Condition Of This Duchoiselle Bronze Bust?

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by Diggummup, Sep 1, 2018.

  1. Diggummup

    Diggummup Well-Known Member

    I purchased this a couple/few months ago maybe because it was cheap. You'll find that to be the common denominator with all my finds. It is signed Duchelles. Anyway, it looked to me like it had a few condition problems. Appears it may have been gilded at one time and someone polished most of it off maybe over the years? I have seen other examples of this bust that are. There is no green or corroded areas, just those white areas here and there. Should I just put some Renaissance Wax on it and be done? Also, I noticed I heard some slag inside that is loose. Is this very common or is it a deterring factor when reselling?
    What are your thoughts on the condition of this bust? I'm more concerned with listing it properly condition-wise. It's not in my regular wheelhouse. Thanks in advance and here are some pics...

    IMG_7809 (623x1280).jpg IMG_7811 (699x1280).jpg IMG_7827 (1280x890).jpg
    IMG_7825 (1280x1214).jpg
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  2. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

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  3. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Self portrait.

    Rafaello Sanzio self portrait.jpg
     
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  4. Diggummup

    Diggummup Well-Known Member

    Yeah sorry about that, I forgot to mention his name.
     
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  5. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    The metal may be an alloy containing zinc and/or lead, both of which can yield white corrosion products. Alternatively, the white deposits may be a residue of polishing compound left over from the vigorous attempts to shine the poor fellow. I have often seen accumulations of polish left in engravings and the nooks and crannies of sculptures. Careful use of a toothpick (something softer than the metal, to avoid scratches) might help you get a feel for what the white material is. Corrosion will be more tenacious that old polish.
     
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  6. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    Your signature is a bit DIFFERENT from the one on Live Auctioneers.............

    zzzz58700002_4_x.jpg
     
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  7. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Different foundry? Think these are labels more than signatures, put there by the foundry rather than the artist.
     
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  8. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    That would make good sense!!! Thanks!
     
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  9. Diggummup

    Diggummup Well-Known Member

    I've taken a toothpick to it, museum wax, looked at it under different magnifications and the white areas are still a mystery. I'm familiar with zinc pest and it doesn't seem to be that. The white doesn't go anywhere or show any signs of powdering. If it's old polishing compound, I don't know how to remove it, without getting aggresive. Which I don't want to do.
     
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  10. 2manybooks

    2manybooks Well-Known Member

    Probably best to just consider it part of the sculpture's "charm". :)
     
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  11. gregsglass

    gregsglass Well-Known Member

    Hi,
    Spray it warm water and try a soft bristle brush dipped in white vinegar then spray with warm water again and dry it with a towel.
    greg
     
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