aluminium 14" 35cm crouching smoking figure. Origin? Era? Value?

Styled from an original 1928-34 mascot as an element of a large mobile trolley air compressor. Light grey or off-white, possibly repainted. Unbranded and unmarked. Purchased in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. I believe it's cast aluminium but could it be cast iron? 28cm W X 35cm H X 17cm D, 3k 700g. I suspect it's French.

Origin? Era? Value?

Kind regards.

 

Welcome Brek-I like yr avatar.Found this-could be a fantasy piece,repro,or repainted/restored original.Good luck on answers.
https://jantiques.myshopify.com/pro...ndum-on-compressor-advertising-display-statue

 

Welcome Brekkon.
I can't help you with the date, and we don't do values here.
But given the goggles (gasmask?) and the shape of the legs, I think your Bibendum originally rode a motorbike. Like this one, not the same and no goggles, but a similar position of the legs:


https://motorcycle-74.blogspot.com/2013/03/vintage-michelin-bibendum-on-motorcycle.html

 

https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/0-rec00108-387-1118
https://www.kidscollections.com.au/product/michelin-man-smoking-statue-cast-iron-23cm-standing/

 

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/michelin-bibendum-man-off-a-large-air-compressor/

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/price-result/michelin-bibendum-small-air-compressor/

 

Suspect it is a reproduction based on the lack of a hole at the mouth and the Phillips head screw at the back.

 

Thank you. That’s good to know. Yes, I wasn’t sure if he was wearing googles, glasses or a gasmask. I thought that he may have strode a large air compressor trolley but a motorbike is also feasible.

 

Thank you, it’s a portrait that my artist boyfriend painted of me. I’m thinking it’s a fantasy repro of the original but still pretty neat.

 

I agree. The lack of hole at the mouth had me suspecting too. I wish I knew how old it is…