Relevant categories: Bronzes,Architectural Salvage
(Above photo - Rolls Royce bronze - a big Spirit of Ecstacy )
Knowledge on how to pick a genuine Rolls Royce bronze is important, especially if you are a newbie. We are talking about a statue made from bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. However, there exist many imitations on the market, making it difficult for you to choose a genuine bronze statue. The purpose of this article is to help you identify a genuine bronze statue.
Here are some of the things you should look for when trying to identify an authentic Rolls Royce bronze:
1. Check out the Patina
(Above photo - Large Rolls Royce Bronze - Spirit of Ecstacy Art Nouveau Statue ) You can spot a genuine bronze statue just by looking at it. Essentially, it should have a durable patina (a film coat on the surface due to the reaction of bronze with the air) that you cannot easily scrape off. If you can easily remove it, then it is likely a substitute patina or paint. Also, check the metal underneath the patina by scratching it slightly. If the bronze is genuine, you will see a golden gleam underneath. On the other hand, iron and cold cast bronze doesn’t have that characteristic gold gleam.
(Above photo - Spirit of Ecstacy ) Alternatively, you may compare the Rolls Royce bronze with an item you know is genuine. You might come across fake bronze statues made from spelter (zinc covered with a bronze coating) and lack the rich details and shiny shimmer of genuine bronze.
2. Sound and Weight
(Above photo - XL Silver Bronze Flying Lady Art Nouveau Statue Charles Sykes ) To imitate bronze sculptures, some sculptors may use cold cast bronze (a mix of bronze powder and resin) or bonded bronze. The resultant sculpture isn’t as strong, durable, or heavy as genuine bronze. So you can distinguish a genuine Rolls Royce bronze from a fake by determining its weight. If its weight is high, then you are most likely dealing with genuine bronze. Striking a hollow part of a genuine bronze statue releases a ringing sound compared to a dull thud from a fake. So, use that to your advantage to avoid getting scammed by sellers of fake bronze.
3. Obvious Substitute Metals
(Above photo - Bronze Spirit of Ecstacy Flying Lady Figurine ) To avoid the high cost of bronze, some sculptors may use iron metal to make Rolls Royce bronzes. Since iron is heavier and stronger than cold cast bronze, it can be confused with bronze. So carry a magnet and apply it to the statue. If it sticks, then the statue is made from iron. On the contrary, a magnet cannot stick onto bronze and falls off straight away. An iron statue is also likely to have rust patches, marking it out as a fake.
4. Watch Out For Clones
You are likely to have developed an interest in a particular piece of Rolls Royce bronze (one made by a particular artist in a certain year). In that case, it is not enough to confirm that the statue is made from bronze. Rather, you should focus on whether you have an original or imitation item. You can use authoritative art references to check if you indeed have an original.
Conclusion
Your eyes should be wide open when you go out to buy a Rolls Royce bronze. That’s the only way you will be able to spot things that reveal whether it is genuine or fake. Don’t forget to use the sound and weight of the statue, which can reveal whether it is made from a cheaper alternative.
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