Ruddspeed radiator decanters
In the 1960’s, Ruddspeed Ltd., became involved in the manufacture and distribution of a series of beautiful radiator-inspired liquor decanters. The case were heavy chromium-plated metal surrounded a glass container with a simple radiator cap. They varied slightly in size, but were approximately 7.5” (19cm) in height. The series included – Mercedes, Bugatti (with black & chrome grills), Jaguar, Rolls Royce with flat screw radiator cap and one that features the Spirit of Ecstasy and Bentley with green, charcoal and chrome radiator grills. These luxury decanters were sold by Harrods of London and other high-quality shops and garages in the UK, in the 1960s.
Each came in it’s own display box with a note:
The Ruddspeed decanters were copied over the years, but the genuine article is not hard to identify, as each has a metal backing plate which has a cut out section showing the glass bottle, where the level of liquid can be seen. The backing plate has the text “Ruddspeed Ltd ( England) Reg. Design No 910435”, or “909777”. If the text is missing, it is most likely a copy. The Bugatti decanter was later copied by a French firm, and it is fairly faithful to the Ruddspeed version. The Bentley examples appear with either a black or green wire mesh grille.
We often get asked about the value of these decanter, as always this varies depending on the condition. We have seen examples for sale from £350 to £500 but with pitted or worn chrome, to nice examples that sell around the £600 to £900 price range very good examples that might sell for £1200.
