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. 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. On genuine bronzes, wear will reveal a brassy yellow colour. On the other hand, some pieces of art and furniture have almost universal aesthetic appeal. 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. With high value sculpture, one might consider museum-quality repairs (reversible repair) as compared to welding. Books on your areas of interest also will show the better pieces. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. Spelter originated in China and East India, before it was imported to Europe as early as the 16th century. For example, you can use old wood and create a new piece of furniture. Outdoor pieces can be raised above ground level on plinths with built in damp proof membranes. 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. After all, antique items made of spelter are a sign of the times when the material was widely used. 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. Most metal sculptures that come to us are made of Bronze or Spelter. If it's a fake, it's quite possible you'll spot small differences from the original. Pottery Marks Identification Guide & Index, Antiques Roadshow: Antiques, Collectibles & Heirlooms, Caring for Antique Sculpture and Statuary of Bronze, Spelter and Lead. It contains zinc and lead, it is lighter than Bronze, it is softer, brittle and corrodes easier than Bronze. Edit: See post #4 from this thread: Adamantine Finish Care and Protection The information about finishing spelter is about half-way down. However, pieces of spelter, dating from the early twentieth century to the present day are now much sought after. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease . director would like to 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. For new collectors the lower price of spelter decorative objects compared to bronze has made them appealing and a secure asset. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Wipe it on with your fingers and see if the shade it produces is pleasing to you. Spelter is softer and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done. After casting the body of the work it can be painted or gilded. Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. 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. The quality of spelter is in its casting. To make an investment in sculpture it helps to have an understanding of the materials used to create the work. Spelter and resin are both comparatively light, but they are sometimes attached to heavy wood or stone bases to give them extra weight. 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. 4 - Un anuncio Audio Listen to this radio advertisement and write the prices for each item listed. Nous vendre Maison Mayaud, Spelter statuette, late 19th - early 20th century, Notre Dame des Ardilliers, Saumur. 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. It is an exact discipline, which needs expert handling to create a perfect bronze. HOW TO IDENTIFY A QUALITY BRONZE SCULPTURE www. On an artwork in bronze the patina refers to the gilding or chasing, or the chemical oxide process resulting in a green coloration. When cleaning, dust with a cloth - take care not to try to regain the shine by rubbing off the patina, or by using cleaners and abrasives - this will likely lower the items value! 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. Spelter was made to look like bronze. Art Deco bronze sculptures constantly retain their value with prices increasing year-on-year, rising faster than any other antique fields, and thus recommended as a solid investment. Victor Segoffin (1867-1925), Denise Combarieu chest, 1909, Silver zinc, black marble, Toulouse, Muse des Augustins. Iron is highly magnetic, and you'll feel the pull in the magnet. Is this spelter/bronze or what ? Limestone, sandstone and coade stone form a weathered surface crust which if removed will expose a vulnerable crumbly surface beneath. One compound of copper is copper sulphate, a dark green chemical.

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. Whether your ornaments are bronze or spelter, its best to keep them away from any moisture to avoid corrosion. Web19K views 5 years ago Watch Dr. Lori reveal how to tell if your sculpture is made of more valuable bronze or cheaper spelter. Bronze is created from over 90% copper. 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. What year would this been produced? Mechanics (Physics): The Study of Motion. The metal has been used since about the 1860s to make statues, tablewares, and lamps that resemble bronze. Craddock, P.T. Attempts to remove stains from any porous stone may force the stain deeper or erode the surface. Marble Stone & Plaster - Looking after antique stone, marble sculpture and statues. Apply the wax with a soft bristled brush and burnish gently with a soft cloth. 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. 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. .\" or, \"If only that carving weren't slightly off-center. 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. Anytime a piece sustains damage, its value decreases. Spelter sculptures are fairly light and have a I love it and paid $20 with no shade. It was known as tutanego. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. On an artwork in spelter the patina always refers to the cold-paint application after casting. The challenge when it comes to how to tell bronze from spelter, is that spelter naturally ages over time to closely resemble bronze. Color. Part of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction. For example, only royalty or the rich could afford gold boxes for snuff, so only a few were made.\r\n \t

  • Few of the original pieces remain. Search Results Copper has a brown, somewhat rustic finish. 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. So without seeing a clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze. Ceramic & Sculpture Repair Lessons Is bronze a precious metal? Zinc and lead, while bronze is made of copper and tin. Country. If there are bumps and blemishes in the surface and a lack of definition in the hands and face and, in particular, any ugly seams, then the item isn't an authentic bronze. the difference between spelter and bronze 4:06 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs Mix a tiny bit into a small amount of the gold paint. I'll see if I can located the tutorial. If it flakes or scratches off easily, it's probably a painted on patina-substitute. Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? Some editions of the famous sculptures by the brothers Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau were thus both in bronze and spelter. Turn the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy. Early twentieth-century Art Nouveau and Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of spelter. I found a Louis Moreau bronze lamp at an antique store. Painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush. It's not as durable or strong as bronze, and it's also lighter. Some folks believe that an object's aesthetic value is a matter of personal taste. 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. On genuine bronzes, wear will reveal a brassy yellow colour. For example, with glassware, mint implies no chips, cracks, or breaks. Lead is heavy but very soft, easily dented and scratched. Research as much information on the sculpture and the artist before considering repairing your sculpture. 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. EXTRA ORNATE OIL LAMP BRONZE WASHED SPELTER MUST SEE E M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER. Some sculptors opt for a cheaper alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze. It is also poisonous so always wash your hands after handling. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The same figure made of bronze resin only weighs a couple of pounds. 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. HI MOONMOM. Still, I personally don't care much for the effect. Alle 6 stand 83 / Alle 1 Stand 293400 Saint Ouen sur SeineOpening Hours : open Sat. Ultimately spelter became a key metal for Art Deco sculptures and figurines. 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. 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? 10am-8pm, 73, rue des Rosiers (entrance through the porch or via Marie Curie Street). Kind of like you might see of a bronze statue that has been rubbed or touched often. Unfortunately many bronzes, produced quickly without expert handling are also available. 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 graduate of Oberlin College, Fraser Sherman began writing in 1981. It is generally understood that China and East India were the first to produce spelter from zinc. It can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. This exact science of production has pushed spelter to be as collectable as bronze because of the higher quality of finish. If your piece is only valuable to you and not to be resold, the welding method of repair, which is not reversible, is ok to do. reply #5. You can also compare a suspect figure with pieces you know are bronze. These antiques \"shaped up\" in unusual ways. Mar 23, 2006. Is there a way to authenticate my L. Moreau bronze? Spelter has gained the trust of buyers as a solid investment. The solution is also suitable for cleaning hard stone such as a polished granite, onyx, blue john, jade and agate. The metal terms bronze copper and brass are all recorded in the earliest Classical writings. Bronze has a much darker finish and does not have much of a sheen. It is essential that buyers choose only the highest quality spelter productions paying attention to the cast quality and patina. Water dripping off a tree will stain a statue placed beneath and mould, algae and lichen form more readily on objects exposed to northerly weather. The resulting alloy is strong and therefore a great choice for creating statues/sculptures. Rinse immediately and dry well. We are a French company on Internet since 1998, and we bring our decorative arts expertise from the ART DECO period to your service. Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece.\r\n
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    • Few were made in the first place. 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!). Avoid placing it in an area where it is susceptible to rain or in a damp basement or garage - they will corrode. Bronze is extremely hard and therefore unlikely to display any damage at all other than to the surface patina. Grey indicates spelter and red or brown points to resin. 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. If it scratch easily and feels like plastic, it is resin. 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. How to Make Metal Look Like Antique Brass, How To Paint Wrought Iron To Look Antique. 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. My new otter in cold-cast bronze ; the finished item. Most people wouldnt know the difference. He guessed that Rasmussens piece probably began life as a lamp and had lost a few pieces through the past century. How to remove thick spray paint from Moreau spelter lamp? Manufacturer, ca. A dull patina can be revived by a very light coating of microcrystalline wax. Brass has a lighter finish with a bright sheen, comparable to the look of gold. 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. Welding is a stronger and sturdier repair if compared with adhesives, although new and modern adhesives are pretty amazing when used properly. Spelter is mainly composed of zinc, a silvery white metal. 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. Rinse each section as you go with cotton wool damped with distilled water. Bronze was, historically, the most popular material for making cast metal sculptures. For further queries about spelter or bronze, or about anything in our collection, please contact us. 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. 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.
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    • Unusual size or shape. 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 . Based in the United Kingdom, Graham Rix has been writing on the arts, antiquing and other enthusiasms since 1987. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage. Each month, we send a cultural newsletter, with monthly objects, events or exhibition announcements. 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
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    • Time period: A piece of furniture can look old and still be born yesterday. The porcelain is restorable, in the hands of an expert restorer, and the glass typically is not, with the exception of minor rim chips.\r\n

      It is polite to stare when it comes to shopping for value in antiques. They should be kept clear off ivy and falling leaves; both of which can stain and ooze weak acids that may pit surfaces. 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. In the early 20th century, sculptors such as Jacques Limousin used spelter heavily in their manufacture of Art Nouveau and Art Deco figurines and other ornaments. 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. 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
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      • Mint condition means the piece is perfect. 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. Some stone dissolves or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. Here is our collection of bronze antiques, including several items which would look great alongside, or on the mantelpiece of, an antique fireplace. Do not use metal cleaners or abrasives that will take the patina off. Welcome to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery specialized in decorative arts from the 1930s. In the first half of the twentieth century more decorative objects, particularly small sculptures, were cast in spelter than bronze. Jean-Nol Cabanettes WebFirst of all zinc and spelter are lighter and more fragile than bronze, and consequently they can have easily visible cracks. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. Historical documents relate that in the seventeenth century Dutch traders requisitioned a Portuguese trade ship carrying a haul of zinc from the Orient. There was a lack of copper for bronze-making thus pushing forward spelter as a notable decorative material of choice. WebSpelter is a zinclead alloy that ages to resemble bronze, but is softer and has a lower melting point. Turn the item upside down and determine if it feels top heavy -- if it does, it's not an authentic bronze. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. 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 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. For furniture, mint implies no repairs or missing pieces and an original finish.
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      • Excellent condition means that the piece has minor flaws. 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
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        • Scratches
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        • Breaks and tears
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        • Dings and gouges
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        • Chips
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        • Cracks
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        • Fractures
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        • Signs of repair, such as glue, runny paint, mismatched screws or nails, or putty
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        • Missing parts
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        • Discoloration
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        • On figurines, broken noses or missing fingers
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        The real question is how much does the damage bother you? Find out more or Close X, Spelter or bronze: how to spot the differences. If it is silvery gray color, it is Spelter. 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. One of the basic phases of electroplating is the application of copper, a One simple test is to apply a magnet to the artwork and see if it sticks there. have a golden color. Dust indoor lead regularly. Archaeological bronzes or items that have been exposed to salty air may develop bronze disease small powdery green spots on the surface. 8 years ago. 1850, zinc, paint, Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY USA. 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. Removing soil from urns and troughs will reduce the danger of frost damage. Like bronze, spelter is an alloy, which is a metal combined with other elements. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. WebIn Classical times bronze was a prized material for life-size sculptures, and smaller temple offerings. Sapphire-colored cream pitchers from this era are rare. Again, the metal part was colored with a special paint. Always cover all antique sculpture and statues before spraying garden chemicals anywhere near them. Aging patina is desirable; do not rub off the patina or aged brass to regain the shine, it will reduce the items value substantially. Have a great holidays season and happy new year! You can tell if a statute is made of bronze by pouring a small amount of acid on the statue. Brasses containing zinc may be termed spelter, as may zinc ingots formed by smelting. Plaster is very porous and water soluble, and should only ever be gently dusted with a soft bristled brush. 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. An authentic bronze will hold a great deal of fine detail, while at the same time having a smooth, regular finish. If you put a foot-tall bronze sculpture on a scale, it will weigh six to ten pounds. 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. 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 . However, a signature is not in itself enough to authenticate a piece. Was th By entering this site you declare Anatole J. GUILLOT (1865-1911) (after) - Young oriental woman, Important figural torchre in polychrome spelter. Of course, something might be rare because it just didn't make it in the marketplace. The clock is in rough shape, a previous owner electrified it by putting a Telechron (V-1) movement in it which still runs perfectly. One difference is that spelter has a lower melting point, but thats not a very helpful check for an antiques collector! My selection WebIt can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. Please turn on JavaScript for the best possible experience. How to Identify a Quality Bronze Sculpture - YouTube The metal has been used since about the 1860s to make statues, tablewares, and lamps that resemble bronze. It was sold under the name of spiauter, and spialter, later changed in Europe to speltrum and known today as spelter. This has resulted in bronzes of the finest quality remaining high in price on sale and at auction. Click on the button below to be on our mailing list for notification of new acquisitions. You can hire 100 people to trample a new Oriental rug to give it a worn in look.
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    • Artist or company: An object with a Tiffany signature is worth more than an object without one. Tips on looking after bronze, spelter and lead, figures and statues. If it's signed, is the signature real? If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. 295 Willesden Lane, London, NW2 5HY - Site map and Eckstein, K (2003) "Production of Brass in Antiquity by Direct Reduction" in Craddock, P.T. 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. 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. However if only the items base is heavy, it could be a spelter sculpture attached to a different base, giving it extra weight. 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. We're this sold with lamp shade and what shape would have it been. .\" or, \"If only that carving weren't slightly off-center. Here's where your specialization comes in: You need to know the types of pieces Tiffany made the texture of the glass, the colors, and the styles and make sure that all the elements make sense before you can believe the signature.
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