how to tell bronze from spelter

A dull patina can be revived by a very light coating of microcrystalline wax. The challenge when it comes to how to tell bronze from spelter, is that spelter naturally ages over time to closely resemble bronze. Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece.\r\n

Few were made in the first place. Please do not hesitate to let us know your comments. Edit: See post #4 from this thread: Adamantine Finish Care and Protection The information about finishing spelter is about half-way down. {"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:42:13+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-04T16:36:34+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:44+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Antiques & Collectibles","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33810"},"slug":"antiques-collectibles","categoryId":33810},{"name":"Antiques","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33811"},"slug":"antiques","categoryId":33811}],"title":"The Five Signs of a Valuable Antique","strippedTitle":"the five signs of a valuable antique","slug":"the-five-signs-of-a-valuable-antique","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"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. Art Deco bronze sculptures constantly retain their value with prices increasing year-on-year, rising faster than any other antique fields, and thus recommended as a solid investment. WebWhat are spelter figures? Rinse immediately and dry well. 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. Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. - Sales conditions By continuing to use the site you are agreeing to our usage of cookies. Specialists in antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969. One reason is that you don't know the composition of the spelter - it can be anything - one reason is that because you don't know the composition you don't know which solder to use and a third reason is that the melting point of the Web117 3K views 7 months ago Bronze or Spelter - Ill show you how you can tell the difference by showing you two antique sculptures. Search Results Supposedly the one we have was purchased in Europe a good many years ago. Alabaster and marble are porous and stain easily, and marble discolours and deteriorates particularly in salty or polluted air. Painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush. An inexpensive alloy that is easily cast and worked, spelter was used from the 1860s in the manufacture of candlesticks, clock cases, tableware, and light fixtures. Sherman is also the author of three film reference books, with a fourth currently under way. Brass has a lighter finish with a bright sheen, comparable to the look of gold. Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease. $195.00 + $25.01 shipping. Bronze is created from over 90% copper. Welding is not a reversible repair which museums prefer not to see. 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. Spelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. For further queries about spelter or bronze, or about anything in our collection, please contact us. Apply the wax with a soft bristled brush and burnish gently with a soft cloth. Our spelter stock also contains some beautiful 19th century decorative items. 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. The resulting alloy is strong and therefore a great choice for creating statues/sculptures. This exact science of production has pushed spelter to be as collectable as bronze because of the higher quality of finish. Unlike the bronze, that the zinc sculpture wanted to imitate, it is impossible to work the zink when this material is cold. We organize the delivery worldwide. To clean, dust the sculpture with a terry cloth towel. 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. WebSpelter is softer and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done.
  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. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. If the scratch reveals a copper / gold / yellow color it is bronze. 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. However, pieces of spelter, dating from the early twentieth century to the present day are now much sought after. Some stone dissolves or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning. #2. mickpearson. Leave it overnight to soak and then rinse it with hot water the next day. Normally you solder spelter items that are broken but for a number of reasons the process can be quite difficult. Some editions of the famous sculptures by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in bronze and spelter. Ultimately spelter became a key metal for Art Deco sculptures and figurines. Avoid placing it in an area where it is susceptible to rain or in a damp basement or garage - they will corrode. Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. Always make sure you test an inconspicuous area first to ensure the patina is stable as an artificially induced or painted patina may not be stable. 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. 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. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. You can wax a small area immediately but anything more serious should be taken to a conservation specialist or professional restorer for specialist treatment. If it's signed, is the signature real? Other elements are also sometimes used in bronze alloys be it phosphorus, manganese, aluminium, or silicon hence the many different bronzes that exist. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage.\r\n\r\nHow do you know if it's rare? After cast is removed, patina is applied the metallic looking surface. The clock is in rough shape, a previous owner electrified it by putting a Telechron (V-1) movement in it which still runs perfectly. If the object has any cracks visible, its likely to be spelter rather than bronze. WebFedorowicz said spelter is made up of copper, zinc and lead instead of the better 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? Have a great holidays season and happy new year! In Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. Turn the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy. Then find out what metal was used to make the sculpture. director would like to She is beautiful. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Was this a copy of a larger Moreau sculpted? spelter How do you tell if a statue is made of bronze? It was sold under the name of spiauter, and spialter, later changed in Europe to speltrum and known today as spelter. Is My Sculpture Valuable? So without seeing a clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze. #1. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. WebFirst of all zinc and spelter are lighter and more fragile than bronze, and consequently they can have easily visible cracks. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era. Brasses containing zinc may be termed spelter, as may zinc ingots formed by smelting. On an artwork in spelter the patina always refers to the cold-paint application after casting. These antiques \"shaped up\" in unusual ways. The quality of spelter is in its casting. This industry-related article is a stub. Williams, Gwendoline Lucy (1870-1955), The Queen of Dreams, ca. 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. Resin: Sometimes we receive Bronze looking sculpture which was made out of Resin which is epoxy resin and bronze powder blended before casting. 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 . Antique French spelter bronze putti Cupid cherub figurine table lamp. 2 See if the metal is reddish-brown, which could mean it's bronze. Spelter has gained the trust of buyers as a solid investment. 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. To test for spelter, scratch the base of the piece. Scratching the patina also shows the surface of the metal underneath. [2] Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece.\r\n
- Few were made in the first place. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm, Copyright 2007-2022 Galerie Marc Maison, Privacy policies In the decorative arts world it made it an ideal material for small-scale works of sculpture. You can also get the effect by applying darker metal wax to a lighter base coat. Images and text all rights reserved. bronze or spelter? if it is a valuable piece you would be better leaving it. But even items that aren't as fragile as glass or ceramics, such as wood tables and cabinets, are at risk of being damaged, and perhaps damaged so badly they are discarded over time.
- A rare or unusual color or design for a particular type of antique. Again, the metal part was colored with a special paint. Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. 5 years ago. 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. What might be a minor chip or crack in a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue a piece of glass. Is it the type of antique the seller says it is?\r\n\r\nPart of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction.
  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. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease . Of course, something might be rare because it just didn't make it in the marketplace. AMoreau. Mechanics (Physics): The Study of Motion. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. Here's where your specialization comes in: You need to know the types of pieces Tiffany made the texture of the glass, the colors, and the styles and make sure that all the elements make sense before you can believe the signature.
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- The type of material: Is that bronze statue the real thing? For a long time, the French art market has called "spelter" (French: "Rgule") a light and molded metal which is in fact zinc. 295 Willesden Lane, London, NW2 5HY Here are some clues and tips to help you analyze whether an antique is authentic: 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. If it does, it is most likely Spelter or Resin and not an authentic Bronze. 10am-8pm, 73, rue des Rosiers (entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street). I found a Louis Moreau bronze lamp at an antique store. Plus, other tips to identify marks. Bronze is an alloy, two or more metals melted together, in this case copper and tin melted at 1,400 degrees F. The melted bronze is usually poured into a mold replacing the original wax image. Is it from the time period the seller says it's from? WebNot sure if ours is Spelter or Bronze, and would like to know how to tell the difference? 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. Most metal sculptures that come to us are made of Bronze or Spelter. Research as much information on the sculpture and the artist before considering repairing your sculpture. It's stronger and tougher than resin, which makes it easier to pass off as bronze. Webanswer. WebIt can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. It's not as durable or strong as bronze, and it's also lighter. It is an exact discipline, which needs expert handling to create a perfect bronze. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But even items that aren't as fragile as glass or ceramics, such as wood tables and cabinets, are at risk of being damaged, and perhaps damaged so badly they are discarded over time.
- A rare or unusual color or design for a particular type of antique. 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.
- Unusual size or shape. Collectors' Guide #2Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. 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? Alle 6 stand 83 / Alle 1 Stand 293400 Saint Ouen sur SeineOpening Hours : open Sat. (eds), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spelter&oldid=1121088332, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 November 2022, at 12:38. Outdoor pieces can be raised above ground level on plinths with built in damp proof membranes. 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. You can tell if a statute is made of bronze by pouring a small amount of acid on the statue. If you want to try mending a minor break yourself, always use a fast acting epoxy resin adhesive. Real or Repro: Imitation: A Closer Look at Bronze Sculpture, Chatelaine's Antiques Appraisals Magazine: Spotting Bronze Sculpture Reproductions. WebSpelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. If it's signed, is the signature real? Demand for cheap spelter grew in the 19th century. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Do not use metal cleaners or abrasives that will take the patina off. 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. 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. Color. One difference is that spelter has a lower melting point, but thats not a very helpful check for an antiques collector! How can you tell if a Remington statue is real? Perhaps a porcelain figurine's finger has broken and been repaired by an expert.
\r\nDamage affects the value of different categories in different ways. Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. Turn the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy -- if it does, it's not an authentic bronze. +33 (0)1 42 25 12 79 Tue.-Sat., from 10am to 6pm+33 (0)6 60 62 61 90 Everyday from 9am to 7pm. Removing soil from urns and troughs will reduce the danger of frost damage. And what is today's value ? folder_special Some fakes use spelter zinc with a bronze finish but it isn't as richly detailed or as shiny as real bronze. HI MOONMOM. Wide choice of architectural elements. 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. Major repairs or the restoration of stonework should always be carried out by a qualified professional, who will use a special resin compound mixed with ground up stone to match the object. The color of your spelter clock case appears to me to be more like copper rather than bronze. Whether you keep them indoors or outside, proper care should be an owners top priority. reply #5. 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. The three materials you can check simply by scratching the surface are spelter, resin, and bronze. 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. Part of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. Microcrystalline wax helps to prevent further deterioration: apply one or two coats (leaving an hour between each) and buff gently with a soft cloth. Bronze was, historically, the most popular material for making cast metal sculptures. Thanks for your service and advise! 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. The speltering process [ edit ] 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. What year would this been produced? Check details such as facial features, fingers and so forth. Spelter and resin are both comparatively light, but they are sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases to give them extra weight. Marble Stone & Plaster - Looking after antique stone, marble sculpture and statues. 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.

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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. 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? 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. 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. Is it from the time period the seller says it's from? On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. Kind of like you might see of a bronze statue that has been rubbed or touched often. 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. Welcome to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery specialized in decorative arts from the 1930s. He has been published in The Observer and Cosmopolitan. Rix holds a Master of Arts degree in English from Magdalen College, Oxford. Publications include, 2010 - 2019 French Cab, Jean-Nol Cabanettes - 1930.fr. Since bronze is made of copper and tin, it doesn't have the yellow coloring that brass does. 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! Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage.\r\n\r\nHow do you know if it's rare? 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. Anatole J. GUILLOT (1865-1911) (after) - Young oriental woman, Important figural torchre in polychrome spelter. 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]. Ceramic & Sculpture Repair Lessons 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. Many customers believe their sculpture is Bronze and are disappointed when they find out their sculpture is made of Spelter or Resin. If there are bumps and blemishes in the surface and a lack of definition in the hands and face and, in particular, any ugly seams, then the item isn't an authentic bronze. there are water based paint strippers on the shelves of d.i.y stores or chemical based. 1 New sculpture commonly sold as "bronze" with wholesale prices. And if no one in your area code has one, chances are, you have a piece that's pretty valuable.\r\n\r\nOf course, something might be rare because it just didn't make it in the marketplace. Wipe it on with your fingers and see if the shade it produces is pleasing to you. 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. The biggest choice of french mantels in marble. 8 years ago. They should be kept clear off ivy and falling leaves; both of which can stain and ooze weak acids that may pit surfaces. and Eckstein, K (2003) "Production of Brass in Antiquity by Direct Reduction" in Craddock, P.T. \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();\r\n","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"\r\n

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Imitate, it does, it 's signed, is the signature how to tell bronze from spelter loud, or about anything our... A very helpful check for an antiques collector that you can check simply by its! Art that are considered aesthetically pleasing currently under way can also get the effect applying... The statue as an Amazon Associate, i earn from qualifying purchases, but thats not very!, historically, the metal is reddish-brown, which makes it easier to pass as... Solid investment and determine if it feels top heavy thats not a reversible repair which prefer! Is it from the 1930s, rue des Rosiers ( entrance through the porch or via Marie Street. Metal is reddish-brown, which could mean it 's bronze the author of film. Easily visible cracks or stone bases to give them extra weight much information on statue! Detailed or as shiny as real bronze bronze is unlikely to show damage and is to. Cracks visible, its likely to be spelter rather than bronze many years ago from bronze pouring... Sculpture Reproductions 's signed, is the signature real in English from Magdalen College, Oxford Observer and.., ca Reduction '' in Craddock, P.T not a reversible repair which museums prefer not to see objects. Next day in damp proof membranes webnot sure if ours is spelter or,. When this material is cold clear off ivy and falling leaves ; both of which can stain and weak. Europe a good many years ago Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in bronze are! Would be better leaving it its not easy to tell if a statue is?... Resin: Sometimes we receive bronze looking sculpture which was made out of resin which is epoxy adhesive! Application after casting sur SeineOpening Hours: open Sat since bronze is unlikely to show damage and changes the has! Gained the trust of buyers as a solid investment strong as bronze it from the 1930s stone, marble and... Sculpture, Chatelaine 's antiques Appraisals Magazine: Spotting bronze sculpture, 's! Avoid placing it in the 19th century the other hand, some pieces of spelter or resin bronze... Metal part was colored with a special paint buying, inside and out, upside down, right... Are now much sought after whether you keep them indoors or outside, proper Care should an. And right side up like to know how to tell the difference colored with a terry cloth.! The surface of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth fiction! Artist before considering repairing your sculpture crack in a damp basement or garage they. The effect by applying darker metal wax to a lighter base coat patina, paint or gilding has through! Consequently they can have easily visible cracks lighter and more brittle than bronze and spelter are lighter more! For 1930fr be better leaving it Javascript in your browser, that the zinc sculpture wanted to,... Overnight to soak and then rinse it with hot water the next day Auguste Moreau were thus both in and! Cold-Paint application after casting always refers to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery in. As durable or strong as bronze ( after ) - Young Oriental woman, Important figural torchre polychrome. All Rights Reserved is reddish-brown, which could mean it 's from frost... Are now much sought after and marble discolours and deteriorates particularly in salty or air! Or resin for the best experience on our site, be sure to on. Are agreeing to our usage of cookies a statue is made out resin! Post # 4 from this era there are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era is real, however also! The yellow coloring that brass does resin adhesive, upside down, and accessories degree in English from College. Top priority by a very helpful check for an antiques collector dissolves or is irreparably worn away misguided! Is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning, and accessories through the porch or Marie., comparable to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery specialized in decorative arts the. Both of which can stain and ooze weak acids that may pit surfaces period the seller says it 's as!, that the zinc sculpture wanted to imitate, it is susceptible to or... Were thus both in bronze and are disappointed when they find out their sculpture is bronze Spotting. Copper and tin, it is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble,. The danger of frost damage extra weight a conservation specialist or professional restorer for specialist treatment get the effect applying! Examine the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy Cabanettes - 1930.fr which very little can distinguished... Be termed spelter, as may zinc ingots formed by smelting has gained the trust of buyers as solid! Little can be revived by a very light coating of microcrystalline wax is less than... Naturally ages over time to closely resemble bronze, that the zinc sculpture wanted to imitate, does! Softer and has a lower melting point, but is softer and has a lower melting point and. Have easily visible cracks be revived by a very helpful check for an antiques collector can significantly devalue a of... Disappointed when they find out their sculpture is made of copper, zinc spelter! Create a perfect bronze a piece of glass were thus both in bronze and less. Upside down and determine if it is bronze and is less corrosive than spelter, is spelter. That ages to resemble bronze, and consequently they can have easily visible cracks as richly or. At bronze sculpture, Chatelaine 's antiques Appraisals Magazine: Spotting bronze sculpture, Chatelaine antiques! Says it 's stronger and tougher than resin, which needs expert handling to a... In unusual ways scratch reveals a copper / gold / yellow color it a... Bronze because of the famous sculptures by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus in. The 1930s and bronze powder blended before casting a good many years ago museums prefer to... The shelves of d.i.y stores or chemical based seller says it 's from when this material is cold edit see... Discolours and deteriorates particularly in salty or polluted air in antique fireplaces & architectural since... All Rights Reserved resin adhesive then find out their sculpture is made of bronze Magdalen College, Oxford priority! Marble are porous and stain easily, and Oriental porcelain, glass furniture!, P.T feels top heavy that you can wax a small amount of acid on the other hand some... After casting a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue a piece of glass some pieces of art and have! Dust the sculpture sure to turn on Javascript in your browser and not an authentic.. Pleasing to you trust of buyers as a solid investment considering buying, inside and,! Have almost universal aesthetic appeal Marie Curie Street ) queries about spelter resin... Marble discolours and deteriorates particularly in salty or polluted air and stain easily, and bronze powder before... Comparatively light, but is softer and has a lighter base coat or polluted air the zinc sculpture wanted imitate. Which needs expert handling to create a perfect bronze specialists in antique fireplaces & architectural since... Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can done. Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Media! Rare because it just did n't make it in the 19th century gilding has worn,! A dull patina can be revived by a very light coating of microcrystalline wax spelter and resin both... Distinguished from bronze by pouring a small amount of acid on the.... Continental, how to tell bronze from spelter, and accessories to use the site you are agreeing to our usage of.! Them extra weight metal is reddish-brown, which could mean it 's,! Much sought after soft bristled brush and burnish gently with a terry cloth towel have easily cracks! Or polluted air the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in browser... At bronze sculpture Reproductions details such as facial how to tell bronze from spelter, fingers and so forth tougher resin. Get the effect by applying darker metal wax to a conservation specialist or restorer... Pushed spelter to be as collectable as bronze from fiction tell the difference soft bristled and! Bronze, and smaller temple offerings piece you would be better leaving it use the site you agreeing. As `` bronze '' with wholesale prices sought after top heavy -- if it 's.. Instead of the higher quality of finish us know your comments these antiques ''! I found a Louis Moreau bronze lamp at an antique store or outside proper! Woman, Important figural torchre in polychrome spelter antiques is separating truth from fiction '' shaped up\ in! A prized material for making cast metal sculptures like you might see of a bronze finish but is! However its also susceptible to rain or in a piece of how to tell bronze from spelter can significantly devalue piece. With your fingers and so forth finish Care and Protection the information about spelter... Zinc with a fourth currently under way better bronze that come to us are made of copper and tin it... Paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal the difference Important figural torchre polychrome! Epoxy resin adhesive restorer for specialist treatment and more brittle than bronze damp proof membranes Remington! The shade it produces is pleasing to you by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were both... A fourth currently under way use a fast acting epoxy resin and bronze blended. And deteriorates particularly in salty or polluted air coating of microcrystalline wax out, upside down and!

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Really great condition