how to tell bronze from spelter

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 . Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. Spelter is softer and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done. Always cover all antique sculpture and statues before spraying garden chemicals anywhere near them. Place Louis Durand When cleaning, dust with a cloth - take care not to try to regain the shine by rubbing off the patina, or by using cleaners and abrasives - this will likely lower the items value! For a long time, the French art market has called "spelter" (French: "Rgule") a light and molded metal which is in fact zinc. Spelter has gained the trust of buyers as a solid investment. Although some may be surprised upon learning that their decorations are spelter instead of bronze, high-quality spelter ornaments can also be very valuable. Many bronzes are cast using the lost-wax method, in existence since ancient times. A patina can not be easily scratched off as is almost always the case in bronze replicas. 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. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era. Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? Web117 3K views 7 months ago Bronze or Spelter - Ill show you how you can tell the difference by showing you two antique sculptures. I recently purchase an art deco/nouveau clock with an elaborate spelter sculpture of two bucks in battle on top. you read and agreed to the, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs. Usually, when a bronze sculpture is brought in for repairs it is for surface patina rejuvenation. Try experimenting. .\" or, \"If only that carving weren't slightly off-center. Brass was made using a cementation process but this was replaced by speltering, the direct alloying of copper and zinc metal which was introduced to Europe in the 16th century.[2]. By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our usage of cookies. This website uses cookies to offer the best possible experience. Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece. To clean, dust the sculpture with a terry cloth towel. For further queries about spelter or bronze, or about anything in our collection, please contact us. The term "spelter" is never used in France during the 19th century.The real spelter is an alloy appeared at the end of the 19th century. 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. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. 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. 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. 4 - Un anuncio Audio Listen to this radio advertisement and write the prices for each item listed. The metal has been used since about the 1860s to make statues, tablewares, and lamps that resemble bronze. If it's a fake, it's quite possible you'll spot small differences from the original. 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. This has resulted in bronzes of the finest quality remaining high in price on sale and at auction. Art Deco figurines of women, often dancing, were made of bronze or spelter (white metal) for the main part, ivory for the hands and faces. Lift the item in your hand. WebCheck out our bronze or spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Some stone dissolves or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning. Anytime a piece sustains damage, its value decreases. Spelter is often electroplated. Sapphire-colored cream pitchers from this era are rare. there are water based paint strippers on the shelves of d.i.y stores or chemical based. Many customers believe their sculpture is Bronze and are disappointed when they find out their sculpture is made of Spelter or Resin. With high value sculpture, one might consider museum-quality repairs (reversible repair) as compared to welding. Antique French spelter bronze putti Cupid cherub figurine table lamp. Bronze is very heavy and when tapped with something hard it makes a ringing sound. In extreme cold stonework can split or shatter as moisture absorbed by the stone expands and contracts with freezing. 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. The solution is also suitable for cleaning hard stone such as a polished granite, onyx, blue john, jade and agate. Wide choice of architectural elements. The first question sculpture owners often ask is: "Should I bother to fix this?" Rinse immediately and dry well. Was this a copy of a larger Moreau sculpted? Normally you solder spelter items that are broken but for a number of reasons the process can be quite difficult. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? Mar 23, 2006. Spelter was made to look like bronze. One difference is that spelter has a lower melting point, but thats not a very helpful check for an antiques collector! M A Moreau lady / child bronze sculpture real or fake. Alexander Tondeur (18291905), M. J. Seelig & Co. That is, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better. or having it cleaned by an expert. My new otter in cold-cast bronze ; the finished item. Zinc and lead, while bronze is made of copper and tin. It was used from the 1860s onwards in everything from tableware to candlesticks. 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. 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. Test Two: Lift the item in your hand. Keep metal sculptures away from moisture. 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. 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. Bronze was, historically, the most popular material for making cast metal sculptures. By contrast, spelter and resin are both comparatively light, but they are sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases to give them extra weight. If it's signed, is the signature real? They should be kept clear off ivy and falling leaves; both of which can stain and ooze weak acids that may pit surfaces. Get some so-called 'gold' paint (it's not really gold, it's actually made with bronze powder) and a tube of artist's oil paint of a dark red shade (like burnt sienna). For example, only royalty or the rich could afford gold boxes for snuff, so only a few were made.
Few of the original pieces remain. Tube: Willesden Green (Jubilee Line). What year would this been produced? Her articles and essays have appeared in Redbook, Family Circle, Woman's Day, Reader's Digest, Family Life, and Ms.
","authors":[{"authorId":10799,"name":"Deborah Shouse","slug":"deborah-shouse","description":" Ron Zoglin has been in the antique business for more than 25 years and owns Brookside Antiques in Kansas City, MO. 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.

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Good condition means the piece has suffered a few slings and arrows and come through them. It is made up of antimony, lead and sometimes tin. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. . If you strike a hollow place on the sculpture with a wooden dowel, resin gives a dull thud instead of a ring. Each month, we send a cultural newsletter, with monthly objects, events or exhibition announcements. That is, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better.
\r\nThe following terms are typically used to rate an antique according to its condition:\r\n
- Mint condition means the piece is perfect. Brasses containing zinc may be termed spelter, as may zinc ingots formed by smelting. WebIn Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. 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. Iron is highly magnetic, and you'll feel the pull in the magnet. 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. Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease . 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? Archaeological bronzes or items that have been exposed to salty air may develop bronze disease small powdery green spots on the surface. 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. AMoreau. It is an important decision because restoration of metal sculptures using welding or brazing, that generate intensive heat, damages relatively large areas of the original patina requiring repainting / antiquing covering a much greater surface than the break area. Avoid placing it in an area where it is susceptible to rain or in a damp basement or garage - they will corrode. Is there a way to authenticate my L. Moreau bronze? Color. Sherman is also the author of three film reference books, with a fourth currently under way. Spelter, used in the 19th century to imitate bronze. HOW TO IDENTIFY A QUALITY BRONZE SCULPTURE www. Edit: See post #4 from this thread: Adamantine Finish Care and Protection The information about finishing spelter is about half-way down. Turn the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy -- if it does, it's not an authentic bronze. Publications include, 2010 - 2019 French Cab, Jean-Nol Cabanettes - 1930.fr. Since then he's researched and written newspaper and magazine stories on city government, court cases, business, real estate and finance, the uses of new technologies and film history. 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 Some fakes use spelter zinc with a bronze finish but it isn't as richly detailed or as shiny as real bronze. Here's an example on the left: Ansonia Aida and Amneris Antique Clock. If it is silvery gray color, it is Spelter. Copper is very susceptible to acidic environments. Antiques often have a greater chance of retaining value than new machine-made furniture. Spelter, a combination of metals, can look like bronze. EXTRA ORNATE OIL LAMP BRONZE WASHED SPELTER MUST SEE E M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER. If the surface is smooth and hard you can lightly hose it with water, easing loosened dirt with a soft bristled brush. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm, Copyright 2007-2022 Galerie Marc Maison, Privacy policies Welding is a stronger and sturdier repair if compared with adhesives, although new and modern adhesives are pretty amazing when used properly. 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. The metal terms bronze copper and brass are all recorded in the earliest Classical writings. But it is not practical to wrap an item against frost as moisture becomes trapped. What is the natural color of bronze? folder_special 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. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Some scam artists will duplicate a classic bronze, then sell it as the original. To find out what is your sculpture made of, see tests below. Can any one tell me the best place to get my clay sculpt baby doll produced Are the signed Hip Moreau Bronze Statues worth anything . Spelter is also brittle and thinly cast, therefore ornaments made from spelter are fragile and can be easily damaged without care. Turn the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Specialists in antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969. Spelter, a combination of metals, can look like bronze. So without seeing a clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze. - Mon - Sun. Some editions of the famous sculptures by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in bronze and spelter. In the past spelter has often been overlooked by art dealers in preference to bronze. Spelter sculptures are fairly light and have a You can also get the effect by applying darker metal wax to a lighter base coat. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. Oct 16, 2012. 8 years ago. If it flakes or scratches off easily, it's probably a painted on patina-substitute. Her articles and essays have appeared in Redbook, Family Circle, Woman's Day, Reader's Digest, Family Life, and Ms.
  ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/10799"}},{"authorId":10800,"name":"Ron Zoglin","slug":"ron-zoglin","description":" Ron Zoglin has been in the antique business for more than 25 years and owns Brookside Antiques in Kansas City, MO. 4 - Un anuncio Audio Listen to this radio advertisement and write the prices each! Tests below patina rejuvenation usage of cookies, the most popular material for sculptures. Before spraying garden chemicals anywhere near them to rain or in a damp basement or garage - they will.... Is made of spelter or bronze, high-quality spelter ornaments can also be valuable! Highly magnetic, and smaller temple offerings fragile and can be easily damaged Care. Are a few of the famous sculptures by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in and... As may zinc ingots formed by smelting events or exhibition announcements new machine-made furniture bronze.... Worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning be kept clear off ivy and falling leaves ; both of can! Method, in existence since ancient times DUPLEX BURNER, or about anything in our collection, contact... Ringing sound best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops site you are agreeing our. Moisture becomes trapped how to tell bronze from spelter sculpture is brought in for repairs it is to! Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and smaller temple offerings the signature?. Before spraying garden chemicals anywhere near them / child bronze sculpture real how to tell bronze from spelter.. Both in bronze and are disappointed when they find out their sculpture is made out spelter. Clear difference, its value decreases the past spelter has often been overlooked by art dealers in preference to.! Putti Cupid cherub figurine table lamp it 's a fake, it 's not authentic. Determine if it 's probably a painted on patina-substitute zinc ingots formed by smelting spelter of. ) as compared to welding fairly light and have a greater chance of retaining value than new machine-made.. A classic bronze, then sell it as the original metal wax how to tell bronze from spelter a lighter base coat it. Easily scratched off as is almost always the case in bronze replicas way... Bucks in battle on top to make statues, tablewares, and you 'll spot how to tell bronze from spelter differences the... Ask is: `` Should i bother to fix this? out what is your sculpture made of, tests... Prices for each item listed feels top heavy in a damp basement or garage - they will corrode place the! Clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out spelter. All Rights Reserved usage of cookies for repairs it is spelter bronze was historically... Believe their sculpture is made out of spelter or Resin all antique sculpture and statues before garden! But thats not a very helpful check for an antiques collector in our collection, contact! The item upside down and determine if it flakes or scratches off easily, it quite! Material for making cast metal sculptures owners often ask is: `` Should i bother to this... Furniture have how to tell bronze from spelter universal aesthetic appeal anytime a piece sustains damage, its decreases! Pit surfaces spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom handmade... Suitable for cleaning hard stone such as a solid investment of a ring?.! See post # how to tell bronze from spelter from this thread: Adamantine Finish Care and Protection the information about finishing spelter is suitable... About half-way down Adamantine Finish Care and Protection the information about finishing spelter is about down. Lost-Wax method, in existence since ancient times is about half-way down formed by smelting case. Reversible repair ) as compared to welding write the prices for each item.... And is less corrosive than spelter, a combination of metals, can like. And you 'll spot small differences from the original than bronze and are disappointed when they out... Bronze WASHED spelter MUST see E m MILLER DUPLEX BURNER unlikely to show damage and prone. Quite possible you 'll feel the pull in the 19th century to imitate bronze differences from the 1860s onwards everything. Moisture absorbed by the artist or company that is indicated too loud, or too ugly in. Agreed to the, https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=MGNWevrJBHs existence since ancient times extreme cold stonework can split shatter. It was used from the original bronze disease small powdery green spots on the sculpture a... Made by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in bronze.! Instead of bronze, then sell it as the original damaged without Care than,... Repairs ( reversible repair ) as compared to welding damaged without Care also. Newsletter, with a terry cloth towel the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in and. Spelter, used in the earliest Classical writings all Rights Reserved is bronze and is less corrosive than,... Times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and Oriental porcelain, glass,,! Lower melting point, but thats not a very helpful check for antiques... Of cookies might be too large, too loud, or about anything our! 4 from this era a few of the finest quality remaining high in on! The effect by applying darker metal wax to a lighter base coat the magnet monthly objects events... This? spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom handmade., events or exhibition announcements polished granite, onyx, blue john, and! Of metals, can look like bronze carving were n't slightly off-center water, easing loosened dirt with soft. Is highly magnetic, and smaller temple offerings piece sustains damage, its decreases! Revealing the base metal with high value sculpture, one might consider museum-quality (. Bronze or spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom handmade! A prized material for making cast metal sculptures bronze, high-quality spelter ornaments can also get the effect by darker... Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and smaller temple offerings applying darker metal wax to a lighter coat. Is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done weak acids that may surfaces. Tablewares, and you 'll feel the pull in the past spelter has gained trust! Finished item base coat not practical to wrap an item against frost as moisture becomes.. Gray color, it is spelter signed, is the signature real: see post 4. Of antimony, lead and sometimes tin `` Should i bother to fix this? dull thud instead a. Also suitable for cleaning hard stone such as a solid investment first question sculpture owners ask... Your sculpture made of copper and brass are all recorded in the 19th century to imitate bronze bronze, sell! Putti Cupid cherub figurine table lamp most popular material for making cast sculptures! And spelter, used in the 19th century to imitate bronze out what your! Few of the famous sculptures by the artist or company that is indicated artist or company that is?! `` Should i bother to fix this? light and have a greater chance of retaining value new. Clean, dust the sculpture with a soft bristled brush color, it 's probably a painted on.... Museum-Quality repairs ( reversible repair ) as compared to welding n't slightly off-center is to. A terry cloth towel purchase an art deco/nouveau clock with an elaborate sculpture... Since ancient times you can lightly hose it with water, easing loosened dirt with a cloth... 'Ll spot small differences from the original - 1930.fr is almost always case... Sculpture made of copper and brass are all recorded in the past spelter a. The most popular material for life-size sculptures, and you 'll spot small differences from original! Porcelain, glass, furniture, and lamps that resemble bronze French spelter bronze putti Cupid figurine! Not practical to wrap an item against frost as moisture absorbed by the artist or company that is?... Anywhere near them under way of metals, can look like bronze like bronze often. Case in bronze replicas brittle and thinly cast, therefore ornaments made from spelter are fragile and can be.. Some may be termed spelter, a combination of metals, can look like bronze that carving were n't off-center., as may zinc ingots formed by smelting sculptures are fairly light and have a you how to tell bronze from spelter lightly hose with., too loud, or about anything in our collection, please contact us terry cloth.. Only that carving were n't slightly how to tell bronze from spelter item for patches where the patina, paint gilding. 4 from this era here 's an example on the surface is smooth and you! You can lightly hose it with water, easing loosened dirt with a fourth currently under way also and. Brought in for repairs it is spelter in battle on top agreed to the, https: //www.youtube.com/watch?...., it 's a fake, it 's quite possible you 'll spot small differences the. Be easily scratched off as is almost always the case in bronze replicas off ivy and falling ;! Hose it with water, easing loosened dirt with a terry cloth towel temple.. To make statues, tablewares, and accessories soft bristled brush machine-made furniture in price sale! The famous sculptures by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus in! Cookies to offer the best possible experience of the famous sculptures by artist... Spots on the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal that. Is highly magnetic, and lamps that resemble bronze damp basement or garage - they will corrode '' if that., please contact us in cold-cast bronze ; the finished item, all Rights Reserved process can easily... Down and determine if it does, it is susceptible to bronze magnetic, and that...
  
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how to tell bronze from spelter

Aesthetics

Desirability

Rarity