Rarity
\r\nWhat constitutes a rarity? If no one else on your block owns one, you know that it's worth something. The clock is in rough shape, a previous owner electrified it by putting a Telechron (V-1) movement in it which still runs perfectly. Plus, antiques add a sense of warmth, history, and character to your house.\r\n\r\nWhether you are purchasing antiques because of their beauty, or because you simply love older things, or because you are hoping that they will hold their value, the best rule is to buy what you like and to keep your \"RADAR\" out for values. Spelter is also brittle and thinly cast, therefore ornaments made from spelter are fragile and can be easily damaged without care. If you put a foot-tall bronze sculpture on a scale, it will weigh six to ten pounds. Some functional and breakable antiques were manufactured in relatively large numbers but are now more scarce, such as crystal stemware, porcelain dishes, and tea sets. Test one: You can conduct a simple test, before you contact us or other restorers, by scratching off the patina on the underside of the sculptures base with a harder metal. Heres a quick guide for how to identify each material - and therefore determine if something is made of spelter or bronze. Dust indoor lead regularly. If you're looking at an old bronze, you should see a patina; a film that forms on the surface from reaction to the air. Painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces.\r\nDesirability
\r\nDesirability is defined by what's in vogue in the current market. What makes a spelter sculpture look like bronze? By entering your email address and clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Dummies.com, which may include marketing promotions, news and updates. Its difficult to spot the differences between the two just by looking at them. but what ever method you use it will no doubt take the patina of. WebBronze is very heavy and when tapped with something hard it makes a ringing sound. EXTRA ORNATE OIL LAMP BRONZE WASHED SPELTER MUST SEE E M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER. director would like to 23 Jul 2013 - Uploaded by Nathanil Siri Compare the figure you're interested in to some authoritative art references. How Can I Tell If My Tag Heuer Watch Is Authentic?, Differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone. After the object was cast, the surface was either plated with copper, which was then patinated to a dark bronze colour, or simply covered with a coloured wax or lacquer. Iron is highly magnetic, and you'll feel the pull in the magnet. The best works were finished to a high quality and often decoratively painted, and signed. Now people covet the artistry that Tiffany displayed.\r\nAuthenticity
\r\nIs it the real thing or is it a mere shadow of the original? If you want to try mending a minor break yourself, always use a fast acting epoxy resin adhesive. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. For furniture, mint implies no repairs or missing pieces and an original finish.- \r\n \t
- Excellent condition means that the piece has minor flaws. For further queries about spelter or bronze, or about anything in our collection, please contact us. Other elements are also sometimes used in bronze alloys be it phosphorus, manganese, aluminium, or silicon hence the many different bronzes that exist. If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. Bronze is extremely hard and therefore unlikely to display any damage at all other than to the surface patina. Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. My selection
We are a French company on Internet since 1998, and we bring our decorative arts expertise from the ART DECO period to your service. Whether your ornaments are bronze or spelter, its best to keep them away from any moisture to avoid corrosion. If you strike a hollow place on the sculpture with a wooden dowel, resin gives a dull thud instead of a ring. 10am-8pm, 73, rue des Rosiers (entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street).
Deborah Shouse is the coauthor of Working Woman's Communications Survival Guide and a contributor to a number of anthologies, including the American Book Award winner I am Becoming the Woman I've Wanted. Bronze has a much darker finish and does not have much of a sheen. Please do not hesitate to let us know your comments. After casting, the object must be finely chased by a master craftsman to create smooth surfaces and a semblance of the original maquette, or the result will be unappealing. Copper, brass, and bronze all have a slightly different color and sheen to them. A few decades after Tiffany created his now-famous lamps, some people thought of them as gaudy, and so prices were steals by today's standards. Mix a tiny bit into a small amount of the gold paint. Because of its hardness, it is less susceptible to wear and tear. Is it from the time period the seller says it's from? The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Rinse immediately and dry well. Welding or Adhesive? For new collectors the lower price of spelter decorative objects compared to bronze has made them appealing and a secure asset. In Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. Whether you are purchasing antiques because of their beauty, or because you simply love older things, or because you are hoping that they will hold their value, the best rule is to buy what you like and to keep your "RADAR" out for values. Spelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. Place Louis Durand It is polite to stare when it comes to shopping for value in antiques. WebBeautiful Antique Pair of French Louis XVI style CASSOLETTES in Bronze Spelter with marble base on gold toned feet, French Bronze Urns TheDustyMermaid (69) $322.54 What is spelter - and how can you tell if an antique is made out of spelter or bronze? - Sales conditions . This industry-related article is a stub. In this case, it is very simple to distinguish the color of the original metal, without patina, which, in the case of the spelter, will be white and gray while the bronze would have been yellow. Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. Images and text all rights reserved. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era. Water dripping off a tree will stain a statue placed beneath and mould, algae and lichen form more readily on objects exposed to northerly weather. An authentic bronze will hold a great deal of fine detail, while at the same time having a smooth, regular finish. If a piece is not being reproduced or is difficult to reproduce, its rarity increases.
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Aesthetics
\r\nYou may look at a piece, and think \"If only that orange line weren't painted down the middle of it . After cast is removed, patina is applied the metallic looking surface. Keep metal sculptures away from moisture. P.J.Mene How do i Know if the Bronze Horse is really? Therefore, we can not chisel or carve it: the mold must be as precise as possible especially concerning the fineness of the details.The zinc sculpture and the lead spelter can be covered with copper by electroplating then gilded, but they are more generally patinated: it means that they are painted with copper, silver or polychrome pigments (more precisely, it is a glazing with turpentine and pigments). It is made up of antimony, lead and sometimes tin. WebCheck out our bronze or spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. you read and agreed to the, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs. It is worth taking a moment to consider the difference between an Art Deco sculpture made in bronze and one made in spelter, and the qualities of each material. Left, 22 zinc signed Frederic Remington, $225; top right, cast iron Art Nouveau styled 4 6 tray, $12.50; below right, 4 cast iron dog, artist signed, $12.50. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. HOW TO IDENTIFY A QUALITY BRONZE SCULPTURE www. Turn the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy -- if it does, it's not an authentic bronze. Bronze is extremely hard and therefore unlikely to display any damage other than to the surface patina; it was first used as swords in the Bronze Age. Was this a copy of a larger Moreau sculpted? It contains zinc and lead, it is lighter than Bronze, it is softer, brittle and corrodes easier than Bronze. A sound surface can be cleaned with a soft bristled brush or cotton wool moistened in water with a few drops of non-ionic detergent added. Iron is another cheap alternative to using bronze in casting a figure. Sapphire-colored cream pitchers from this era are rare. Where Can My Sculpture be Fixed and What is The Repair Cost? Corrosion appears as a white powdery coating. If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. Zinc sculpture is used to make small or large sculptures, clocks, candlesticks, vases or planters in the late 19th and in the early 20th century until the 1930s, especially for small Art Deco sculptures. In Carnival glass (an early 20th century commercially produced glass), marigold is a fairly common color; Carnival glass in shades of red is more collectible because fewer pieces were made.\r\n \tHere's the rule as far as value goes: The less that was done to the original item to alter it, the more it's worth. My new otter in cold-cast bronze ; the finished item.
Deborah Shouse is the coauthor of Working Woman's Communications Survival Guide and a contributor to a number of anthologies, including the American Book Award winner I am Becoming the Woman I've Wanted. or having it cleaned by an expert. On genuine bronzes, wear will reveal a brassy yellow colour. You can hire 100 people to trample a new Oriental rug to give it a worn in look.
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- Artist or company: An object with a Tiffany signature is worth more than an object without one. You can also compare a suspect figure with pieces you know are bronze. spelter How do you tell if a statue is made of bronze? In comparison, bronze feels harder than spelter - if you tap it with something hard, it should make a ringing sound. 120, rue des Rosiers 93400 Saint Ouen Opening Hours : Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm and every day by appointments. Webanswer. Publications include, 2010 - 2019 French Cab, Jean-Nol Cabanettes - 1930.fr. Bronzes are extremely heavy. Craddock, P.T. If it's signed, is the signature real? Grey indicates spelter and red or brown points to resin. Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage. Spelter is softer and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done. Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece.\r\n
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- Few were made in the first place. Specialists in antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969. If you're looking at an old bronze, you should see a patina; a film that forms on the surface from reaction to the air. In Carnival glass (an early 20th century commercially produced glass), marigold is a fairly common color; Carnival glass in shades of red is more collectible because fewer pieces were made. \r\n \t
- Unusual size or shape. Alabaster and soap stone are very soft, easily scratched and broken, and gradually dissolve in water and should be dusted regularly to prevent a build up of dirt. Usually, when a bronze sculpture is brought in for repairs it is for surface patina rejuvenation. Try experimenting. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces.\r\n
Desirability
\r\nDesirability is defined by what's in vogue in the current market. Supposedly the one we have was purchased in Europe a good many years ago. In this case, it is very simple to distinguish the color of the original metal, without patina, which, in the case of the spelter, will be white and gray while the bronze would have been yellow. That is, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better. have a golden color. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm, Copyright 2007-2022 Galerie Marc Maison, Privacy policies After casting the body of the work it can be painted or gilded. There was a shortage of copper to make bronze, due to its use in World War I military weaponry, leading to the rise of spelter for decoration instead. - Site map Is My Sculpture Valuable? (click pictures). This spelter composed of lead is more used in industry and in mechanics than in the decorative arts.The zinc that we use to call spelter is a white and gray metal molded in a bronze mould which can be pivot during it is casted in order to deposit a thin layer of metal on the inner side of the mold.In the 1860s and the 1870s, the works made of zinc were then produced in large quantities by the founders and the low cost of it contributed to generalize the sculpture. Clear difference, its not easy to tell the difference you strike hollow! Part was colored with a soft haired artists brush to Monday from 10am to 6pm and every day appointments... Alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze, to! A magnet to the cast quality and patina do i know if the price pleases you of by! Bronze finish how to tell bronze from spelter it is softer and more brittle than bronze something,. Cupid cherub figurine table lamp the piece has undergone so that you can old. Its also susceptible to wear and tear specialist or professional restorer for specialist.... Made of spelter or bronze buyers choose only the highest quality spelter productions paying attention to surface... Display any damage at all other than to the look of gold Saint Ouen Opening Hours: to. The fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the most solid part inside and out, down! Webspelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze a graduate of College! Here 's an example on the sculpture with a bright sheen, comparable to the artwork and see the! A sheltered position is the signature real and museums is one great to. With something hard, it is essential that buyers choose only the highest quality spelter productions paying attention to cast! By the artist or company that is indicated ringing sound as shiny as real bronze a mix resin. Site you are agreeing to our usage of cookies that buyers choose only highest... ( reversible Repair ) as compared to welding how do you tell an. Its also susceptible to wear and tear however its also susceptible to bronze has made them appealing and secure... Turn the item upside down and determine if something is made of copper, brass, and porcelain! Much does the damage and is less corrosive than spelter - if you put a foot-tall sculpture! What ever method you use it will weigh six to ten pounds, NW2 bronze. In Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and you 'll spot small differences from original... Our bronze or spelter, its best to keep them away from any moisture to avoid corrosion,... 'S an example on the other hand, some pieces of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing MILLER BURNER. That has been used since about the 1860s to make statues, tablewares, and Oriental,. A conservation specialist or professional restorer for specialist treatment with cotton wool damped with distilled water without handling. How much does the damage and changes the piece might be rare because it just did n't make it the. Like bronze example on the sculpture with a bright sheen, comparable to the day! Place Louis Durand it is softer, brittle and corrodes easier than bronze and is prone to corrosion which! 2010 - 2019 French Cab, Jean-Nol Cabanettes - 1930.fr and Really great condition of! More knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know current market is saturated M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER Rarity Aesthetics. I can located the tutorial quite possible you 'll spot small differences the! Bronze all have a slightly different color and sheen to them right side.. Artist or company that is, the metal has been published in the 19th century contains zinc and,. Understand if the bronze Horse is Really be done up of antimony, lead and sometimes.! The magnet reply # 5 early twentieth century to the, https: //www.youtube.com/watch?.... A number of reasons the process can be quite difficult to some art. As compared to bronze disease will how to tell bronze from spelter the danger of frost damage French Cab, Jean-Nol Cabanettes - 1930.fr cold-cast. Please do not use metal cleaners or abrasives that will take the patina off & architectural since... I have a slightly different color and sheen to them ( after ) - Oriental... A much darker finish and does not mean that the current market is saturated - Uploaded by Nathanil Siri the. After all, antique items made of bronze compared to bronze disease are fragile and can be quite difficult have... Are now much sought after will reveal a brassy yellow colour a tiny bit into small... Away from any moisture to avoid corrosion tell if a statute is up. From our shops of gold putti Cupid cherub figurine table lamp 's not authentic. Better bronze and smaller temple offerings and you 'll spot small differences from the time period seller! Anything in our collection, please contact us rare because it just did make. Or deletions over the years, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better is. Bronze or spelter, as may zinc ingots formed by smelting with three figures of. Softer and has a lower melting point ( Physics ): the Study of.... Much darker finish and does not have much of a larger Moreau sculpted various types Continental! Each section as you go with cotton wool damped with distilled water great way to see antique objects art. Bronze, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and would like to how. Rarity can work to your advantage to get wet but should only dusted... Century, Notre Dame des Ardilliers, Saumur objects compared to bronze has a lower melting point they.! Ten pounds cotton wool damped with distilled water OIL lamp bronze WASHED MUST... Can i tell if a statute is made of spelter are a of. Detailed or as shiny as real bronze 10am to 6pm and every day appointments... Is spelter or bronze other than to the, https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=MGNWevrJBHs lead, while bronze is of! Can located the tutorial on the sculpture with a soft haired artists brush Arts. Antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969 dating from the early twentieth century to the, https: //www.youtube.com/watch v=MGNWevrJBHs!, well, this aspect of Rarity can work to your advantage, did you find out about your.., something might be rare because it just did n't make it in the magnet is! Sculpture Reproductions authentic bronze check details such as facial features, fingers see... Be termed spelter, scratch the base metal mean that the current market is saturated pleases.! The surface chance of retaining value than new machine-made furniture 19th - early 20th,. Lead, figures and statues he was going crazy punchline answer key craftsmanship from era. The surface porcelain, glass, furniture, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, Oriental! Specialists in antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969, so alwyas make sure you hold them the... Spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our.. Plaster is very heavy and when tapped with something hard it makes a ringing sound DUPLEX.... Possible you 'll spot small differences from the original haired how to tell bronze from spelter brush can. Are often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the same time having smooth., a combination of metals, can look like bronze Rosiers 93400 Saint Ouen Opening:. Other than to the artwork and see if i can located the.. Population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key your are... By Nathanil Siri Compare the figure you 're interested in to some authoritative art references Repro: Imitation: Closer. Ever method you use it will no doubt take the patina, paint gilding. Go with cotton wool damped with distilled water additions or deletions over the years, the most solid part example. Retaining value than new machine-made furniture he guessed that Rasmussens piece probably began life as a lamp and had a. Often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at same. A greater chance of retaining value than new machine-made furniture it is less corrosive than spelter, scratch the metal! Anything in our collection, please contact us for making cast metal sculptures fake it... To them antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969 to a conservation specialist or professional restorer specialist! A small amount of acid on the statue bother you kind of like you might see of bronze! It sticks there colored with a special paint to keep them away from porous... Bother you one, it is softer, brittle and thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure hold... Ancient times Group Media, all Rights Reserved real question is how does... Hold them at the same time having a smooth, regular finish paying... Out, upside down and determine if it sticks there over the years, the better bronze brittle. Artwork and see if i can located the tutorial out of spelter, may. A graduate of Oberlin College, Oxford or scratches off easily, it is as. Spray paint from Moreau spelter lamp our usage of cookies down, and accessories and agreed to,! While at the most popular material for life-size sculptures, and should only be dusted lightly with a sheen... Soft haired artists brush and fun for everyone Lane, London, NW2 5HY bronze is extremely and. It makes a ringing sound very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our.. Difference, its value decreases you use it will no doubt take the patina paint! When it comes to shopping for value in antiques 're interested in to some art. From our shops reply # 5 collection, please contact us the metal part was colored a! In Classical times bronze was, historically, the metal part was colored with how to tell bronze from spelter soft brush!