How do I clean my antique bronze figure?

Dust it lightly with a soft bristle brush. You want to dislodge loose dirt from the deep crevices without scratching the surface. If the metal looks very dry, apply a tiny amount of microcrystalline wax. Buff it gently with a soft cloth once dry. Do not use chemical metal polishes, as they strip the original patina.

I have inherited a heavy dark metal statue from my grandmother, but I need to know how to pack and move it safely across the country without cracking the base.

Lift from the heaviest part of the bronze, usually the lower torso or legs. Never pick a figure up by an outstretched arm or a weapon, as these are often pinned joints that can snap. Wrap the marble or slate base separately if it unbolts easily. If it doesn't, cushion the base with dense foam. Plinths chip very easily when set down hard on concrete floors or moving ramps.

What does a foundry mark look like?

Marks usually appear as small stamps on the base edge. They often feature the foundry name in capital letters. Not all antique bronzes carry them. Many smaller workshops sold unmarked casts directly to retailers.

The bronze mortar and pestle I bought recently has a large green crusty patch on the inside, and I read somewhere that this is called bronze disease. Is this something that spreads to other metal?

Green patches are often just harmless verdigris caused by dampness. It sits on the surface and washes off easily. True bronze disease is different. It looks like a bright green, powdery outbreak that pits the metal. It thrives in high humidity and is a destructive chemical reaction involving chlorides. Keep the item in a dry room to halt the process.

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Antique Bronze

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Antique bronze encompasses a vast range of functional and decorative metalwork, from ancient vessels to Renaissance statuary and nineteenth-century domestic fixtures, all cast from copper alloys and valued for their durable, patinated surfaces.