THE UNOFFICIAL, UNSUBSTANTIATED, STORY OF THE DAUM AUTOMOBILE CRYSTAL SCULPTURES, 

AS (BEST) WE KNOW IT!

As the largest secondary market dealer in Daum automobile crystal sculptures in the USA, the questions that we are most frequently asked are as follows:

Q: Can we get a catalog of the automobile sculptures?

A: The catalog is no longer available from Daum. However, a catalog, exclusive to the automobile sculptures, was included with each of the crystals when they were new.

Unfortunately, that catalog is woefully incomplete as many of the pieces are not included in the listing – we have never seen a catalog that includes all of the sculptures that were actually crafted.

Q: How many different sculptures were created?

A: So far we have identified a total of 19 different original sculptures and 3 subsequent  pieces, only one of which carries the Daum signature. All of these sculptures were crafted in two different scales, and some of them are limited editions.  

Q: When did Daum discontinue the manufacture of these sculptures?

A: We don’t know! The reason we don’t know is that many of the Daum dealers carried inventory of these pieces for quite some time after they were discontinued. Therefore, it is our best guess that production of these pieces ceased in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s.

Q: Can we get a list of the sculptures?

A: With the help of our customers the list of the pieces identified so far follows, if we know any additional data such as scale and/or the original selling price we have included that information. If you are aware of any additional pieces that are not included in this list your input is welcomed! However, please see the next Q&A before firing off an email. Any pieces marked with an * are absolutely known to exist as we either had or have examples of them or they are documented in the Daum catalog.

• *Monoplace Le Mans – 1940’s era race car - 1:14  - $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *Grand Prix – 1970’s era race car – 1:14 - $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *Mercedes-Benz 300SL – 1:14 - $850.00 (original retail price)

• *Chevrolet Corvette – 1:14 - $850.00 (original retail price)

• *Jaguar E-Type – 1:14 - $850.00 (original retail price)

• *Porsche 911 – 1:14 - $850.00 (original retail price)

• *Ferrari 250 GTO – 1:14 - $850.00 (original retail price)

• *Bugatti 55 Roadster – 1:14 - $850.00 (original retail price)

• *Mercedes-Benz 500SEL – 1:14 - $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *BMW 750IL Sedan – 1:14 – $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *Cadillac Eldorado – 1:14 - $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *Coupe Riviera – styling exercise – 1:14 - $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *Limousine Imperiale – 1:12 - $1850.00 (original retail price) (Sometimes with a marble base)

• *Chevrolet Corvette – 1953 convertible – top down –  # edition of 500 – 1:14 - $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *Ford Thunderbird – convertible/top down, # edition of 500 – 1:14 -$1050.00(original retail price)

• Cadillac Eldorado – convertible – top down - # edition of 500 – 1:14 - $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *Ford Mustang – convertible – top down - # edition of 500 – 1:14 - $1050.00 (original retail price)

• *Aston Martin DB5 Sedan - # edition of 250 – 1:12 - $2500.00 (original retail price)

• *Jaguar MK2 Sedan - # edition of 250 – 1:12 - $2500.00(original retail price)

Both the Aston Martin and the Jaguar are extremely rare and they should (and do) command very high prices on the secondary market. The limited editions of 500 are not as rare as some sellers would have you believe. To the best of our knowledge (with some exceptions) there were not that many of the “regular” editions that exceeded 500 pieces produced during their lifetime! 

Q: How come I have seen other Ferrari pieces that are not on your list?

A: After Daum stopped production of the original pieces listed above there were at least 3 other pieces that were modeled in the same scale and size of the original Daum automobiles. All 3 are Ferraris and they are as follows:

• *Ferrari Testarosa (1984 through 1991 series) – 1:14 - $1500.00 (original retail price)

• *Ferrari 456GT - # edition of 599 – 1:14 - $?

• Ferrari F40 – 1:14 - $750.00 (original retail price)

The Testarosa and the 456GT were manufactured by Daum for the “Compagine Francaise Du Cristal” and commissioned (?) by a French artisan by the name of Claude Nicolas. They were not sold through Daum stores, the Testarosa does not carry the Daum trademark but the rocker panel is etched “Made In France” and “Created By Claude Nicolas” (we extend our thanks to Daum collector Bill Russell for providing this information). Most collectors consider this piece to be integral to a Daum crystal automobile collection.

The 456GT is a limited edition of 599 pieces and it is etched with the edition and number and “Daum France” on one rocker panel and “Claude Nicolas” on the other. The 456GT was introduced in 1992 and continued in production for 10 plus years, so this particular sculpture could have been done at any time during that period so we are unable to accurately date it. Obviously, this is a true Daum piece but the date of production seems to be out-of-line with the discontinuation of the original pieces listed previously – can anyone provide additional input?

The F40 is manufactured in Italy from Italian lead crystal by Arnolfo di Cambio and the rear wing is cast from stainless steel. We have never seen one of these, but based on its size and presentation it appears that it would compliment any Daum collection. (Thanks again to Bill Russell).

Well, now you know as much as we do! If you have any additional information it is welcomed and we will attempt to update and confirm the above information as we obtain more data. Don’t forget that much of what is written here is both unofficial and unsubstantiated so use the information cautiously and at your own risk!

Last updated 11/2006 - Copyright LMG Enterprises