Tips 'N Tidbits
Antique Bronze Mirrors
Most antique bronze mirrors contain between 30 and 40 percent tin. This makes them hard, brittle and white. This also enables them to be highly polished . . . making them very suitable for their purpose--to reflect the image of the person peering into the mirror!
Are My Candlesticks Antiques?
Although there are many factors relevant for authenticating candlesticks, one thing that is found in almost all antique candlesticks is the fact that they are usually made in two parts--the column (stem) and the base. More elegant candlesticks can actually have three and sometimes four separate pieces.
The various parts are held together by screw threads. The "lands" have no sharp edges and are usually rather stout. The grooves between are broad and flat bottomed.
Prior to the 18th century, the components of a "Dutch" candelabra were joined either by large threaded portions cut in the main body of the metal, or were pierced by a solid forged iron stem and held in placy by a key or cotter.
Detecting Bronze Forgeries
Though it is not easy to detect, bronze forgeries are usually about 10 percent smaller than the original works. This is due to the use of moulds and the refining that must be done to produce the fake. There are also usually two signatures on first edition bronzes. This is the founder's stamp. Though not a guarantee, the second signature is often a good indication that the bronze is an original work. However, if you are an amateur collector, you might want to consult a specialist before purchasing a bronze work.
Determining the Quality of Gold
The quality of gold in an item is represented by its karat (carat) value, which is the proportion by weight of pure gold to the alloyed metals. Pure gold is 24 karat. In North America, karat is spelled with a "k" rather than a "c" which is used in European nations. The use of the "k" helps to identify items made in North America.
Evaluating Vintage and Antique Jewelry
One way to identify stones is visual, which is holding it up to good light and looking at the stone through a 10 power loop; this is what is called identifying if the stone has areas of zoning. Zoning is a variation in color in different areas of the stone. This variation can indicate whether it is a natural gem or a pretty piece of glass. Glass will be clear and have an even color; it might possibly have small bubbles as well. Is the stone "cool?" If so, this also is an indication that it might be the real thing. Faceting of the stone is another clue to look for as a real gem does not have precise faceting as synthetic stones do.
Genuine Amber
Genuine amber is the resin of fossilized conifers--cone-bearing evergreen trees and shrubs. Most of the amber resin used to produce very old stutues and other items was harvested from the Baltic Sea area. Light amber is the color of honey; dark amber is reddish brown, similar to a caramel color. When rubbed briskly with a wool cloth, true amber has a static response and will attract dust or other particles. True amber will also have a pine resin smell. Be aware that fake amber statues exist, and are still being made from synthetic resins and plastics.
Genuine Antique Copper Items
A genuine antique copper item can often be authenticated by its lack of uniformity in thickness. This diversity in thickness occurred because of the hammering and the heating processes the item went through as it was being created. Also keep in mind that antique copper urns and ewers could not be made in one piece. The pieces were soldered together, and those soldered joints are clearly visible on the old pieces.
Modern copper pieces are made from sheet copper, produced by a rolling mill. This makes the items produced from these sheets uniform in thickness, including their base. Regular hammer marks are also indicative of a modern piece. Modern copperware is also perceptibly lighter than old copper pieces.
Identifying English Silver
English silver is easy to identify because of a system of marking that was introduced in the 13th century. This system of marking includes a series of marks that provide the details of the assay office, the quality, the date the item was made and the maker. These marks may also be accompanied by a number that indicates the parts of silver per thousand. Continental Europe and North America did not adopt these formal regulations, though town and maker's marks were generally used and help to identify items made in those areas. Be aware that silver marks on an item are not always clear and/or genuine, so careful analysis and use of reference books is advisable.
Is My Amber Real?
One simple test to determine whether the item you have is real amber or not is the static electricity test. Simply rub the piece of amber briskly for about 30 seconds, then hold a piece of tissue next to it. If it draws the tissue to it, there is a good possibility that it is authentic amber. Another test is to use a hot pin to touch the piece in an inconspicuous place. It it gives off a smell of pine, it could also be authentic amber. Neither of these tests are definite, but if the piece pasts these two tests, there is a great possibility that it is genuine.
Is My Bronze Piece Real?
Because there are so many bronze forgeries floating around, collectors need to be very careful when purchasing a bronze piece. Keep in mind that bronze forgeries are about 10 percent smaller than original works because of the molds and the refiring of the fake.
There are usually two signatures on first edition bronzes; this is the founder's stamp. Though not a guarantee, this second signature is often a good indication that it is an original work.
When purchasing a bronze piece, you should always demand a certificate of authenticity. However, if you are an "amateur" collector, we would suggest that you consult a specialist before making any purchases.
Spelter
An alloy of zinc and lead, spelte was used in the mid-19th Century as a cheap substitute for cast-bronze statues and ornamental objects. Spelter was either patinated to look like bronze, or it was decoratively painted or gilded. To check whether a bronze-colored casting is made from spelter, make a very small scratch on the underside. If the exposed metal appears silvery, then the casting was not genuine bronze. Spelter should be cleaned and maintained the same way as bronze.
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