What metals were used for these ornaments?

Foundries cast these mantel pieces primarily in bronze, brass, and spelter. Many examples feature specialised surface treatments such as gilding, silvering, or dark patination. Some pieces combine multiple metals, pairing bronze figures with ormolu mounts or brass details.

How do I identify Art Deco pieces?

Art Deco pieces typically date from around 1930 and show distinct stylistic traits such as streamlined female figures, geometric animals like panthers and seagulls, and materials like spelter on alabaster bases. They lack the classical drapery or overt ornamentation found in Victorian or nineteenth-century French works.

Were these ornaments made as pairs?

Many objects on this page were produced as symmetrical pairs, including ewers, lions, horses, and decorative urns meant to flank a central clock or mirror. Single figural sculptures and standalone vases also appear frequently among the listings.

What are the common base materials?

Sculptures and urns frequently rest on heavy natural stone plinths to provide balance and a formal presentation. Marble, onyx, sienna marble, and alabaster serve as the primary materials for these bases. Stepped metal plinths also appear on certain nineteenth-century cast items.

Home > Metal Mantel Ornament > Page 3

Antique Metal Mantel Ornament

37 items · page 3 of 3

← Page 3 of 3 →

An antique metal mantel ornament brings the weight of the nineteenth or early twentieth century to a hearth, offering bronze, spelter or brass cast into figures, animals and classical urns.