how to tell bronze from spelter

Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. 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. Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease. If one of our customers owned a sculpture worth $20,000, we would not want to see or recommend a restoration using the welding process. Spelter is often electroplated. 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? How can you tell if a Remington statue is real? Scratching the patina also shows the surface of the metal underneath. If you strike a hollow place on the sculpture with a wooden dowel, resin gives a dull thud instead of a ring. In the Art Deco period (from the second decade of the twentieth century reaching a peak in the 1920s and 1930s), bronze was the choice of material for many sculptors creating fashionable objets dart, identified with the fashion, theatre, music, and films of the era. Iron is another cheap alternative to using bronze in casting a figure. Figures are often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the most solid part. If it flakes or scratches off easily, it's probably a painted on patina-substitute. Specialists in antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969. A patina can be described as a film on the surface of bronze because of the reaction to air particles over time. #3. 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. Because of its hardness, it is less susceptible to wear and tear. For example, you can use old wood and create a new piece of furniture. 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

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The real question is how much does the damage bother you? Bronzes are extremely heavy. Plus, other tips to identify marks. Most metal sculptures that come to us are made of Bronze or Spelter. Maison Mayaud, Spelter statuette, late 19th - early 20th century, Notre Dame des Ardilliers, Saumur. It is polite to stare when it comes to shopping for value in antiques. After all, antique items made of spelter are a sign of the times when the material was widely used. 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. 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. WebIn Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. In modern times creating a work in bronze continues that tradition but other materials in metal offer, and at times exceed, the beauty of earlier precedents. Algae and lichen do little harm, and in most cases add to a statues value, but can be removed if the surface is sound by brushing with a solution of one teaspoon of dichlorophen, (available from most good garden shops), to one pint (570ml) of water. These antiques \"shaped up\" in unusual ways. Normally you solder spelter items that are broken but for a number of reasons the process can be quite difficult. When you can look at a piece without wishing this or that were different about it, when all the elements of it blend together in perfect harmony, and when it has an overall pleasing appearance, then that item really has it in the aesthetics department.\r\n\r\nSome folks believe that an object's aesthetic value is a matter of personal taste. Sculptures that are made of bronze are heavy in weight and will 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. director would like to 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? Sherman is also the author of three film reference books, with a fourth currently under way. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm, Copyright 2007-2022 Galerie Marc Maison, Privacy policies Spelter sculptures are fairly light and have a However if only the items base is heavy, it could be a spelter sculpture attached to a different base, giving it extra weight. Kind of like you might see of a bronze statue that has been rubbed or touched often. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? Welding or Adhesive? When 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. Demand for spelter increased during the mid-nineteenth century. An old piece of bronze will have a patina. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. This has resulted in bronzes of the finest quality remaining high in price on sale and at auction. If you set a magnet on bronze, it'll fall off. The same figure made of bronze resin only weighs a couple of pounds. However, with increasing interest and desire to purchase original Art Deco pieces, collectors are looking to period objects made from a variety of materials. Some stone dissolves or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning. One nineteenth century writer observed that it was so supple he could wrap a shaving of it around his finger. The solution is also suitable for cleaning hard stone such as a polished granite, onyx, blue john, jade and agate. Antiques often have a greater chance of retaining value than new machine-made furniture. 5 years ago. 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. 2 See if the metal is reddish-brown, which could mean it's bronze. Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease . We are a French company on Internet since 1998, and we bring our decorative arts expertise from the ART DECO period to your service. Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. The first question sculpture owners often ask is: "Should I bother to fix this?" #1. But it is not practical to wrap an item against frost as moisture becomes trapped. Dust indoor lead regularly. In Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. Bronzes are extremely heavy. Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. WebSpelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. ( 14 Pictures). is an arts writer and author specializing in art, architecture and design history. 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. Bronze was, historically, the most popular material for making cast metal sculptures. However, a signature is not in itself enough to authenticate a piece. In fact, spelter is referred to as \"the poor man's bronze,\" because it was created for those who admired bronze and couldn't afford it.\r\n\r\n

Really great condition

\r\nIn an ideal world, the antique you are contemplating buying would be in exactly the same condition as it was the day it was born. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. Spelter, on the other hand, is weak and brittle. Tips on looking after bronze, spelter and lead, figures and statues. 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. But a lot may have happened in the last hundred or so years to the piece you are hoping to make your own.\r\n

Here'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. Place Louis Durand WebCheck out our bronze or spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. In comparison, bronze feels harder than spelter - if you tap it with something hard, it should make a ringing sound. Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. What might be a minor chip or crack in a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue a piece of glass. Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. Corrosion also occurs more easily in spelter. 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. Removing soil from urns and troughs will reduce the danger of frost damage. 1850, zinc, paint, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY USA. 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. What is the natural color of bronze? Region. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces. 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]. Spelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. What is spelter - and how can you tell if an antique is made out of spelter or bronze? This website uses cookies to offer the best possible experience. Plaster is very porous and water soluble, and should only ever be gently dusted with a soft bristled brush. Pottery Marks Identification Guide & Index, Antiques Roadshow: Antiques, Collectibles & Heirlooms, Caring for Antique Sculpture and Statuary of Bronze, Spelter and Lead. 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

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The real question is how much does the damage bother you? WebIt can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. The preferred method of high value sculpture repair is using metal pins and adhesives. 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. Microcrystalline wax helps to prevent further deterioration: apply one or two coats (leaving an hour between each) and buff gently with a soft cloth. Fig. Heres a quick guide for how to identify each material - and therefore determine if something is made of spelter or bronze. Bronze has a much darker finish and does not have much of a sheen. WebWhat are spelter figures? As technology and the ability to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more difficult.\r\nHere are some clues and tips to help you analyze whether an antique is authentic:\r\n

Time period: A piece of furniture can look old and still be born yesterday. Spelter is relatively soft and brittle. Publications include, 2010 - 2019 French Cab, Jean-Nol Cabanettes - 1930.fr. Please do not hesitate to let us know your comments. If the scratch reveals a copper / gold / yellow color it is bronze. Since bronze is made of copper and tin, it doesn't have the yellow coloring that brass does. 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. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. 120, rue des Rosiers 93400 Saint Ouen Opening Hours : Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm and every day by appointments. Brass has a lighter finish with a bright sheen, comparable to the look of gold. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. We organize the delivery worldwide. Historical documents relate that in the seventeenth century Dutch traders requisitioned a Portuguese trade ship carrying a haul of zinc from the Orient. Lead is heavy but very soft, easily dented and scratched. I How do I know if the bronze horse I found is really a P.J. As you can see, she was also painted with much better attention to detail and more muted colors. That is, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better. You can wax a small area immediately but anything more serious should be taken to a conservation specialist or professional restorer for specialist treatment. Finally, bronze is heavier than spelter. Webanswer. Here is our collection of bronze antiques, including several items which would look great alongside, or on the mantelpiece of, an antique fireplace. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? 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. Was th By entering this site you declare Mix a tiny bit into a small amount of the gold paint. Usually, when a bronze sculpture is brought in for repairs it is for surface patina rejuvenation. These antiques \"shaped up\" in unusual ways. folder_special Marble Stone & Plaster - Looking after antique stone, marble sculpture and statues. Her articles and essays have appeared in Redbook, Family Circle, Woman's Day, Reader's Digest, Family Life, and Ms.
Ron Zoglin has been in the antique business for more than 25 years and owns Brookside Antiques in Kansas City, MO. 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. The quality of spelter is in its casting. White marble and similar materials can be dusted with pure talc to fill the pores and prevent dust becoming ingrained. The metal is then usually treated with a surface "patination" that can range from green to black, but it can also be painted, or dusted with gold varnish to create "ormolu," or gilded bronze. Jean-Nol Cabanettes Look for any damage -- chips, cracks, lost fingers, limbs bent out of shape and so forth. 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. Check details such as facial features, fingers and so forth. What is the difference between a spelter Art Deco sculpture and a bronze Art Deco sculpture? Aging patina is desirable; do not rub off the patina or aged brass to regain the shine, it will reduce the items value substantially. How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions. Although some may be surprised upon learning that their decorations are spelter instead of bronze, high-quality spelter ornaments can also be very valuable. Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece.\r\n
- Few were made in the first place. Here's an example on the left: Ansonia Aida and Amneris Antique Clock. I HAVE A M. MOREAU SIGNED BRONZE LAMP 18 INCHES TALL, Eagle in cold cast bronze that I sculpted and cast about 25 years ago (and still shining!). Alexander Tondeur (18291905), M. J. Seelig & Co. A graduate of Oberlin College, Fraser Sherman began writing in 1981. It can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. Sherman has worked for more than a decade as a newspaper reporter, and his magazine articles have been published in "Newsweek," "Air & Space," "Backpacker" and "Boys' Life." But this does not mean that the current market is saturated. AMoreau. 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. Once you have the paint off, you'll need to decide what to do with the exposed Spelter Finish. It should feel warmer, Oct 16, 2012. Painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush. Copper has a brown, somewhat rustic finish. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Keep metal sculptures away from moisture. 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. 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. I might add that phosphor bronze has much less thermal conductivity than brass. the difference between spelter and bronze 4:06 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs $195.00 + $25.01 shipping. Her articles and essays have appeared in Redbook, Family Circle, Woman's Day, Reader's Digest, Family Life, and Ms.
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Authenticity

Really great condition

Rarity