Bronze Or Spelter? Learn The Difference!

This week, we dive into the fascinating world of antique bronze and spelter metalware! Can you tell the difference? Have you bought a statue thinking it was bronze and it turned out to be cheap spelter? Let me know in the comments below.
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Thanks for watching.
Mark.

[@leephillips4191]

Hi, Mark! Thank you so much for sharing your time and passion with us in the world of Antiques.. 👍

[@antiquescentral]

Hi Lee. No problem. I hope you found it useful? 😁👍

[@Bassett743]

Hi Mark I really enjoyed the video. It's great to see your enthusiasm for an area you clearly are comfortable with and know a lot about. I'm looking forward to your next video as always. Very best wishes Sarah 😊

[@antiquescentral]

Glad you enjoyed it. M.

[@tanyarussell5627]

Best spelter and bronze comparison video I've seen so far - thank you, and well done! Some suggestions: you often can't tell thickness of a cast piece by looking at the base, because the base is often thicker at this point, flaring out, and not representative of a potentially thinne. Yes, bronze is a better conductor of heat, so it can be both colder and warmer than spelter, depending on the ambient heat. Seam lines are common in most bronzes larger than the hand, so this isn't really a distinguishing feature for spelter. Weight can be deceptive, I think the smaller sized pieces can sometimes be differentiated using weight, as small bronzes are generally cast solid and I've seen spelter sculptures of that size that are hollow. With larger size sculptures though, both should be expected to be hollow, and the thickness of the casting is often very dependent on the foundry or metal caster - I've seen very thin bronzes and also stupidly thick cast ones, (stupid because thick bronze can deform the statue in the casting).

[@antiquescentral]

Hi Tanya. Thanks for your kind words and also the time spent responding, much appreciated. I agree with the points you raise and will take them on board for future videos. Thanks again, Mark. 😁👍

[@edwinmiranda8174]

Excellent

[@antiquescentral]

Thanks, I'm pleased you found the video helpful. 😁👍

[@annprice6294]

About 20 years ago, I bought a sculpture that was sold as bronze but I’m pretty sure is spelter or perhaps a bronze plated metal. I don’t care because I love it, but recently it has started showing some corrosion in recessed areas. I’m hoping to find a way to clean it and prevent further damage.

[@antiquescentral]

Hi Ann. You could apply a very thin coat of black wax which will slow down the corrosion by eliminating oxygen from the surface of the metal. I have a video on cleaning bronze and copper if you can find it on my channel? Regards, Mark.

[@MrRapota]

Thank you from Ukraine 🇺🇦!

[@antiquescentral]

Hi - Thanks for your comment and I'm pleased you enjoyed the video. I hope you are staying safe during this awful time? If you have subscribed, I can add Ukraine to the digital subscriber list that appears at the end of each video. No worries if not. Stay safe, regards, Mark.

[@MrRapota]

@@antiquescentral I am an antiques dealer, but I am currently serving in the army. I would be very pleased if you could add Ukraine to the list. Your videos are very informative

[@antiquescentral]

@MrRapota Thank you. I will add Ukraine onto the next video. We are all thinking of you. The channel has a small but friendly community and we welcome you on board! Regards, Mark.

[@MrRapota]

@@antiquescentral Thank you Mark, your support is very much appreciated. I'm happy to be a part of your community. 🇬🇧 🇺🇦

[@vintagevic4593]

So basically spelter is utterly utterly crap 🤣

[@antiquescentral]

Hi Vic. It's the poor man's bronze. But as I say in the video, certain genuine Art Deco pieces are increasing in value but they have to be outstanding examples of the craft. 😁👍.