how to tell bronze from spelter
5 years ago. Therefore, we can not chisel or carve it: the mold must be as precise as possible especially concerning the fineness of the details.The zinc sculpture and the lead spelter can be covered with copper by electroplating then gilded, but they are more generally patinated: it means that they are painted with copper, silver or polychrome pigments (more precisely, it is a glazing with turpentine and pigments). 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. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era. An old piece of bronze will have a patina. On genuine bronzes, wear will reveal a brassy yellow colour. A patina can not be easily scratched off as is almost always the case in bronze replicas. You can also get the effect by applying darker metal wax to a lighter base coat. 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. Like bronze, spelter is an alloy, which is a metal combined with other elements. Sherman is also the author of three film reference books, with a fourth currently under way. Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece. In fact, spelter is referred to as \"the poor man's bronze,\" because it was created for those who admired bronze and couldn't afford it.\r\n\r\n

Really great condition

\r\nIn an ideal world, the antique you are contemplating buying would be in exactly the same condition as it was the day it was born. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage. Also, watch for patches of corrosion, because bronze doesn't rust. Thanks for your service and advise! Corrosion also occurs more easily in spelter. Many mold-blown (glass that is blown into a mold) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. Apply the wax with a soft bristled brush and burnish gently with a soft cloth. WebCheck out our bronze or spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. If it's signed, is the signature real? 23 Jul 2013 - Uploaded by Nathanil Siri Spelter is a lower value metal also known as white metal or pot metal. Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. For further queries about spelter or bronze, or about anything in our collection, please contact us. 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. Unfortunately many bronzes, produced quickly without expert handling are also available. WebSpelter is softer and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done. 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. Still, I personally don't care much for the effect. Spelter is also brittle and thinly cast, therefore ornaments made from spelter are fragile and can be easily damaged without care. Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. 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. If it's a fake, it's quite possible you'll spot small differences from the original. Again, the metal part was colored with a special paint. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. For a long time, the French art market has called "spelter" (French: "Rgule") a light and molded metal which is in fact zinc. Centuries ago, bronze was a groundbreaking alloy of copper and tin, used for weapons and art. 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. 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. These antiques \"shaped up\" in unusual ways. Anytime a piece sustains damage, its value decreases. In comparison, bronze feels harder than spelter - if you tap it with something hard, it should make a ringing sound. If the surface is smooth and hard you can lightly hose it with water, easing loosened dirt with a soft bristled brush. To find out what is your sculpture made of, see tests below. (click pictures). Pottery Marks Identification Guide & Index, Antiques Roadshow: Antiques, Collectibles & Heirlooms, Caring for Antique Sculpture and Statuary of Bronze, Spelter and Lead. 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. .\" or, \"If only that carving weren't slightly off-center. Please turn on JavaScript for the best possible experience. What makes a spelter sculpture look like bronze? Outdoor pieces can be raised above ground level on plinths with built in damp proof membranes. 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. 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. Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. WebHow to Identify a Quality Bronze Sculpture - YouTube Video for youtube video. Country. On genuine bronzes, wear will reveal a brassy yellow colour. Rinse immediately and dry well. Grey indicates spelter and red or brown points to resin. It can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. What Repair Type Should I Choose? Whether it's to pass that big test, qualify for that big promotion or even master that cooking technique; people who rely on dummies, rely on it to learn the critical skills and relevant information necessary for success. Whether you keep them indoors or outside, proper care should be an owners top priority. But this does not mean that the current market is saturated. The metal has been used since about the 1860s to make statues, tablewares, and lamps that resemble bronze. 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. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. However, with increasing interest and desire to purchase original Art Deco pieces, collectors are looking to period objects made from a variety of materials. Test Two: Lift the item in your hand. and Eckstein, K (2003) "Production of Brass in Antiquity by Direct Reduction" in Craddock, P.T. 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. Spelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. Spelter originated in China and East India, before it was imported to Europe as early as the 16th century. Sapphire-colored cream pitchers from this era are rare. 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. 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.
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  • A rare or unusual color or design for a particular type of antique. 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 . Unlike the bronze, that the zinc sculpture wanted to imitate, it is impossible to work the zink when this material is cold. The metal has been used since about the 1860s to make statues, tablewares, and lamps that resemble bronze. Sapphire-colored cream pitchers from this era are rare. It is polite to stare when it comes to shopping for value in antiques. Spelter sculptures are fairly light and have a But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. 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\r\n

    The real question is how much does the damage bother you? Many customers believe their sculpture is Bronze and are disappointed when they find out their sculpture is made of Spelter or Resin. Antique French spelter bronze putti Cupid cherub figurine table lamp. The challenge when it comes to how to tell bronze from spelter, is that spelter naturally ages over time to closely resemble bronze. Check details such as facial features, fingers and so forth. 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. How to Identify a Quality Bronze Sculpture - YouTube 2 See if the metal is reddish-brown, which could mean it's bronze. 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. 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. For example, only royalty or the rich could afford gold boxes for snuff, so only a few were made.
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  • Few of the original pieces remain. If the scratch reveals a copper / gold / yellow color it is bronze. have a golden color. After cast is removed, patina is applied the metallic looking surface. A coppery color would indicate brass. Bronze has a much darker finish and does not have much of a sheen. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. Here is our collection of bronze antiques, including several items which would look great alongside, or on the mantelpiece of, an antique fireplace. Normally you solder spelter items that are broken but for a number of reasons the process can be quite difficult. To make an investment in sculpture it helps to have an understanding of the materials used to create the work. grey color. The beauty of its finished patina when spelter is cast it is produced without flaws creates sculptural works that are perfect in form. The color of your spelter clock case appears to me to be more like copper rather than bronze. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. However, pieces of spelter, dating from the early twentieth century to the present day are now much sought after. 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. director would like to thank Art Bronze Is this spelter/bronze or what ? Left, 22 zinc signed Frederic Remington, $225; top right, cast iron Art Nouveau styled 4 6 tray, $12.50; below right, 4 cast iron dog, artist signed, $12.50. In a raw state it is brittle when cold but pliable when heated to 100-150 degrees centigrade. Leave it overnight to soak and then rinse it with hot water the next day. I'll see if I can located the tutorial. Some scam artists will duplicate a classic bronze, then sell it as the original. Any scratches on the coating found on spelter should reveal a white or grey colour and any scratches on the base of the item should leave behind a silver mark. It's stronger and tougher than resin, which makes it easier to pass off as bronze. 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.
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  • Reproducibility. My new otter in cold-cast bronze ; the finished item. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. It is also poisonous so always wash your hands after handling. Mechanics (Physics): The Study of Motion. What is spelter - and how can you tell if an antique is made out of spelter or bronze? The name can also refer to a copperzinc alloy (a brass) used for brazing, or to pure zinc. 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. Most metal sculptures that come to us are made of Bronze or Spelter. The careful positioning of outdoor sculpture in a sheltered position is the first step to practical conservation. 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. 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. 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. Based in the United Kingdom, Graham Rix has been writing on the arts, antiquing and other enthusiasms since 1987.

    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. Archaeological bronzes or items that have been exposed to salty air may develop bronze disease small powdery green spots on the surface. Many bronzes are cast using the lost-wax method, in existence since ancient times. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. Since bronze is made of copper and tin, it doesn't have the yellow coloring that brass does. 83670 Barjols, FRANCEinfo@1930.fr. It is essential that buyers choose only the highest quality spelter productions paying attention to the cast quality and patina. - Site map Real or Repro: Imitation: A Closer Look at Bronze Sculpture, Chatelaine's Antiques Appraisals Magazine: Spotting Bronze Sculpture Reproductions. the difference between spelter and bronze 4:06 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs WebMost sculptures are made from spelter or bronze. What might be a minor chip or crack in a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue a piece of glass. - Mon - Sun. 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. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. 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. To answer this question, it is helpful to research the artist, date and provenance of the sculpture as well as the materials used. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. And what is today's value ? 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.

    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. The same figure made of bronze resin only weighs a couple of pounds. The sculptures value is determined by the artist, who made the piece, was it cast posthumously and who owned it. Dust indoor lead regularly. Spelter, a combination of metals, can look like bronze. .\" or, \"If only that carving weren't slightly off-center. Nous vendre Early twentieth-century Art Nouveau and Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of spelter. Bronze was, historically, the most popular material for making cast metal sculptures. One simple test is to apply a magnet to the artwork and see if it sticks there. Hi Paul, Did you find out about your sculpture. Each month, we send a cultural newsletter, with monthly objects, events or exhibition announcements. This site requires JavaScript for certain functions and interactions to work. Edit: See post #4 from this thread: Adamantine Finish Care and Protection The information about finishing spelter is about half-way down. Anytime a piece sustains damage, its value decreases. Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. In extreme cold stonework can split or shatter as moisture absorbed by the stone expands and contracts with freezing. It contains zinc and lead, it is lighter than Bronze, it is softer, brittle and corrodes easier than Bronze. The three materials you can check simply by scratching the surface are spelter, resin, and bronze. Color. and Lang, J. 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. WebSpelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. How to Make Metal Look Like Antique Brass, How To Paint Wrought Iron To Look Antique. RADAR is an acronym that stands for Rarity, Aesthetics, Desirability, Authenticity, and Really great condition. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. Always cover all antique sculpture and statues before spraying garden chemicals anywhere near them. Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 10am to 6pm, Copyright 2007-2022 Galerie Marc Maison, Privacy policies Plus, other tips to identify marks. Iron is highly magnetic, and you'll feel the pull in the magnet. The real question is how much does the damage bother you? bronze or spelter? $195.00 + $25.01 shipping. WebWhat are spelter figures? I found a Louis Moreau bronze lamp at an antique store. Bronzes are extremely heavy. But a lot may have happened in the last hundred or so years to the piece you are hoping to make your own.\r\n

    Here's the rule as far as value goes: The less that was done to the original item to alter it, the more it's worth. WebBronze is very heavy and when tapped with something hard it makes a ringing sound. Is My Sculpture Valuable? You can also compare a suspect figure with pieces you know are bronze. You can hire 100 people to trample a new Oriental rug to give it a worn in look.

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