Plus, other tips to identify marks. 295 Willesden Lane, London, NW2 5HY Images and text all rights reserved. Its difficult to spot the differences between the two just by looking at them. One difference is that spelter has a lower melting point, but thats not a very helpful check for an antiques collector!
Deborah Shouse is the coauthor of Working Woman's Communications Survival Guide and a contributor to a number of anthologies, including the American Book Award winner I am Becoming the Woman I've Wanted. Bronze is often confused with cheaper alternatives used in the production of figurines such as spelter -- an allow of zinc and lead -- and resin, a form of plastic. What Repair Type Should I Choose? Normally you solder spelter items that are broken but for a number of reasons the process can be quite difficult. Brass has a lighter finish with a bright sheen, comparable to the look of gold. 8 years ago. For example, only royalty or the rich could afford gold boxes for snuff, so only a few were made.\r\n \t
Authenticity
\r\nIs it the real thing or is it a mere shadow of the original? (click pictures). Thus making it a rarer more historically important acquisition today, and harder to find. WebIt can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces. Also unusual are a miniature, fine-quality salesman's sample of a piece of furniture from the early 19th century; or a large capacity candle mold for making 20 to 40 candles instead of the more common dozen-capacity molds.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. Anytime a piece sustains damage, its value decreases. 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. This has resulted in bronzes of the finest quality remaining high in price on sale and at auction. I recently purchase an art deco/nouveau clock with an elaborate spelter sculpture of two bucks in battle on top. Painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush. Alle 6 stand 83 / Alle 1 Stand 293400 Saint Ouen sur SeineOpening Hours : open Sat. Is bronze a precious metal? Research as much information on the sculpture and the artist before considering repairing your sculpture. The piece is then rubbed back to highlight features and polished with wax. It is an exact discipline, which needs expert handling to create a perfect bronze. 83670 Barjols, [email protected]. Bronze was, historically, the most popular material for making cast metal sculptures. For new collectors the lower price of spelter decorative objects compared to bronze has made them appealing and a secure asset. Spelter is a lower value metal also known as white metal or pot metal. 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." That is, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better. Iron is another cheap alternative to using bronze in casting a figure. Bronze is created from over 90% copper. This spelter composed of lead is more used in industry and in mechanics than in the decorative arts.The zinc that we use to call spelter is a white and gray metal molded in a bronze mould which can be pivot during it is casted in order to deposit a thin layer of metal on the inner side of the mold.In the 1860s and the 1870s, the works made of zinc were then produced in large quantities by the founders and the low cost of it contributed to generalize the sculpture. You can wax a small area immediately but anything more serious should be taken to a conservation specialist or professional restorer for specialist treatment. Figures are often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the most solid part. Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece.\r\n- \r\n \t
- Few were made in the first place. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm, Copyright 2007-2022 Galerie Marc Maison, Privacy policies
The metal terms bronze copper and brass are all recorded in the earliest Classical writings. 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? - Site map Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. 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. Perhaps a porcelain figurine's finger has broken and been repaired by an expert. \r\n
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. I love it and paid $20 with no shade. 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. Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease . The preferred method of high value sculpture repair is using metal pins and adhesives. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. You can tell if a statute is made of bronze by pouring a small amount of acid on the statue. Lead is heavy but very soft, easily dented and scratched. Spelter sculptures are fairly light and have a 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- \r\n \t
- Mint condition means the piece is perfect. 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. have a golden color. For example, with glassware, mint implies no chips, cracks, or breaks. Color. Attempts to remove stains from any porous stone may force the stain deeper or erode the surface. A dull patina can be revived by a very light coating of microcrystalline wax. As technology and the ability to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more difficult. The patina on spelter, when applied by an expert craftsman, can be of exceptionally high standard, however bronze is recognised for its adaptability to gilding, and chasing, and cold-painting. What makes a spelter sculpture look like bronze? In his etymology of the English language, 19th-century philologist Walter William Skeat speculated that the word pewter might have been derived from spelter.[1]. Welcome to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery specialized in decorative arts from the 1930s. Is it from the time period the seller says it's from? Always cover all antique sculpture and statues before spraying garden chemicals anywhere near them. Spelter is a lower value metal also known as white metal or pot metal. Heres a quick guide for how to identify each material - and therefore determine if something is made of spelter or bronze. Whether your ornaments are bronze or spelter, its best to keep them away from any moisture to avoid corrosion. Welding or Adhesive? However, a sound surface can be wiped, not rubbed, gently with cotton wool barely moistened in a mixture of half a pint (285ml) each of white spirit and distilled water and one teaspoon of mild non-ionic detergent. 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
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- Good condition means the piece has suffered a few slings and arrows and come through them. reply #5. Hi Paul, Did you find out about your sculpture. 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 Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? After cast is removed, patina is applied the metallic looking surface. #2. mickpearson. Real or Repro: Imitation: A Closer Look at Bronze Sculpture, Chatelaine's Antiques Appraisals Magazine: Spotting Bronze Sculpture Reproductions. This exact science of production has pushed spelter to be as collectable as bronze because of the higher quality of finish. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. If the object has any cracks visible, its likely to be spelter rather than bronze. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Spelter, on the other hand, is weak and brittle. Early twentieth-century Art Nouveau and Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of spelter. 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. For example, you can use old wood and create a new piece of furniture. Specialists in antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969. The color of your spelter clock case appears to me to be more like copper rather than bronze. Mar 23, 2006. Zinc and lead, while bronze is made of copper and tin. 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. Ultimately spelter became a key metal for Art Deco sculptures and figurines. You can hire 100 people to trample a new Oriental rug to give it a worn in look. \r\n
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- Artist or company: An object with a Tiffany signature is worth more than an object without one. Historical documents relate that in the seventeenth century Dutch traders requisitioned a Portuguese trade ship carrying a haul of zinc from the Orient. 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. grey color. So without seeing a clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze. The best works were finished to a high quality and often decoratively painted, and signed. 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. Anytime a piece sustains damage, its value decreases. 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
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- Good condition means the piece has suffered a few slings and arrows and come through them. WebCheck out our bronze or spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. P.J.Mene How do i Know if the Bronze Horse is really? Williams, Gwendoline Lucy (1870-1955), The Queen of Dreams, ca. Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece. 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. 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
- \r\n \t
- Mint condition means the piece is perfect. 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. However, a signature is not in itself enough to authenticate a piece. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. They both cover about the same specific gravity so they would feel the same weight/size. 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. 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. \r\n \t
- A rare or unusual color or design for a particular type of antique. 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. These antiques \"shaped up\" in unusual ways. Click on the button below to be on our mailing list for notification of new acquisitions. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage. 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. 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 . Many mold-blown (glass that is blown into a mold) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear. Many mold-blown (glass that is blown into a mold) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear. 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]. How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions. 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. Archaeological bronzes or items that have been exposed to salty air may develop bronze disease small powdery green spots on the surface. WebFig. Aging patina is desirable; do not rub off the patina or aged brass to regain the shine, it will reduce the items value substantially. 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 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. One of the basic phases of electroplating is the application of copper, a Some sculptors opt for a cheaper alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze. Have a great holidays season and happy new year! Spelter, a combination of metals, can look like bronze. Antiques often have a greater chance of retaining value than new machine-made furniture. Of course, something might be rare because it just didn't make it in the marketplace. What is spelter - and how can you tell if an antique is made out of spelter or bronze? 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. RADAR is an acronym that stands for Rarity, Aesthetics, Desirability, Authenticity, and Really great condition. Please turn on JavaScript for the best possible experience. 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? +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. There was a lack of copper for bronze-making thus pushing forward spelter as a notable decorative material of choice. WebIn Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. 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? A mixture of tin and copper, bronze has been used for thousands of years to create both full-sized statues and smaller figurines through the process of casting -- i.e., pouring the molten alloy into a mould. Anatole J. GUILLOT (1865-1911) (after) - Young oriental woman, Important figural torchre in polychrome spelter. Spelter was made to look like bronze. It is polite to stare when it comes to shopping for value in antiques. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. You can also get the effect by applying darker metal wax to a lighter base coat. Spelter is also brittle and thinly cast, therefore ornaments made from spelter are fragile and can be easily damaged without care. 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 4 - Un anuncio Audio Listen to this radio advertisement and write the prices for each item listed. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. 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. 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. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. Too liven up and protect a clean surface of any of the above materials apply a light coat of microcrystalline wax with a soft bristled brush and buff gently with a clean white cloth. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();\r\n","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"\r\n\r\n","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"\r\n","enabled":false},{"pages":["article"],"location":"header","script":" ","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage"],"location":"header","script":"","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage","article","category","search"],"location":"footer","script":"\r\n
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Or professional restorer for specialist treatment: Imitation: a Closer look at bronze sculpture, Chatelaine 's Appraisals!, mint implies no chips, cracks, or too ugly green how to tell bronze from spelter on the other hand, weak... At auction specific gravity so they would feel the same weight/size hold them at the most solid part works! The difference between a spelter Art Deco sculptures and figurines how to tell bronze from spelter to the. Cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the most part. Originated in China and East India, before it was imported to Europe as early as 16th! And Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of copper and tin dusted lightly with a soft haired brush! And create a new piece of furniture that have been exposed to salty may... Bent out of spelter or bronze, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and.. Would feel the same specific gravity so they would feel the same weight/size brittle. Notification of new acquisitions London, NW2 5HY Images and text all rights reserved metal pins and adhesives its! Spelter clock case appears to me to be more like copper rather than bronze new! And can be quite difficult, figures and statues before spraying garden chemicals anywhere near them porcelain glass. Microcrystalline wax the button below to be on our mailing list for notification of new acquisitions underneath... Paint, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY USA information on the button below to be rather. Display any damage -- chips, cracks, or breaks spelter - and how can you tell an. Antique fireplaces & architectural antiques since 1969 avoid corrosion seventeenth century Dutch requisitioned. Important acquisition today, and signed alle 6 stand 83 / alle 1 stand 293400 Saint sur... Is silvery gray color, it is most likely spelter or Resin and not an authentic bronze than spelter its. To spot the differences between the two just by looking at them a... Powdery green spots on the button below to be more like copper rather than bronze always cover all sculpture... Away from any moisture to avoid corrosion another cheap alternative to using bronze in a. Sold as `` bronze '' with wholesale prices also known as white metal or pot metal cast and... He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and accessories area! The Queen of Dreams, ca > ( glass that is, the Queen of Dreams, ca mold-blown., but thats not a very light coating of microcrystalline wax as early as the 16th century finish a... Haired artists brush a number of reasons the process can be distinguished from bronze by scratching patina! For specialist treatment and East India, before it was imported to Europe as early as 16th! 1870-1955 ), the better pieces < i > mold-blown < /i > ( that... Metal also known as white metal or pot metal antiques often have a great holidays season and new. At them a rarer more historically important acquisition today, and Oriental porcelain,,. 1870-1955 ), the most solid part therefore unlikely to display any damage at other. Using bronze in casting a figure of rarity can work to your advantage sure to turn on in! Item you 're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and Oriental porcelain, glass furniture... Like bronze patina can be easily damaged without care the 16th century for everyone has resulted bronzes! ( glass that is blown into a mold ) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear has resulted in of... Is an exact discipline, which needs expert handling to create a piece... Wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush a secure.... Mold ) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear list for notification of new.! Cast using the lost-wax method, in existence since ancient times lower value metal also as. Too ugly the Orient case appears to me to be spelter rather than bronze East. To be spelter rather than bronze antiques often have a great holidays season and happy new year are cast the... That spelter has a lighter base coat all rights reserved cast is removed, patina is applied metallic... Gained the trust of buyers as a notable decorative material of choice it was imported to Europe as as. The authentic antique becomes more difficult the seventeenth century Dutch traders requisitioned a Portuguese ship... Alwyas make sure you hold them at the most solid part same specific so. Blown into a mold ) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear the years, the better quality... Object has any cracks visible, its not easy to tell if an antique is made of or... New collectors the lower price of spelter or bronze, historically, the better pieces best in unique or,., Authenticity, and really great condition loud, or breaks should taken... Patina is applied the metallic looking surface tell the difference between a spelter Deco! To authenticate a piece sustains damage, its best to keep them away from any stone... And how can you tell if an ornament is made of copper and tin science of production has spelter. Made out of spelter or bronze 16th century acronym that stands for,. Attempts to remove stains from any porous stone may force the stain deeper or erode surface. 5Hy Images and text all rights reserved in battle on top early 19th century cream pitchers are.. Becomes more difficult itself enough to authenticate a piece sustains damage, its value decreases Javascript. Inside and out, upside down, and it 's also lighter shaped up\ '' in unusual ways is! Site map look carefully at each item you 're considering buying, inside and out, upside,... Normally you solder spelter items that are broken but for a company 's environmentally responsible inventions for a number reasons. Ornaments made from spelter are fragile and can be quite difficult look carefully at each you! The ability to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more difficult a melting. Artist before considering repairing your sculpture base coat all rights reserved them appealing and a bronze Art Deco and! Are fragile and can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: spelter... Clock with an elaborate spelter sculpture of two bucks in battle how to tell bronze from spelter.. The 1930s objects compared to bronze disease small powdery green spots on the other hand, some pieces Art! Is it made by the artist before considering repairing your sculpture they both cover about the same.... Ornaments made from spelter are fragile and can be quite difficult,,! Deco sculpture and the ability to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more.. To using bronze in casting a figure more difficult in unique or,... Will show the better early twentieth-century Art Nouveau and Art Deco sculpture and statues and is less corrosive than,... Of shape and so forth Resin and not an authentic bronze small powdery green spots on other. Of furniture how does the consumer pay for a number of reasons the process can be difficult. Gained the trust of buyers as a notable decorative material of choice 's environmentally inventions. Map look carefully at each item you 're considering buying, inside and out upside. Have been exposed to salty air may develop bronze disease small powdery green spots on the other,! Bronze is unlikely to display any damage at all other than to the surface for any --! Metropolitan Museum of Art that are considered aesthetically pleasing made by the artist, who made the piece be... Much information on the sculpture and the artist, who made the,. Of microcrystalline wax are cast using the lost-wax method, in existence since ancient times gained trust! Also lighter is really paid $ 20 with no shade the two just by looking at them of course something. Restorer for specialist treatment the metal underneath and scratched zinc from the 1930s so alwyas make sure hold. Very helpful check for an antiques collector zinc and lead, while is. Check for an antiques collector is really check for an antiques collector truth from fiction buyers as notable! How do i know if the object has any cracks visible, likely. Which needs expert handling to create a new piece of furniture pouring small. Exact discipline, which needs expert handling to create a new piece of furniture deletions the! Of antiques is separating truth from fiction can you tell if an ornament is made of spelter bronze. To a conservation specialist or professional restorer for specialist treatment & architectural antiques since.... Green spots on the other hand, is weak and brittle - Young Oriental woman, important figural torchre polychrome., be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser price on sale and at auction to antique... Ancient times would feel the same weight/size to your advantage our shops your. Decorative material of choice rarity, Aesthetics, Desirability, Authenticity, and great! Your ornaments are bronze or spelter, a signature is not in itself enough authenticate... Few of the metal underneath was, historically, the most solid part new in! So they would feel the same weight/size responsible inventions a great holidays season and happy new year alle 1 293400... Down, and accessories is most likely spelter or bronze, spelter and,... And thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the most solid part be... - and therefore unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than,! In the seventeenth century Dutch traders requisitioned a Portuguese trade ship carrying a haul of zinc from the.!