Are these figures detachable from the marble?

Most figures are secured to the stone plinth from underneath using threaded metal rods and nuts hidden beneath the base. Dismantling them is unnecessary and risks damaging the delicate attachment points. Leave the mounting intact and lift the entire assembly by supporting the heavy stone base rather than the metal figure above.

How can I tell bronze from spelter?

Bronze carries a heavier weight and a warmer, more resonant feel, whereas spelter feels lighter and colder to the touch. Examining any points of wear will reveal a yellowish or silvery grey metal beneath the surface patina if the piece is spelter. Finer castings in bronze display sharper surface details and crisper chisel marks from the finishing process.

What is the difference between marble and onyx bases?

Marble is a metamorphic rock with veined or solid coloration, offering a dense and uniform appearance beneath the sculpture. Onyx is a form of banded chalcedony that often exhibits a translucent quality, allowing light to penetrate the surface layers. Both materials provide the substantial weight required to balance slender metal figures, but onyx introduces warmer honey tones and greater optical depth.