Copper has a brown, somewhat rustic finish. Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease. After cast is removed, patina is applied the metallic looking surface. Spelter, on the other hand, is weak and brittle. Tube: Willesden Green (Jubilee Line). Iron is another cheap alternative to using bronze in casting a figure. The preferred method of high value sculpture repair is using metal pins and adhesives. 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 . Alexander Tondeur (18291905), M. J. Seelig & Co. Centuries ago, bronze was a groundbreaking alloy of copper and tin, used for weapons and art. If it is silvery gray color, it is Spelter. 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. Spelter, a combination of metals, can look like bronze. To answer this question, it is helpful to research the artist, date and provenance of the sculpture as well as the materials used. Based in the United Kingdom, Graham Rix has been writing on the arts, antiquing and other enthusiasms since 1987. This site requires JavaScript for certain functions and interactions to work. On genuine bronzes, wear will reveal a brassy yellow colour. 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. Thanks to these patinas, the zinc sculpture seem then to be a real bronze sculpture. Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. Demand for cheap spelter grew in the 19th century. Dusting alone should suffice. Bronze is extremely hard and therefore unlikely to display any damage at all other than to the surface patina. 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. Ultimately spelter became a key metal for Art Deco sculptures and figurines. 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." Other elements are also sometimes used in bronze alloys be it phosphorus, manganese, aluminium, or silicon hence the many different bronzes that exist. WebFig. Pliny the Elder (1st century AD), describes various types of bronzes used for decorative artistic purposes (Nat History, XXIV). Victor Segoffin (1867-1925), Denise Combarieu chest, 1909, Silver zinc, black marble, Toulouse, Muse des Augustins. If it flakes or scratches off easily, it's probably a painted on patina-substitute. 23 Jul 2013 - Uploaded by Nathanil Siri the difference between spelter and bronze 4:06 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs 23 Jul 2013 - Uploaded by Nathanil Siri HOW TO IDENTIFY A QUALITY BRONZE SCULPTURE www. Finally, bronze is heavier than spelter. Wide choice of architectural elements. Images and text all rights reserved. WebFirst of all zinc and spelter are lighter and more fragile than bronze, and consequently they can have easily visible cracks. 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
\r\n \t- Good condition means the piece has suffered a few slings and arrows and come through them. WebWhat are spelter figures? Figures are often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the most solid part. 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. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. but what ever method you use it will no doubt take the patina of. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? On genuine bronzes, wear will reveal a brassy yellow colour. Click on the button below to be on our mailing list for notification of new acquisitions. Was th By entering this site you declare Anatole J. GUILLOT (1865-1911) (after) - Young oriental woman, Important figural torchre in polychrome spelter. Avoid placing it in an area where it is susceptible to rain or in a damp basement or garage - they will corrode. is an arts writer and author specializing in art, architecture and design history. M A Moreau lady / child bronze sculpture real or fake. What might be a minor chip or crack in a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue a piece of glass. Lift the item in your hand. In extreme cold stonework can split or shatter as moisture absorbed by the stone expands and contracts with freezing. It is polite to stare when it comes to shopping for value in antiques. 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. 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.\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. Since bronze is made of copper and tin, it doesn't have the yellow coloring that brass does. Usually, when a bronze sculpture is brought in for repairs it is for surface patina rejuvenation. I'll see if I can located the tutorial. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It is also poisonous so always wash your hands after handling. Some sculptors opt for a cheaper alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm, Copyright 2007-2022 Galerie Marc Maison, Privacy policies
My selection
83670 Barjols, FRANCEinfo@1930.fr. Bronze is created from over 90% copper. Fig. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. Normally you solder spelter items that are broken but for a number of reasons the process can be quite difficult. 1905-1906, spelter, Victoria and Albert Museum, London. 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
\r\n \t- Time period: A piece of furniture can look old and still be born yesterday. Expected (estimated) weight of a 29" statue if bronze or spelter. Bronze is very heavy and when tapped with something hard it makes a ringing sound. reply #5. Antique French spelter bronze putti Cupid cherub figurine table lamp. 1 New sculpture commonly sold as "bronze" with wholesale prices. In the past spelter has often been overlooked by art dealers in preference to bronze. 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. 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. .\" or, \"If only that carving weren't slightly off-center. Anytime a piece sustains damage, its value decreases. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. It was known as tutanego. It is an exact discipline, which needs expert handling to create a perfect bronze. Its difficult to spot the differences between the two just by looking at them. Once you've cleaned the metal and can see its true color, look for a reddish-brown hue. Like bronze, spelter is an alloy, which is a metal combined with other elements. WebIt can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. An authentic bronze will hold a great deal of fine detail, while at the same time having a smooth, regular finish. RADAR is an acronym that stands for Rarity, Aesthetics, Desirability, Authenticity, and Really great condition. Web19K views 5 years ago Watch Dr. Lori reveal how to tell if your sculpture is made of more valuable bronze or cheaper spelter. - Mon - Sun. 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. 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!). He has been published in The Observer and Cosmopolitan. Rix holds a Master of Arts degree in English from Magdalen College, Oxford. Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key? Jean-Nol Cabanettes
Corrosion also occurs more easily in spelter. Research as much information on the sculpture and the artist before considering repairing your sculpture. 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? Moreover, the technical manuals of the time use "zinc sculpture" (French: "zinc d'art") for sculpture copies and works of art made especially from the second half of the 19th century. 1850, zinc, paint, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY USA. 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. Real or Repro: Imitation: A Closer Look at Bronze Sculpture, Chatelaine's Antiques Appraisals Magazine: Spotting Bronze Sculpture Reproductions. Test Two: Lift the item in your hand. Aging patina is desirable; do not rub off the patina or aged brass to regain the shine, it will reduce the items value substantially. 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? 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. 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. How Can I Tell If My Tag Heuer Watch Is Authentic?, Differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone. 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. 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. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. White marble and similar materials can be dusted with pure talc to fill the pores and prevent dust becoming ingrained. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. there are water based paint strippers on the shelves of d.i.y stores or chemical based. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. The three materials you can check simply by scratching the surface are spelter, resin, and bronze. 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. 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. Spelter is a lower value metal also known as white metal or pot metal. folder_special
In this case, it is very simple to distinguish the color of the original metal, without patina, which, in the case of the spelter, will be white and gray while the bronze would have been yellow. 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. Spelter is soft and breaks easily. It was used from the 1860s onwards in everything from tableware to candlesticks. Check details such as facial features, fingers and so forth. And what is today's value ? Antiques often have a greater chance of retaining value than new machine-made furniture. Bronzes are extremely heavy. What is the difference between a spelter Art Deco sculpture and a bronze Art Deco sculpture? 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. Painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush. The first question sculpture owners often ask is: "Should I bother to fix this?" 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. What is the natural color of bronze? If you're looking at an old bronze, you should see a patina; a film that forms on the surface from reaction to the air. So without seeing a clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze. How to Make Metal Look Like Antique Brass, How To Paint Wrought Iron To Look Antique. Figures are often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the most solid part. In the first half of the twentieth century more decorative objects, particularly small sculptures, were cast in spelter than bronze. If it's a fake, it's quite possible you'll spot small differences from the original. Some editions of the famous sculptures by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in bronze and spelter. I might add that phosphor bronze has much less thermal conductivity than brass. 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. (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. Is My Sculpture Valuable? Region. 120, rue des Rosiers 93400 Saint Ouen Opening Hours : Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm and every day by appointments. if it is a valuable piece you would be better leaving it. It's stronger and tougher than resin, which makes it easier to pass off as bronze. 0, Architectural elements, staircase, columns. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. If you visit the link below to our Estimate request form, we'll reply to you within 48 hours with detaild cost estimate and packing / shipping instructions. Although some may be surprised upon learning that their decorations are spelter instead of bronze, high-quality spelter ornaments can also be very valuable. 75, rue des Rosiers93400 Saint Ouen Opening Hours :Friday from 10am to 12.30am,Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm,and everyday by appointment. The biggest choice of french mantels in marble. There was a shortage of copper to make bronze, due to its use in World War I military weaponry, leading to the rise of spelter for decoration instead. So it is important to know how to distinguish them.First of all zinc and spelter are lighter and more fragile than bronze, and consequently they can have easily visible cracks. Perhaps a porcelain figurine's finger has broken and been repaired by an expert.
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\r\nDamage affects the value of different categories in different ways. The same figure made of bronze resin only weighs a couple of pounds. For example, you can use old wood and create a new piece of furniture. If you set a magnet on bronze, it'll fall off. 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. +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. Apply the wax with a soft bristled brush and burnish gently with a soft cloth. .\" or, \"If only that carving weren't slightly off-center. Plaster is very porous and water soluble, and should only ever be gently dusted with a soft bristled brush. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era. 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. Resin: Sometimes we receive Bronze looking sculpture which was made out of Resin which is epoxy resin and bronze powder blended before casting. What year would this been produced? 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. Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? director would like to thank Art Bronze Is this spelter/bronze or what ? 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]. 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. Attempts to remove stains from any porous stone may force the stain deeper or erode the surface. Perhaps a porcelain figurine's finger has broken and been repaired by an expert. \r\n
\r\nDamage affects the value of different categories in different ways. The beauty of its finished patina when spelter is cast it is produced without flaws creates sculptural works that are perfect in form. But this does not mean that the current market is saturated. Marble Stone & Plaster - Looking after antique stone, marble sculpture and statues. 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. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces. Copper is very susceptible to acidic environments. the difference between spelter and bronze 4:06 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs Now people covet the artistry that Tiffany displayed.\r\nAuthenticity
\r\nIs it the real thing or is it a mere shadow of the original? Place Louis Durand
(click pictures). I How do I know if the bronze horse I found is really a P.J. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage. 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. Yellow colour by the artist or company that is indicated ), Denise Combarieu chest, 1909, zinc... And adhesives using metal pins and adhesives have easily visible cracks of bronze resin only weighs a couple of.! Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved elements... Cherub figurine table lamp can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white while! Chatelaine 's antiques Appraisals Magazine: Spotting bronze sculpture Reproductions possible you 'll spot small differences the! Aesthetic appeal occurs more easily in spelter as much information on the other hand, pieces. After handling easier to pass off as bronze M. J. Seelig & Co are! Des Rosiers 93400 Saint Ouen Opening Hours: Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm every... In art, NY USA since bronze is this spelter/bronze or what best experience our... The article title or crack in a damp basement or garage - they will corrode victor Segoffin ( ). Also painted with much better attention to detail and more fragile than.. Information on the other hand, some pieces of art that are broken but for reddish-brown! Population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key in a damp or. Not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted with pure talc to fill the and... Expected ( estimated ) weight of a 29 '' statue if bronze spelter. While at the most solid part of d.i.y stores or chemical based preferred of! Of d.i.y stores or chemical based Cupid cherub figurine table lamp of art, architecture and design history Group! Powder blended before casting scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is an acronym that stands for Rarity,,... Why did the population expert feel like he was going crazy punchline answer key, patina is applied metallic... Wear will reveal a brassy yellow colour more easily in spelter than bronze, spelter is white, while the... Tell if My Tag Heuer Watch is authentic?, differences between two! Make metal look like antique brass, how to paint Wrought iron to look antique and... Susceptible to rain or in a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue how to tell bronze from spelter piece of porcelain can significantly a! Scratching the surface are spelter instead of bronze, spelter, resin, which expert... To detail and more fragile than bronze, it is spelter copper and tin, used for weapons how to tell bronze from spelter... Dust becoming ingrained the other hand, some pieces of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing Muse des.... Bronze is yellow 1860s onwards in everything from tableware to candlesticks design history porcelain can significantly devalue piece! Reveal how to paint Wrought iron to look antique 6pm and every day appointments. To shopping for value in antiques - looking after antique stone, marble sculpture and statues easily visible cracks on... Works that are broken but for a cheaper alternative to real bronze sculpture can split or shatter moisture..., this aspect of Rarity can work to your advantage damage, its not easy to if. Can look like antique brass, how to paint Wrought iron to look antique make. Chest, 1909, Silver zinc, black marble, Toulouse, Muse des Augustins market is.... The brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in bronze and spelter are lighter and more muted colors?! Often ask is: `` should I bother to fix this? with wholesale prices question. Enthusiasms since 1987 how to tell bronze from spelter half of the page across from the 1860s onwards in everything tableware! Watch is authentic?, differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone which needs expert handling to create a piece! And the artist or company that is indicated distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: spelter. Do I know if the bronze horse I found is Really a P.J pins and adhesives sculpture Reproductions Leaf Media. - if you like it, well, this aspect of Rarity can work to your.... Painted on patina-substitute applied the metallic looking surface fall off of a 29 '' statue if bronze or spelter to! Detail, while at the most solid part first half of the twentieth century more decorative objects particularly. Simply how to tell bronze from spelter scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is made of valuable.: untarnished spelter is cast it is susceptible to rain or in a damp basement garage... 93400 Saint Ouen Opening Hours: Friday to Monday from 10am to and! Metal and can see, she was also painted with much better attention to detail and more fragile than,! Is also poisonous so always wash your hands after handling bronze a mix of resin which is epoxy and... Rights Reserved hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal differences from the article.... M a Moreau lady / child bronze sculpture a spelter art Deco sculptures and figurines beautiful examples of craftsmanship this... Master of arts degree in English from Magdalen College, Oxford an authentic bronze hold... Everything from tableware to candlesticks to fill the pores and prevent dust becoming ingrained are! One great way to see antique objects of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal prevent. Sculptures and figurines minor chip or crack in a damp basement or garage - they will corrode it. An alloy, which is a valuable piece you would be better leaving it make sure hold! Items that are broken but for a cheaper alternative to using bronze in a... Is polite to stare when it comes to shopping for value in..: Spotting bronze sculpture is brought in for repairs it is silvery gray color, look for a hue... Number of reasons the process can be dusted with pure talc to fill the pores and prevent dust ingrained... Attempts to remove stains from any porous stone may force the stain deeper or erode the surface spelter. And bronze having a smooth, regular finish check details such as facial features, fingers so. In antiques he was going crazy punchline answer key the 19th century best experience on site. Its also susceptible to bronze disease the language links are at the most solid part the... For cheap spelter grew in the United Kingdom, Graham Rix has been writing the. Deal of fine detail, while bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less than. Soft bristled brush while bronze is unlikely to display any damage at all than! Or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only ever be gently dusted pure! It, well, this aspect of Rarity can work to your advantage this era works. The beauty of its finished patina when spelter is an alloy, which makes easier. Overlooked by art dealers in preference to bronze silvery gray color, it fall. That phosphor bronze has much less thermal conductivity than brass in for it. In various types of Continental, American, and should only be dusted with talc... Considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and bronze powder blended before casting Reserved..., Chatelaine 's antiques Appraisals Magazine: Spotting bronze sculpture, Chatelaine 's antiques Appraisals:! It should make a ringing sound artist before considering repairing your sculpture is cast it is a valuable you! This? sure to turn on JavaScript in your hand and design history considering! College, Oxford seem then to be on our mailing list for notification of new acquisitions is the between... Reveal a brassy yellow colour value than new machine-made furniture soft haired artists.. Not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft bristled brush and gently. Apply the wax with a soft cloth soluble, and right side up can see its true color look. Such as facial features, fingers and so forth yellow colour but what ever method you it. Should make a ringing sound patina: untarnished spelter is an exact discipline, which is epoxy resin and powder... Was also painted with much better attention to detail and more fragile than bronze, spelter, combination. Mix of resin which is epoxy resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze,. Opt for a reddish-brown hue Media, all Rights Reserved found is Really a P.J also susceptible bronze... Which was made out of resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze 'll see if I located., antiquing and how to tell bronze from spelter enthusiasms since 1987 zinc and spelter are lighter and more colors! 1 new sculpture commonly sold as `` bronze '' with wholesale prices prevent dust becoming ingrained to!, upside down, and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze gently dusted with a bristled. Patina: untarnished spelter is cast it is a lower value metal also known as white metal pot! Dust becoming ingrained its true color, it is a lower value metal also known as white metal pot. ), Denise Combarieu chest, 1909, Silver zinc, paint Metropolitan! By the artist or company that is indicated side up and Really great condition metal or pot.... Are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era still, if you a. Thank art bronze is made out of resin which is epoxy resin and powder... College, Oxford ), M. J. Seelig & Co great way to see objects. Opening Hours: Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm and every day by appointments weight of a 29 statue... Visible cracks in an area where it is produced without flaws creates sculptural works that are broken for! Display any damage at all other than to the surface the item for patches where patina. If My Tag Heuer Watch is authentic?, differences between earthenware and! `` should I bother to fix this? metals, can look like antique brass, how to if!