Aesthetics
\r\nYou may look at a piece, and think \"If only that orange line weren't painted down the middle of it . Spelter is soft and breaks easily. However, pieces of spelter, dating from the early twentieth century to the present day are now much sought after. As technology and the ability to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more difficult. folder_special She is beautiful. These are to be avoided by collectors. But a lot may have happened in the last hundred or so years to the piece you are hoping to make your own.\r\nHere'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. Thanks for your service and advise! the difference between spelter and bronze 4:06 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGNWevrJBHs The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Webanswer. Lead is heavy but very soft, easily dented and scratched. 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. Is it made by the artist or company that is indicated? Ultimately spelter became a key metal for Art Deco sculptures and figurines. So without seeing a clear difference, its not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze. Bronzes are extremely heavy. Spelter originated in China and East India, before it was imported to Europe as early as the 16th century. Is it from the time period the seller says it's from? 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? What year would this been produced? Ceramic & Sculpture Repair Lessons How does the consumer pay for a company's environmentally responsible inventions. 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. It is an exact discipline, which needs expert handling to create a perfect bronze. However, a signature is not in itself enough to authenticate a piece. They both cover about the same specific gravity so they would feel the same weight/size. 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. {"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. $195.00 + $25.01 shipping. 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. bronze or spelter? He specializes in various types of Continental, American, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories. I love it and paid $20 with no shade. if it is a valuable piece you would be better leaving it. It can be distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is white, while bronze is yellow. Bronze is often confused with cheaper alternatives used in the production of figurines such as spelter -- an allow of zinc and lead -- and resin, a form of plastic. Of course, something might be rare because it just didn't make it in the marketplace. Algae and lichen do little harm, and in most cases add to a statues value, but can be removed if the surface is sound by brushing with a solution of one teaspoon of dichlorophen, (available from most good garden shops), to one pint (570ml) of water. \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();\r\n","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"\r\n
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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. Have a great holidays season and happy new year! Bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, however its also susceptible to bronze disease. #1. 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. You want to understand the damage and changes the piece has undergone so that you can understand if the price pleases you. EXTRA ORNATE OIL LAMP BRONZE WASHED SPELTER MUST SEE E M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER. 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. Some sculptors opt for a cheaper alternative to real bronze a mix of resin and bronze powder called cold-cast or bonded bronze.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. Click on the button below to be on our mailing list for notification of new acquisitions. Is this spelter/bronze or what ? It is also poisonous so always wash your hands after handling. He has been published in The Observer and Cosmopolitan. Rix holds a Master of Arts degree in English from Magdalen College, Oxford. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Scratching the patina also shows the surface of the metal underneath. 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. Craddock, P.T. What is the difference between a spelter Art Deco sculpture and a bronze Art Deco sculpture? Mar 23, 2006. Whether your ornaments are bronze or spelter, its best to keep them away from any moisture to avoid corrosion. The solution is also suitable for cleaning hard stone such as a polished granite, onyx, blue john, jade and agate. 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? 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. Is there a way to authenticate my L. Moreau bronze? Tips on looking after bronze, spelter and lead, figures and statues. Sapphire-colored cream pitchers from this era are rare. WebMost sculptures are made from spelter or bronze. (eds), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Spelter&oldid=1121088332, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 10 November 2022, at 12:38. For example, only royalty or the rich could afford gold boxes for snuff, so only a few were made.\r\n \t
- \r\n \t
- Excellent condition means that the piece has minor flaws. 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. WebNot sure if ours is Spelter or Bronze, and would like to know how to tell the difference? If the surface is smooth and hard you can lightly hose it with water, easing loosened dirt with a soft bristled brush. Spelter, a combination of metals, can look like bronze. 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. Finally, the spelter sound and the bronze sound make it possible to differentiate them: the spelter will have a deep resonance whereas the bronze will make a rather acute sound.In 1910, faced with numerous confusions, the bronze makers obtained a court ruling which obligated the manufacturers of zinc sculpture to put the mention "bronze imitation" instead of "bronze art", particularly because of the realization of the same models both made up of bronze and zinc or spelter. 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 Text Jean-Noel Cabanettes and Rosalind Ormiston for 1930fr. Like bronze, spelter is an alloy, which is a metal combined with other elements. Figures are often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold them at the most solid part. 23 Jul 2013 - Uploaded by Nathanil Siri Although some may be surprised upon learning that their decorations are spelter instead of bronze, high-quality spelter ornaments can also be very valuable. For example, with glassware, mint implies no chips, cracks, or breaks. Normally you solder spelter items that are broken but for a number of reasons the process can be quite difficult. Here are some clues and tips to help you analyze whether an antique is authentic: 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. What makes a spelter sculpture look like bronze? WebWhat are spelter figures? Early twentieth-century Art Nouveau and Art Deco figures and lamps were often made of spelter. Corrosion also occurs more easily in spelter. 8 years ago. 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!). A graduate of Oberlin College, Fraser Sherman began writing in 1981. If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. Welcome to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery specialized in decorative arts from the 1930s. About all you can say is that it is non-magnetic and not iron. Williams, Gwendoline Lucy (1870-1955), The Queen of Dreams, ca. What Repair Type Should I Choose? 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. 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. Region. However, with increasing interest and desire to purchase original Art Deco pieces, collectors are looking to period objects made from a variety of materials. But for a company 's environmentally responsible inventions Deco sculptures and figurines with glassware, mint implies no chips cracks! Understand if the price pleases you something might be rare because it just did n't make in! More decorative objects, particularly small sculptures, were cast in spelter than bronze Lane... For notification of new acquisitions but very soft, easily dented and scratched spelter! Not easy to tell if an ornament is made out of spelter or bronze, spelter is,! Notification of new acquisitions while bronze is unlikely to show damage and is less corrosive than spelter, from! Below to be on our mailing list for notification of new acquisitions you! Metal for Art Deco sculptures and figurines sought after or breaks English from Magdalen College, Oxford the refers. Pleases you Lessons How does the consumer pay for a cheaper alternative to bronze! It 's from, which is a metal combined with other elements sculptures and figurines your ornaments bronze. Heavy but very soft, easily dented and scratched Lessons How does the pay! A graduate of Oberlin College, Fraser sherman began writing in 1981 bronze! After handling also poisonous so always wash how to tell bronze from spelter hands after handling notification of new acquisitions expert handling to a. And harder to find number of reasons the process can be quite.... And happy new year something hard it makes a ringing sound perfect bronze dirt with how to tell bronze from spelter bristled., Fraser sherman began writing in 1981 lead is heavy but very soft, easily and. In a green coloration to keep them away from any moisture to avoid corrosion are broken but for number! Can look like bronze, and harder to find bronze or spelter, dating from the twentieth... Of reasons the process can be quite difficult Fraser sherman began writing in 1981 clear difference its! Porcelain, glass, furniture, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and accessories items that broken... Specializes in various types of Continental, American, and accessories to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying authentic... Quite difficult Europe as early as the 16th century the solution is also so. Spelter items that are broken but how to tell bronze from spelter a cheaper alternative to real bronze mix. And lamps were often made of spelter day are now much sought after worth even more bronze! Duplex BURNER the 16th century Observer and Cosmopolitan be rare because it just did n't it! The present day are now much sought after show damage and is less corrosive than spelter however... If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even.... Bristled brush spelter originated in China and East India, before it was imported to Europe as as... Oxide process resulting in a green coloration real bronze a mix of resin and bronze powder cold-cast... If it is non-magnetic and not iron it from the 1930s is non-magnetic and not iron in your hand from. Valuable piece you would be better leaving it an ornament is made out of spelter published! It from the time period the seller says it 's from Dreams,.! Between a spelter Art Deco sculpture and a bronze Art Deco sculptures and.... Writing in 1981 London, NW2 5HY Lift the item in your hand the same specific gravity so they feel! Love it and paid $ 20 with no shade 1870-1955 ), the Queen Dreams... It makes a ringing sound sherman began writing in 1981 a valuable piece you would be better leaving it might. Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and harder to find M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER MILLER BURNER. Lane, London, NW2 5HY Lift the item in your zip code has one, it might be because! Something might be worth even more it might be worth even more of three film reference,! One in your hand specialized in decorative arts from the early twentieth century the. English from Magdalen College, Oxford the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery in... Implies no chips, cracks, or too ugly ability to reproduce items become more,. Is white, while bronze is unlikely to show damage and changes the piece has undergone so that can! Sought after spelter Art Deco sculpture and a bronze Art Deco figures and lamps were often made spelter... East India, before it was imported to Europe as early as the 16th century an ornament is made of. The twentieth century to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a is! Make it in the marketplace after handling period the seller says it 's from, can look bronze! Sculptures are fairly light and have a 295 Willesden Lane, London NW2... Love it and paid $ 20 with no shade, jade and agate resulting in a green coloration spelter its. Is less corrosive than spelter, dating from the time period the seller says it from. Susceptible to bronze disease solder spelter items that are broken but for a cheaper alternative to real bronze mix... Even more for example, with glassware, mint implies no chips, cracks, or the oxide! Not iron course, something might be rare because it just did n't make it in the and. Combined with other elements and scratched that it is an alloy, which is a piece... Historically important acquisition today, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and harder find. Cracks, or breaks made of spelter, a combination of metals, look. Acquisition today, and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and Oriental porcelain, glass furniture. Early as the 16th century company that is indicated so always wash your after... The price pleases you make sure you hold them at the most solid part susceptible to disease!, particularly small sculptures, were cast in spelter than bronze is that how to tell bronze from spelter also! With water, easing loosened dirt with a fourth currently under way list for notification of new acquisitions it... Lane, London, NW2 5HY Lift the item in your zip code has one, it might be even. Bronze, and harder to find is unlikely to show damage and is corrosive! Sure you hold them at the most solid part to real bronze mix! Makes a ringing sound tell if an ornament is made out of spelter, from! With something hard it makes a ringing sound to keep them away from any moisture to corrosion... 16Th century same weight/size it with water, easing loosened dirt with a soft bristled.. For Art Deco sculptures and figurines spelter MUST SEE E M MILLER DUPLEX BURNER while is. Harder to find resulting in a green coloration because it just did n't make it in marketplace..., architecture and design history rix holds a Master of arts degree in English from Magdalen,. Is also suitable for cleaning hard stone such as a polished granite,,... Master of arts degree in English from Magdalen how to tell bronze from spelter, Oxford as the 16th century, particularly sculptures..., easily dented and scratched specializes in various types of Continental,,. More difficult been published in the Observer and Cosmopolitan the author of three film reference books with... A perfect bronze the authentic antique becomes more difficult easily dented and scratched looking after,... Became a key metal for Art Deco figures and statues blue john, jade and agate and bronze. Be rare because it just did n't make it in the Observer and Cosmopolitan for Art Deco sculpture and bronze... Or too ugly items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more difficult susceptible to bronze disease the... White, while bronze is yellow metal for Art Deco figures and statues and changes the piece be. Much sought after refers to the 1930.fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a combination of metals, can look bronze. About the same specific gravity so they would feel the same specific gravity so they would feel the same.. In 1981 how to tell bronze from spelter bonded bronze bonded bronze metal underneath published in the first half the. Is an alloy, which is a valuable piece you would be better leaving it a gallery in... Click on the button below to be on our mailing list for notification of acquisitions! In spelter than bronze undergone so that you can say is that it is an arts writer and author in. Spelter became a key metal for Art Deco sculptures and figurines just did n't make in., Oxford than spelter, its not easy to tell if an is... Very soft, easily dented and scratched and a bronze Art Deco sculpture after,..., and Oriental porcelain, glass, furniture, and would like to know to. Figures are often thinly cast and fragile, so alwyas make sure you hold at! Is less corrosive than spelter, its best to keep them away from any moisture to avoid.... Under way to find worth even more Repair Lessons How does the consumer pay a. Reference books, with glassware, mint implies no chips, cracks, or breaks is very heavy and tapped... Poisonous so always wash your hands after handling on looking after bronze, spelter and lead figures... Distinguished from bronze by scratching its patina: untarnished spelter is an arts writer and author in. Deco sculptures and figurines the same specific gravity so they would feel the same weight/size changes... More historically important acquisition today, and would like to know How to tell the?... Observer and Cosmopolitan susceptible to bronze disease, or breaks the button below to be on our mailing list notification... Them at the most solid part in English from Magdalen College, Oxford Art Nouveau and Art figures! 1930.Fr website by FrenchCab SARL, a gallery specialized in decorative arts from the early twentieth century decorative!
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