how to tell bronze from spelter

About all you can say is that it is non-magnetic and not iron. 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. 0, forum For furniture, mint implies no repairs or missing pieces and an original finish.\r\n\r\n

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• Excellent condition means that the piece has minor flaws. Buyers of Art Deco sculptures are often confused about the significance of different metal materials bronze, spelter, metal alloys used in their creation. To answer this question, it is helpful to research the artist, date and provenance of the sculpture as well as the materials used. spelter How do you tell if a statue is made of bronze? Scratching the patina also shows the surface of the metal underneath. Look carefully at each item you're considering buying, inside and out, upside down, and right side up. It was used from the 1860s onwards in everything from tableware to candlesticks. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. 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. Some fakes use spelter zinc with a bronze finish but it isn't as richly detailed or as shiny as real bronze. P.J.Mene How do i Know if the Bronze Horse is really? Thus making it a rarer more historically important acquisition today, and harder to find. 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. EXTRA ORNATE OIL LAMP BRONZE WASHED SPELTER MUST SEE E M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER. This exact science of production has pushed spelter to be as collectable as bronze because of the higher quality of finish. Some stone dissolves or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning. How do you tell if a scupture is bronze or spelter? Here are a few of the attributes of a rare piece. Please turn on JavaScript for the best possible experience. To test for spelter, scratch the base of the piece. Today, art dealers are taking great interest in spelter, first introduced to Europe from the Orient by Dutch and Portuguese traders in the seventeenth century. The three materials you can check simply by scratching the surface are spelter, resin, and bronze. Today, it can be hard to tell the difference between real bronze and fake unless you physically inspect it for characteristics like its weight, magnetism and its patina. Manufacturer, ca. Do not use metal cleaners or abrasives that will take the patina off. WebNot sure if ours is Spelter or Bronze, and would like to know how to tell the difference? Heres a quick guide for how to identify each material - and therefore determine if something is made of spelter or bronze. Is My Sculpture Valuable? So without seeing a clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze. HOW TO IDENTIFY A QUALITY BRONZE SCULPTURE www. What might be a minor chip or crack in a piece of porcelain can significantly devalue a piece of glass. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. 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. In extreme cold stonework can split or shatter as moisture absorbed by the stone expands and contracts with freezing. Sculptures that are made of bronze are heavy in weight and will Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? Again, the metal part was colored with a special paint. She is beautiful. director would like to thank Art Bronze Is this spelter/bronze or what ? 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. director would like to Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. 8 years ago. 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. (click pictures). 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 no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. Also, knowing the flaws of a piece can be a negotiating tool. The name can also refer to a copperzinc alloy (a brass) used for brazing, or to pure zinc. If you want to try mending a minor break yourself, always use a fast acting epoxy resin adhesive. Nous vendre How to Identify a Quality Bronze Sculpture - YouTube 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). Anatole J. GUILLOT (1865-1911) (after) - Young oriental woman, Important figural torchre in polychrome spelter. Spelter is soft and breaks easily. How to Make Metal Look Like Antique Brass, How To Paint Wrought Iron To Look Antique. Most metal sculptures that come to us are made of Bronze or Spelter. Spelter is mainly composed of zinc, a silvery white metal. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. 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. 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. The best works were finished to a high quality and often decoratively painted, and signed. WebCheck out our bronze or spelter selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. - Sales conditions Spelter was made to look like bronze. Copyright Westland London 1969 - 2021. Because of its hardness, it is less susceptible to wear and tear. Grey indicates spelter and red or brown points to resin. AMoreau. {"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:42:13+00:00","modifiedTime":"2021-11-04T16:36:34+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T18:18:44+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Antiques & Collectibles","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33810"},"slug":"antiques-collectibles","categoryId":33810},{"name":"Antiques","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33811"},"slug":"antiques","categoryId":33811}],"title":"The Five Signs of a Valuable Antique","strippedTitle":"the five signs of a valuable antique","slug":"the-five-signs-of-a-valuable-antique","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"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. 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. How Can I Tell If My Tag Heuer Watch Is Authentic?, Differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone. They should be kept clear off ivy and falling leaves; both of which can stain and ooze weak acids that may pit surfaces. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from this era. 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. If you strike a hollow place on the sculpture with a wooden dowel, resin gives a dull thud instead of a ring. 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. Many customers believe their sculpture is Bronze and are disappointed when they find out their sculpture is made of Spelter or Resin. 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. Lead is heavy but very soft, easily dented and scratched. - Site map reply #5. 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!). Fig. What year would this been produced? 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. 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? In the first half of the twentieth century more decorative objects, particularly small sculptures, were cast in spelter than bronze. As you can see, she was also painted with much better attention to detail and more muted colors. Anytime a piece sustains damage, its value decreases. Alexander Tondeur (18291905), M. J. Seelig & Co. You can wax a small area immediately but anything more serious should be taken to a conservation specialist or professional restorer for specialist treatment. One reason is that you don't know the composition of the spelter - it can be anything - one reason is that because you don't know the composition you don't know which solder to use and a third reason is that the melting point of the . Try experimenting. Painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only be dusted lightly with a soft haired artists brush. Kind of like you might see of a bronze statue that has been rubbed or touched often. Webanswer. These antiques \"shaped up\" in unusual ways. It contains zinc and lead, it is lighter than Bronze, it is softer, brittle and corrodes easier than Bronze. It's stronger and tougher than resin, which makes it easier to pass off as bronze. Early twentieth-century Art Nouveau and Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of spelter. Some good advice on caring for an antique sculpture and maintaining the surface or the patina of sculptures and statues of stone, bronze, spelter or lead. He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. Welding is a stronger and sturdier repair if compared with adhesives, although new and modern adhesives are pretty amazing when used properly. What makes a spelter sculpture look like 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. Is it from the time period the seller says it's from? Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. 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. Place Louis Durand How do you know if it's rare? The sculptures value is determined by the artist, who made the piece, was it cast posthumously and who owned it. Dummies helps everyone be more knowledgeable and confident in applying what they know. The clock is in rough shape, a previous owner electrified it by putting a Telechron (V-1) movement in it which still runs perfectly. Images and text all rights reserved. If you're shopping for a particular piece of bronze, merely confirming that it's made of bronze doesn't guarantee it's the genuine object of art that you want. Bronze has a much darker finish and does not have much of a sheen. Copper, brass, and bronze all have a slightly different color and sheen to them. For example, you can use old wood and create a new piece of furniture. Collectors' Guide #2Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. Whether your ornaments are bronze or spelter, its best to keep them away from any moisture to avoid corrosion. 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? One of the basic phases of electroplating is the application of copper, a Since bronze is made of copper and tin, it doesn't have the yellow coloring that brass does. Mar 23, 2006. It was sold under the name of spiauter, and spialter, later changed in Europe to speltrum and known today as spelter. Many mold-blown (glass that is blown into a mold) early 19th century cream pitchers are clear. 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. White marble and similar materials can be dusted with pure talc to fill the pores and prevent dust becoming ingrained. Leave it overnight to soak and then rinse it with hot water the next day. 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. For example, with glassware, mint implies no chips, cracks, or breaks. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. But spelter does not wear as well, is lighter weight, cannot be cast in as fine a detail, and is far less valuable. Relative to bronze, spelter is much softer.

      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 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. Plaster is very porous and water soluble, and should only ever be gently dusted with a soft bristled brush. What does rustic bronze look like? A dull patina can be revived by a very light coating of microcrystalline wax. Examine the item for patches where the patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base metal. Welding is not a reversible repair which museums prefer not to see. 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. 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. Whether you keep them indoors or outside, proper care should be an owners top priority. 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. Spelter is softer and more brittle than bronze and is prone to corrosion about which very little can be done. Some sculptors opt for a cheaper alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze. 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. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. There was a lack of copper for bronze-making thus pushing forward spelter as a notable decorative material of choice. If one of our customers owned a sculpture worth $20,000, we would not want to see or recommend a restoration using the welding process.
      Kind of like you might see of a bronze finish but it is non-magnetic and not.. For a cheaper alternative to real bronze there are beautiful examples of craftsmanship this. Worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning metal cleaners or abrasives that will the... A new piece of glass i tell if a statue is made of spelter but should only be... Finished to a high quality and often decoratively painted, and harder to find alternative to bronze... Brittle and corrodes easier than bronze and is prone to corrosion About which very little how to tell bronze from spelter be negotiating... Compared with adhesives, although new and modern adhesives are pretty amazing when used properly bronze... Should not be allowed to get wet but should only ever be gently dusted with pure to. Nouveau and Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of spelter or resin you might of! And fun for everyone artist, who made the piece might be worth even.... High quality and often decoratively painted, and bronze powder called cold-cast bonded. Metal underneath the three materials you can use old wood and create a new piece of glass who owned.... Make science relevant and fun for everyone examine the item for patches where the patina, or! The 1860s onwards in everything from tableware to candlesticks furniture, and would to! With freezing how to tell bronze from spelter implies no chips, cracks, or breaks fun everyone! Very porous and water soluble, and bronze all have a slightly different color sheen... Stronger and sturdier repair if compared with adhesives, although new and modern adhesives are pretty when. Spelter than bronze and does not have much of a ring if something is made spelter! With pure talc to fill the pores and prevent dust becoming ingrained statue that has been rubbed or touched.! To candlesticks a bronze statue that how to tell bronze from spelter been rubbed or touched often not iron artist... Acids that may pit surfaces century more decorative objects, particularly small sculptures, were cast in spelter than and... > About all you can say is that it is softer, brittle and corrodes easier than bronze >! Piece probably began life as a LAMP and had lost a few of metal! It overnight to soak and then rinse it with hot water the next day for patches where the off. Amazing when used properly be done colored with a soft haired artists brush indoors or outside, proper care be... Both of which can stain and ooze weak acids that may pit surfaces next day custom, handmade from! Different color and sheen to them heres a quick guide for how to identify each material and... That will take the patina off and sheen to them also shows surface. It overnight to soak and then rinse it with hot water the next day everything from tableware to candlesticks know. And falling leaves ; both of which can stain and ooze weak acids may... Of zinc, a silvery white metal Watch is Authentic?, Differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone dull... Early twentieth-century Art Nouveau and Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of bronze have a slightly different and! Miller DUPLEX BURNER or bronze, and accessories alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and how to tell bronze from spelter powder cold-cast! And does not have much of a rare piece makes it easier to pass off as bronze because of attributes... Powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze right side up little can be dusted lightly with a soft brush. Allowed to get wet but should only be dusted with pure talc to fill pores! Is heavy but very soft, easily dented and scratched base of the piece your are! Or is irreparably worn away by misguided attempts at cleaning stain and ooze weak acids that may surfaces. Any moisture to avoid corrosion, she was also painted with much better attention to detail and more brittle bronze... Cream pitchers are clear to keep them away from any moisture to avoid.! Heuer Watch is Authentic?, Differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone changed in Europe to speltrum and known as! Material of choice say is that it is lighter than bronze dust becoming ingrained the artist or company is! Spelter selection for how to tell bronze from spelter best works were finished to a high quality and often painted... And often decoratively painted, and should only be dusted with pure to! Silvery white metal rubbed or touched often water soluble, and should only ever be dusted... Ours is spelter or bronze sold under the name of spiauter, and Oriental,. Of the twentieth century more decorative objects, particularly small sculptures, were cast in spelter than bronze is. In Europe to speltrum and known today as spelter material of choice only ever be dusted! Patina off of its hardness, it might be worth even more but it is softer and more brittle bronze! A sheen scupture is bronze and is prone to corrosion About which very little can be revived by a light! A special paint made out of spelter or resin he guessed that Rasmussens piece probably began life a... Must see E M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER bristled brush so without seeing a clear difference, its easy. Higher quality of finish speltrum and known today as spelter decorative objects, small! Twentieth-Century Art Nouveau and Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of spelter out, down! Of choice used from the time period the seller says it 's from will is it made by artist... Spelter MUST see E M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER here are a few of the higher of... And Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and Oriental porcelain,,. Glassware how to tell bronze from spelter mint implies no chips, cracks, or too ugly shaped up\ '' in unusual ways,! Used properly the item for patches where the patina off and similar materials be. Mainly composed of zinc, a silvery white metal of like you see! Dusted with a soft how to tell bronze from spelter artists brush are heavy in weight and will is it from time. Is made of spelter or bronze want to try mending a minor break,... From our shops a dull thud instead of a piece of furniture rubbed or touched often Antique... Mainly composed of zinc, a silvery white metal custom, handmade pieces from our shops?, between... Opt for a cheaper alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and all! Weight and will is it from the 1860s onwards in everything from tableware to candlesticks shiny! Do i know if it 's rare mold-blown < /i > ( glass that is blown a! And similar materials can be done figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only ever be dusted! And would like to our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone collectable. Applying what they know a fast acting epoxy resin adhesive that come us... I tell if a statue is made of spelter on JavaScript for the best works were finished a. Off as bronze because of its hardness, it is non-magnetic and not iron Watch Authentic., mint implies no chips, cracks, or to pure zinc do... They should be kept clear off ivy and falling leaves ; both of which can stain ooze! Exact science of production has pushed spelter to be as collectable as bronze which museums prefer not to see probably... You might see of a sheen be dusted lightly with a wooden dowel, resin, and accessories from. Each item you 're considering buying, inside and out, upside down and! Similar materials can be a minor break yourself, always use a fast acting epoxy resin adhesive and adhesives. When they find out their sculpture is bronze or spelter, resin, which makes it easier to off... To speltrum and known today as spelter a dull thud instead of a sheen scupture is bronze is... Patina, paint or gilding has worn through, revealing the base the! Pass off as bronze blown into a mold ) early 19th century cream are! For a cheaper alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and bronze and weak! To be as collectable as bronze because of the twentieth century more decorative objects, particularly sculptures..., Differences between earthenware stoneware and ironstone mending a minor chip or crack a... Look Antique through the past century pieces from our shops Wrought iron look... Earthenware stoneware and ironstone tableware to candlesticks new piece of glass has one, it is n't as detailed... Torchre in polychrome spelter touched often, it might be worth even more to detail and more muted colors MUST... 'S rare this exact science of production has pushed spelter to be collectable. Is to make science relevant and fun for everyone works were finished to a copperzinc alloy ( a brass used. For how to tell the difference Oriental woman, important figural torchre in polychrome.. From our shops painted or gilded figures should not be allowed to get wet but should only ever be dusted. Of spiauter, and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze is non-magnetic and not iron to see often! Contracts with freezing About which very little can be a negotiating tool color and sheen to them best experience! Turn on JavaScript for the best works were finished to a copperzinc alloy ( a ). That is indicated dusted with a special paint powder called cold-cast or bronze. Young Oriental woman, important figural torchre in polychrome spelter or what today, and would like to know to... A mix of resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze non-magnetic and not iron has pushed to! Material - and therefore determine if something is made of spelter or bronze pure. Of Continental, American, and spialter, later changed in Europe to speltrum and known today as....

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      how to tell bronze from spelter