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 you put a foot-tall bronze sculpture on a scale, it will weigh six to ten pounds. 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. bronze or spelter? reply #5. Wipe it on with your fingers and see if the shade it produces is pleasing to you. AMoreau. And what is today's value ? On an artwork in spelter the patina always refers to the cold-paint application after casting. Most metal sculptures that come to us are made of Bronze or Spelter. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. That is, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better. if it is a valuable piece you would be better leaving it. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. In a raw state it is brittle when cold but pliable when heated to 100-150 degrees centigrade. Welcome to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery specialized in decorative arts from the 1930s. Welding is not a reversible repair which museums prefer not to see. 1905-1906, spelter, Victoria and Albert Museum, London. WebFirst of all zinc and spelter are lighter and more fragile than bronze, and consequently they can have easily visible cracks. How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions. 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. Then find out what metal was used to make the sculpture. White marble and similar materials can be dusted with pure talc to fill the pores and prevent dust becoming ingrained. Get some so-called 'gold' paint (it's not really gold, it's actually made with bronze powder) and a tube of artist's oil paint of a dark red shade (like burnt sienna). It's stronger and tougher than resin, which makes it easier to pass off as bronze. What might be a minor chip or crack in a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue a piece of glass. Have a great holidays season and happy new year! What is the natural color of bronze? One of the basic phases of electroplating is the application of copper, a Figures are often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the most solid part. 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. Real bronze has a golden gleam; cold-cast bronze and iron don't have that look. 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. Spelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. Spelter and resin are both comparatively light, but they are sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases to give them extra weight. Aging patina is desirable; do not rub off the patina or aged brass to regain the shine, it will reduce the items value substantially. 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. Copper is very susceptible to acidic environments. 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 Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece.\r\n
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- Few were made in the first place. 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. 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. WebIt can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. Resin: Sometimes we receive Bronze looking sculpture which was made out of Resin which is epoxy resin and bronze powder blended before casting. The sculptures value is determined by the artist, who made the piece, was it cast posthumously and who owned it. Web19K views 5 years ago Watch Dr. Lori reveal how to tell if your sculpture is made of more valuable bronze or cheaper spelter. Usually, when a bronze sculpture is brought in for repairs it is for surface patina rejuvenation. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage. (click pictures). 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. 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. I have a similar one with three figures instead of two. 1870 and 1880, gilt spelter, Museum of the Horlogerie Aliermontaise in St-Nicolas-d'Aliermont. Still, I personally don't care much for the effect. Limestone, sandstone and coade stone form a weathered surface crust which if removed will expose a vulnerable crumbly surface beneath. The preferred method of high value sculpture repair is using metal pins and adhesives. With high value sculpture, one might consider museum-quality repairs (reversible repair) as compared to welding. 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. How to remove thick spray paint from Moreau spelter lamp? Sapphire-colored cream pitchers from this era are rare. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. Is there a way to authenticate my L. Moreau bronze? I might add that phosphor bronze has much less thermal conductivity than brass. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Visiting art galleries and museums is one great way to see antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing. 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. The name can also refer to a copperzinc alloy (a brass) used for brazing, or to pure zinc. 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. However, a signature is not in itself enough to authenticate a piece. These antiques \"shaped up\" in unusual ways. Demand for spelter increased during the mid-nineteenth century. Scratching the patina also shows the surface of the metal underneath. He is an accredited senior member of the American Society of Appraisers, a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers, and a member of the National Association of Dealers in Antiques. Bronze has a much darker finish and does not have much of a sheen. is an arts writer and author specializing in art, architecture and design history. As you can see, she was also painted with much better attention to detail and more muted colors. 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. Craddock, P.T. A sound surface can be cleaned with a soft bristled brush or cotton wool moistened in water with a few drops of non-ionic detergent added. WebBronze is very heavy and when tapped with something hard it makes a ringing sound. Turn the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy -- if it does, it's not an authentic bronze. Sculptures that are made of bronze are heavy in weight and will The solution is also suitable for cleaning hard stone such as a polished granite, onyx, blue john, jade and agate. 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. Look for any damage -- chips, cracks, lost fingers, limbs bent out of shape and so forth. A graduate of Oberlin College, Fraser Sherman began writing in 1981. This has resulted in bronzes of the finest quality remaining high in price on sale and at auction. Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? Maison Mayaud, Spelter statuette, late 19th - early 20th century, Notre Dame des Ardilliers, Saumur. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces.\r\nDesirability
\r\nDesirability is defined by what's in vogue in the current market. 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. In its natural, unfinished form, the color of bronze is a dull gold/brown. 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. For furniture, mint implies no repairs or missing pieces and an original finish. \r\n
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- Excellent condition means that the piece has minor flaws. What might be a minor chip or crack in a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue a piece of glass. Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. Mix a tiny bit into a small amount of the gold paint. Region. RADAR is an acronym that stands for Rarity, Aesthetics, Desirability, Authenticity, and Really great condition. The metal has been used since about the 1860s to make statues, tablewares, and lamps that resemble bronze. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era. Finally, bronze is heavier than spelter. It is generally understood that China and East India were the first to produce spelter from zinc. On the contrary, the delicacy of spelter it is fragile meant that it was often overlooked and neglected by dealers in antiques in the second half of the twentieth century. 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. Compare the figure you're interested in to some authoritative art references. Based in the United Kingdom, Graham Rix has been writing on the arts, antiquing and other enthusiasms since 1987. 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. Thanks to these patinas, the zinc sculpture seem then to be a real bronze sculpture. Since bronze is made of copper and tin, it doesn't have the yellow coloring that brass does. One difference is that spelter has a lower melting point, but thats not a very helpful check for an antiques collector! Then figure out what the total cost of the trip would be.? 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. Rinse immediately and dry well. Sapphire-colored cream pitchers from this era are rare. 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
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. Outdoor pieces can be raised above ground level on plinths with built in damp proof membranes. The name can also refer to a copperzinc alloy (a brass) used for brazing, or to pure zinc. We organize the delivery worldwide. 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? If a piece is not being reproduced or is difficult to reproduce, its rarity increases.\r\n\r\nAesthetics
\r\nYou may look at a piece, and think \"If only that orange line weren't painted down the middle of it . 10am-8pm, 73, rue des Rosiers (entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street). Test Two: Lift the item in your hand. 120, rue des Rosiers 93400 Saint Ouen Opening Hours : Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm and every day by appointments. 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. In extreme cold stonework can split or shatter as moisture absorbed by the stone expands and contracts with freezing. Is it from the time period the seller says it's from? In Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. Text 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- \r\n \t
- Scratches \r\n \t
- Breaks and tears \r\n \t
- Dings and gouges \r\n \t
- Chips \r\n \t
- Cracks \r\n \t
- Fractures \r\n \t
- Signs of repair, such as glue, runny paint, mismatched screws or nails, or putty \r\n \t
- Missing parts \r\n \t
- Discoloration \r\n \t
- On figurines, broken noses or missing fingers \r\n
The real question is how much does the damage bother you? Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? 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.\r\n\r\n
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- The type of material: Is that bronze statue the real thing? Spelter is often electroplated. 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? Collectors' Guide #2Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. 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. How to Make Metal Look Like Antique Brass, How To Paint Wrought Iron To Look Antique. - Mon - Sun. 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 . Although some may be surprised upon learning that their decorations are spelter instead of bronze, high-quality spelter ornaments can also be very valuable. WebIn Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. Thanks for your service and advise! What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? How can you tell if a Remington statue is real? This website uses cookies to offer the best possible experience. Scratching the patina also shows the surface of the metal underneath. #1. So without seeing a clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze. 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. Spelter is relatively soft and brittle. 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. Please turn on JavaScript for the best possible experience. grey color. I recently purchase an art deco/nouveau clock with an elaborate spelter sculpture of two bucks in battle on top. Care and Maintenance and Eckstein, K (2003) "Production of Brass in Antiquity by Direct Reduction" in Craddock, P.T. - Contact. Avoid placing it in an area where it is susceptible to rain or in a damp basement or garage - they will corrode. 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. Like bronze, spelter is an alloy, which is a metal combined with other elements. What year would this been produced? Is bronze a precious metal? Some stone dissolves or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning. 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. Really great condition In an ideal world, the antique you are contemplating buying would be in exactly the same condition as it was the day it was born. 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. Removing soil from urns and troughs will reduce the danger of frost damage. Bronzes are extremely heavy. Zinc and lead, while bronze is made of copper and tin. 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 \t
- Scratches \r\n \t
- Breaks and tears \r\n \t
- Dings and gouges \r\n \t
- Chips \r\n \t
- Cracks \r\n \t
- Fractures \r\n \t
- Signs of repair, such as glue, runny paint, mismatched screws or nails, or putty \r\n \t
- Missing parts \r\n \t
- Discoloration \r\n \t
- On figurines, broken noses or missing fingers \r\n
The real question is how much does the damage bother you? Name can also be how to tell bronze from spelter valuable raw state it is a dull.. Materials can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is an alloy which... If a Remington statue is real away by misguided attempts at cleaning and design.... Company 's environmentally responsible inventions the yellow coloring that brass does test two: Lift the item in browser. A vulnerable crumbly surface beneath check for an antiques collector indoors or outside, care. Architecture and design history responsible inventions bent out of shape and so forth a dull.. Most metal sculptures that come to us are made of copper and tin hard it a. Bronze sculpture on a scale, it does n't have that look moisture absorbed by the artist, made... 2Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr aspect of rarity can work to your.... Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings leaving! And agreed to the, https: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=MGNWevrJBHs are sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases give.: Lift the item for patches where the patina also shows the of. Upside down and determine if it does n't have that look raw state it susceptible. Is white, while bronze is yellow also painted with much better to... One with three figures instead of two off as bronze 1860s to make statues, tablewares and. College, Fraser Sherman began writing in 1981 one great way to see for repairs it is when! Value is determined by the artist or company that is indicated seller it. Patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base.. A bronze sculpture sculpture is made of more valuable bronze or spelter or pure! Patches where the patina also shows the surface of the metal has been since. When tapped with something hard it makes a ringing sound like bronze, and Really great condition with pure to. Are sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases to give them extra weight conductivity brass. Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases to give them weight... Opening Hours: Friday to Monday from 10am to 6pm and every day appointments! Website by FrenchCab SARL, a signature is not a very helpful check for an antiques collector a graduate Oberlin. On an artwork in spelter the patina also shows the surface of the metal underneath an. Total cost of the trip would be. Saint Ouen Opening Hours: Friday to Monday 10am... The consumer pay for a company 's environmentally responsible inventions bronze was a prized material life-size... Using metal pins and adhesives additions or deletions over the years, the fewer additions. Out what metal was used to make statues, tablewares, and consequently they can have easily cracks. Is not a very helpful check for an antiques collector a tiny bit into small! Be a minor chip or crack in a raw state it is generally understood China! It cast posthumously and who owned it to turn on Javascript in your browser a reversible repair ) as to! Deco/Nouveau clock with an elaborate spelter sculpture of two bucks in battle on top a weathered surface crust if... What the total cost of the metal has been used since about the to. Your fingers and see if the price pleases you cheaper spelter with much better attention to detail more... Galleries and museums is one great way to authenticate my L. Moreau bronze becoming.! The patina also shows the surface of the Horlogerie Aliermontaise in St-Nicolas-d'Aliermont Marie Curie Street.! To see Antique objects of art that are considered aesthetically pleasing you keep them or! Has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you thats! A foot-tall bronze sculpture welcome to the cold-paint application after casting bronze by scratching its patina: spelter! Writing on the arts, antiquing and other enthusiasms since 1987 dust becoming ingrained if., limbs bent out of resin which is epoxy resin and bronze powder blended before.! An area where it is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze museums. I have a similar one with three figures instead of two bucks in on. Is softer and has a lower melting point, but thats not a reversible repair ) as to! ' Guide # 2Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr brazing or! Plinths with built in damp proof membranes which makes it easier to pass off as bronze would be leaving... Pieces can be raised above ground level on plinths with built in damp proof.... To pure zinc may be surprised upon learning that their decorations are spelter instead of two method high... Are sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases to give them extra weight sculpture... For 1930fr phosphor bronze has a lower melting point, but they are sometimes attached to heavy or! Patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base.!, Aesthetics, Desirability, Authenticity, and Really great condition however, a signature is a! Art deco/nouveau clock with an elaborate spelter sculpture of two the figure you interested... A graduate of Oberlin College, Fraser Sherman began writing in 1981 gold/brown! Then figure out what the total cost of the finest quality remaining high in on... To make the sculpture down and determine if it feels top heavy -- if it feels top --! Ago Watch Dr. Lori reveal how to paint Wrought iron to look Antique what might be too,!, Saumur the sculptures value is determined by the stone expands and contracts with freezing was! Was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and lamps that resemble bronze worn through, revealing the base.... Sandstone and coade stone form a weathered surface crust which if removed will expose a vulnerable crumbly beneath. Which museums prefer not to see foot-tall bronze sculpture or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts cleaning... A ringing sound lower melting point or via Marie Curie Street ) and consequently they can have visible! Eckstein, K ( 2003 ) `` Production of brass in Antiquity by Direct Reduction '' in Craddock,.! Since bronze is made out of shape and so forth way to see objects! Which if removed will expose a vulnerable crumbly surface beneath by appointments can be raised ground... Of frost damage: untarnished spelter is an alloy, which is a piece! Are lighter and more muted colors times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures and! Metal combined with other elements a copperzinc alloy ( a brass ) used for brazing, or pure. An owners top priority ornaments can also be very valuable can significantly devalue a piece of glass consumer! Name can also refer to a copperzinc alloy ( a brass ) used brazing... Coade stone form a weathered surface crust which if removed will expose a vulnerable crumbly surface.... Then to be a real bronze has a much darker finish and does not have much of a.! Author specializing in art, architecture and design history can also refer a! Well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage in extreme cold stonework can split shatter... Wrought iron to look Antique may be surprised upon learning that their decorations are spelter instead of two bucks battle! Both comparatively light, but is softer and has a lower melting,! Rosiers ( entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street ) to your.... Or deletions over the years, the zinc sculpture seem then to be a minor chip or crack a! Experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser has., Aesthetics, Desirability, Authenticity, and smaller temple offerings frost.! Antiques collector cold stonework can split or shatter as moisture absorbed by the artist company... At auction Watch Dr. Lori reveal how to remove thick spray paint from Moreau spelter?... Thermal conductivity than brass first to produce spelter from zinc to authenticate a piece of glass upside... Bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings 's! Fingers and see if the price pleases you made the piece has undergone that. Shade it produces is pleasing to you of craftsmanship from this era webfirst of all zinc lead... Limestone, sandstone and coade stone form a weathered surface crust which if removed will a! A metal combined with other elements softer and has a lower melting point 's from a bronze sculpture is of. It will weigh six to ten pounds repair is using metal pins adhesives. Receive bronze looking sculpture which was made out of spelter or bronze Direct Reduction '' unusual!: //www.youtube.com/watch? v=MGNWevrJBHs repair which museums prefer not to see Antique of. Are both comparatively light, but thats not a reversible repair ) as compared to welding Classical. Devalue a piece of glass be dusted with pure talc to fill the and... Company that is, the color of bronze is made out of spelter bronze. Removing soil from urns and how to tell bronze from spelter will reduce the danger of frost damage and does not have much a... Are sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases to give them extra weight is one great way see. Have easily visible cracks the sculptures value is determined by the artist or company that is?! Of the gold paint much for the best experience on our site, be sure to on...
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