What is the difference between bronze and spelter?

Bronze is an alloy primarily composed of copper and tin, offering weight, durability, and a warm resonance when tapped. Spelter is a zinc-based metal that feels lighter and appears softer under close inspection. Figures cast in spelter often show base metal beneath worn painted surfaces, whereas bronze maintains its metallic tone throughout. Magnification around casting seams helps distinguish the denser copper alloy from the softer zinc substitute.

Are these figures mounted on original bases?

Many nineteenth and twentieth century sculptures were paired with stone, marble, or wood plinths designed specifically to complement the proportions of the metalwork. Original mounts typically show matching wear patterns and appropriate fixing screws underneath. Replacement bases occasionally appear on older pieces due to past damage or stylistic updates by previous collectors. Examining the fit between the figure's feet and the stone surface reveals whether they have remained together over time.

How can I identify Art Deco figures?

Art Deco figures from the 1920s and 1930s feature stylised geometries, streamlined clothing, and dynamic poses often depicting dancers or athletic human forms. Materials frequently include patinated bronze combined with carved ivory, onyx, or stepped marble bases. Signatures incised directly into the metal or marble base often point toward prominent sculptors of the period. The clean lines and modern aesthetic separate these works from earlier Victorian and Neoclassical designs.