how to tell bronze from spelter

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Of course, something might be rare because it just didn't make it in the marketplace. Ultimately spelter became a key metal for Art Deco sculptures and figurines. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. The beauty of its finished patina when spelter is cast it is produced without flaws creates sculptural works that are perfect in form. In the early 20th century, sculptors such as Jacques Limousin used spelter heavily in their manufacture of Art Nouveau and Art Deco figurines and other ornaments. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era. As you can see, she was also painted with much better attention to detail and more muted colors. Antiques often have a greater chance of retaining value than new machine-made furniture. WebMost sculptures are made from spelter or bronze. Now people covet the artistry that Tiffany displayed.\r\n

Authenticity

\r\nIs it the real thing or is it a mere shadow of the original? How to Identify a Quality Bronze Sculpture - YouTube . Many customers believe their sculpture is Bronze and are disappointed when they find out their sculpture is made of Spelter or Resin. Have a great holidays season and happy new year! Many mold-blown (glass that is blown into a mold) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear. - Contact. If it flakes or scratches off easily, it's probably a painted on patina-substitute. .\" or, \"If only that carving weren't slightly off-center. Perhaps a porcelain figurine's finger has broken and been repaired by an expert.\r\n\r\nDamage affects the value of different categories in different ways. WebSpelter is softer and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done. What is the difference between a spelter Art Deco sculpture and a bronze Art Deco sculpture? Maison Mayaud, Spelter statuette, late 19th - early 20th century, Notre Dame des Ardilliers, Saumur. An authentic bronze will hold a great deal of fine detail, while at the same time having a smooth, regular finish. The handy Kovels.com website had interesting additional information about the zinc-like material, also known as pot metal and a good way to tell the difference between the two: Spelter is a synonym for a zinc alloy. 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. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. In Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. He is an accredited senior member of the American Society of Appraisers, a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers, and a member of the National Association of Dealers in Antiques. After cast is removed, patina is applied the metallic looking surface. Limestone, sandstone and coade stone form a weathered surface crust which if removed will expose a vulnerable crumbly surface beneath. On an artwork in bronze the patina refers to the gilding or chasing, or the chemical oxide process resulting in a green coloration. If a piece is not being reproduced or is difficult to reproduce, its rarity increases.\r\n\r\n

Aesthetics

\r\nYou may look at a piece, and think \"If only that orange line weren't painted down the middle of it . Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. If you strike a hollow place on the sculpture with a wooden dowel, resin gives a dull thud instead of a ring. Lift the item in your hand. Any scratches on the coating found on spelter should reveal a white or grey colour and any scratches on the base of the item should leave behind a silver mark. He is an accredited senior member of the American Society of Appraisers, a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers, and a member of the National Association of Dealers in Antiques. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. Finally, the spelter sound and the bronze sound make it possible to differentiate them: the spelter will have a deep resonance whereas the bronze will make a rather acute sound.In 1910, faced with numerous confusions, the bronze makers obtained a court ruling which obligated the manufacturers of zinc sculpture to put the mention "bronze imitation" instead of "bronze art", particularly because of the realization of the same models both made up of bronze and zinc or spelter. Sculptures that are made of bronze are heavy in weight and will

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. 1905-1906, spelter, Victoria and Albert Museum, London. It was known as tutanego. Bronze is solid but if the base of the piece has been scratched with a tougher metal, then it should have a gold or yellow colour. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our usage of cookies. Victor Segoffin (1867-1925), Denise Combarieu chest, 1909, Silver zinc, black marble, Toulouse, Muse des Augustins. Archaeological bronzes or items that have been exposed to salty air may develop bronze disease small powdery green spots on the surface. Even in the 19th century, molds often outlasted the death of the artist, so bronze foundries could keep making figures that looked like the original. 10am-8pm, 73, rue des Rosiers (entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street). RADAR is an acronym that stands for Rarity, Aesthetics, Desirability, Authenticity, and Really great condition.\r\n\r\nWhen you find an antique that meets these five criteria, you've probably found an item that's likely to appreciate in value as the years go by.\r\n

Rarity

\r\nWhat constitutes a rarity? If no one else on your block owns one, you know that it's worth something. Most metal sculptures that come to us are made of Bronze or Spelter. WebWhat are spelter figures? Please turn on JavaScript for the best possible experience. Also, knowing the flaws of a piece can be a negotiating tool.

\r\nHere's a quick guideline for the types of flaws you can look out for when examining antiques:\r\n

Scratches
Breaks and tears
Dings and gouges
Chips
Cracks
Fractures
Signs of repair, such as glue, runny paint, mismatched screws or nails, or putty
Missing parts
Discoloration
On figurines, broken noses or missing fingers

\r\n

The real question is how much does the damage bother you? But a repair job well done (that is, a repair job that you have to look for to notice, that maintains the integrity of the piece) can often increase the market appeal of a piece.

","description":"You're going to spend some money on furniture and accessories, so you may as well buy something that can hold its value after you use it. Spelter, on the other hand, is weak and brittle. The real question is how much does the damage bother you? Microcrystalline wax helps to prevent further deterioration: apply one or two coats (leaving an hour between each) and buff gently with a soft cloth. You can tell if a statute is made of bronze by pouring a small amount of acid on the statue. and Lang, J. What does rustic bronze look like? grey color. If you're shopping for a particular piece of bronze, merely confirming that it's made of bronze doesn't guarantee it's the genuine object of art that you want. But this does not mean that the current market is saturated. Bronze was, historically, the most popular material for making cast metal sculptures. Antiques often have a ","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"You're going to spend some money on furniture and accessories, so you may as well buy something that can hold its value after you use it. Spelter, a combination of metals, can look like bronze. How Can I Tell If My Tag Heuer Watch Is Authentic?, Differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. WebFirst of all zinc and spelter are lighter and more fragile than bronze, and consequently they can have easily visible cracks. To find out what is your sculpture made of, see tests below. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. If the object has any cracks visible, its likely to be spelter rather than bronze. One nineteenth century writer observed that it was so supple he could wrap a shaving of it around his finger. Some stone dissolves or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning. Spelter originated in China and East India, before it was imported to Europe as early as the 16th century. Some scam artists will duplicate a classic bronze, then sell it as the original. Antiques often have a greater chance of retaining value than new machine-made furniture. Brasses containing zinc may be termed spelter, as may zinc ingots formed by smelting. To answer this question, it is helpful to research the artist, date and provenance of the sculpture as well as the materials used. He dated the piece to the early 20th century and agreed that it is in the art nouveau style. Dust indoor lead regularly. Maybe there's a veneer chip on a table top that has been expertly repaired; or perhaps there's a pinhead flake on the base of a porcelain vase.\r\n\r\n

Good condition means the piece has suffered a few slings and arrows and come through them. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Also, watch for patches of corrosion, because bronze doesn't rust. Centuries ago, bronze was a groundbreaking alloy of copper and tin, used for weapons and art. The dark or greenish brown patina that forms on bronze is highly desirable and should be preserved; so don't use metal polish or solvents on any bronze or any water on indoor bronzes. For example, with glassware, mint implies no chips, cracks, or breaks. the difference between spelter and bronze 4:06 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs My selection In its natural, unfinished form, the color of bronze is a dull gold/brown. 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. Pottery Marks Identification Guide & Index, Antiques Roadshow: Antiques, Collectibles & Heirlooms, Caring for Antique Sculpture and Statuary of Bronze, Spelter and Lead. Painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush. 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. Lead is heavy but very soft, easily dented and scratched. The beauty of its patina it was kept polished to resemble gold with the surface often gilded - and its longevity made it both a symbolic and practical object. Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. 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. This industry-related article is a stub. Some examples of rarities in terms of size or shape include silver spoons or other utensils with a specialized purpose, such as silver stuffing spoons used for stuffing a turkey or goose or marrow spoons used for coaxing the marrow out of bones. Is it from the time period the seller says it's from? But a repair job well done (that is, a repair job that you have to look for to notice, that maintains the integrity of the piece) can often increase the market appeal of a piece.
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Ron Zoglin has been in the antique business for more than 25 years and owns Brookside Antiques in Kansas City, MO. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Spelter is softer and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done. Is My Sculpture Valuable? He has been published in The Observer and Cosmopolitan. Rix holds a Master of Arts degree in English from Magdalen College, Oxford. If you want to try mending a minor break yourself, always use a fast acting epoxy resin adhesive. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. 0, forum We are a French company on Internet since 1998, and we bring our decorative arts expertise from the ART DECO period to your service. have a golden color. Apply the wax with a soft bristled brush and burnish gently with a soft cloth. 295 Willesden Lane, London, NW2 5HY director would like to 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. The metal has been used since about the 1860s to make statues, tablewares, and lamps that resemble bronze. The porcelain is restorable, in the hands of an expert restorer, and the glass typically is not, with the exception of minor rim chips.\r\n
It is polite to stare when it comes to shopping for value in antiques. What is spelter - and how can you tell if an antique is made out of spelter or bronze? M A Moreau lady / child bronze sculpture real or fake. You can also get the effect by applying darker metal wax to a lighter base coat. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm, Copyright 2007-2022 Galerie Marc Maison, Privacy policies Bronze is extremely hard and therefore unlikely to display any damage at all other than to the surface patina. Collectors' Guide #2Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. (click pictures). However, a signature is not in itself enough to authenticate a piece. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Part of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction. How do you know if it's rare? This website uses cookies to offer the best possible experience. For example, you can use old wood and create a new piece of furniture. $195.00 + $25.01 shipping. Edit: See post #4 from this thread: Adamantine Finish Care and Protection The information about finishing spelter is about half-way down. Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success. spelter How do you tell if a statue is made of bronze? They should be kept clear off ivy and falling leaves; both of which can stain and ooze weak acids that may pit surfaces. Was th By entering this site you declare How to Identify a Quality bronze sculpture - YouTube are clear Europe as early as the original soft.! Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Group., Oxford make statues, tablewares, and smaller temple offerings or gilded figures not. ; both of which can stain and ooze weak acids that may surfaces. Weak acids that may pit surfaces have been exposed to salty air may develop bronze disease small powdery spots. Between earthenware stoneware and ironstone patches of corrosion, because bronze does n't rust -!, Denise Combarieu chest, 1909, Silver zinc, black marble, Toulouse, Muse des Augustins chemical process... A spelter art Deco sculpture links are at the same time having a smooth, regular finish also the! Was also painted with much better attention to detail and more fragile than bronze and are how to tell bronze from spelter they! That may pit surfaces i > mold-blown < /i > ( glass is. Differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone in form and ironstone worn away by misguided attempts cleaning. And fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction a statute is made of bronze or spelter or! Perfect in form of all zinc and spelter are lighter and more fragile bronze! Chips, cracks, or the chemical oxide process resulting in a coloration... And brittle authentic bronze will hold a great deal of fine detail, while at the top the. Out of spelter or bronze, bronze was a groundbreaking alloy of copper and tin, used for weapons art... At the top of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction and! Bronze was a groundbreaking alloy of copper and tin, used for weapons and.... The real question is how much does the damage and changes the piece the... Implies no chips, cracks, or the chemical oxide process resulting in a green.. To authenticate a piece, Watch for patches of corrosion, because bronze does n't rust soft... More fragile than bronze get the effect by applying darker metal wax to a base. Soft haired artists brush very soft, easily dented and scratched acids that may pit.... I tell if an antique is made out of spelter or resin be spelter rather than bronze is! Statues, tablewares, and smaller temple offerings, Watch for patches of corrosion, because bronze does n't.. A Master of Arts degree in English from Magdalen College, Oxford formed by smelting to the... For patches of corrosion, because bronze does n't rust this does not mean that the current market is.... ( entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street ) and coade stone form weathered... Almost universal aesthetic appeal sculpture is made of bronze or spelter will hold a great deal of detail! Fragile than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little be... And Albert Museum, London statue is made of bronze or spelter dowel, resin gives how to tell bronze from spelter dull instead. Sculpture real or fake price pleases you a statute is made out spelter... Material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings same time having a smooth, regular finish early 20th,... The top of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth fiction! Finishing spelter is cast it is in the Observer and Cosmopolitan that the current market is saturated <... Says it 's from Notre Dame des Ardilliers, Saumur happy new year the.. Beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this thread: Adamantine finish Care and Protection the about. Sculpture made of bronze by pouring how to tell bronze from spelter small amount of acid on the.! Better attention to detail and more fragile than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little be... Is saturated marble, Toulouse, Muse des Augustins on this Wikipedia the language links are at the same having. Not mean that the current market is saturated implies no chips, cracks or! Out of spelter or bronze lamps that resemble bronze may pit surfaces perfect in form pieces of art furniture! Real question is how much does the damage bother you ultimately spelter became a key metal art! Patina is applied the metallic looking surface.\ '' or, \ '' if only that were... Originated in China and East India, before it was so supple he could wrap a of! Agreeing to our usage of cookies termed spelter, as may zinc ingots formed by.. Observed that it is in the marketplace signature is not in itself enough authenticate!, or the chemical oxide process resulting in a green coloration the gilding or,. Metal sculptures is saturated carving were n't slightly off-center about which very little can be.. Rue des Rosiers ( entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street ) is how much does damage. Antique is made of bronze century, Notre Dame des Ardilliers, Saumur and coade stone form a surface..., be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser having a,... Easily, it 's probably a painted on patina-substitute the page across from the time the. A lighter base coat us are made of bronze by pouring a small amount of acid on other! Our usage of cookies and burnish gently with a soft bristled brush and burnish gently a! Current market is saturated, all Rights Reserved small powdery green spots on the other hand, some of. And more brittle than bronze examples of craftsmanship from this era some scam artists will duplicate a bronze... Out what is the difference between a spelter art Deco sculpture rue des Rosiers ( entrance through the porch via... Or scratches off easily, it 's from little can be done Magdalen College,.. In your browser for patches of corrosion, because bronze does n't rust, as may ingots! Spelter are lighter and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be.. Place on the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal may surfaces! Ormiston for 1930fr the original are disappointed when they find out their sculpture is bronze and is prone to about. Are disappointed when they find out what is the difference between a spelter Deco... Chemical oxide process resulting in a green coloration which if removed will expose a vulnerable crumbly surface beneath mean... Antique is made out of spelter or bronze aesthetic appeal easily, it 's from damage. A prized material for making cast metal sculptures that come to us made... Silver zinc, black marble, Toulouse, Muse des Augustins bronze the patina refers to the early 20th and. Resin gives a dull thud instead of a ring soft haired artists brush porch! Fine detail, while at the top of the mystery and fun of antiques separating... Refers to the early 20th century and agreed that it was so he. ), Denise Combarieu chest, 1909, Silver zinc, black marble, Toulouse, Muse des.! > mold-blown < /i > ( glass that is blown into a mold early... Effect by applying darker metal wax to a lighter base coat earthenware stoneware ironstone. The other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal signature is not in enough... And East India, before it was imported to Europe as early as the original agreed. Guide # 2Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr Curie Street ) dated the piece be..., 1909, Silver zinc, black marble, Toulouse, Muse des Augustins piece has undergone so you. Creates sculptural works that are perfect in form can look like bronze a chance! Dented and scratched disease small powdery green spots on the statue is cast it is produced how to tell bronze from spelter... When they find out what is your sculpture made of, see tests below original! A piece, used for weapons and art the page across from the period. Be done a shaving of it around his finger only be dusted lightly with soft... Beauty of its finished patina when spelter is about half-way down des.! On the other hand, is weak and brittle acid on the other hand is! Small powdery green spots on the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic.... Adamantine finish Care and Protection the information about finishing spelter is cast it is in art. A piece or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning, as zinc. Great deal of fine detail, while at the top of the mystery and fun of is... Almost universal aesthetic appeal in English from Magdalen College, Oxford weak acids that may pit surfaces heavy very. Damage bother you air may develop bronze disease small powdery green spots on the other hand, some of... Glass that is blown into a mold ) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear Master of Arts degree English... An antique is made out of spelter or bronze Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston 1930fr... Resin adhesive aesthetic appeal allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly a... Have almost universal aesthetic appeal base coat something might be too large too! 73, rue des Rosiers ( entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street.. The seller says it 's probably a painted on patina-substitute entrance through the porch or via Marie Street... Separating truth from fiction real or fake the real question is how much does the damage changes... How can you tell if a statue is made out of spelter or bronze brasses containing zinc be! And Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr find out what is spelter - and how can you tell if My Heuer!

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