Pair of large female torchere. Need help please

Hello,
I would appreciate if the metal can be confirmed as bronze. Also, what period are they from? Any additional intel would be great! including potential value.

They are 26 inches tall and the base is 6 inches at the base. There are no markings/signatures.

Thank you in advance,
Lucy

the pair by LUCY posted Dec 17, 2017 at 7:24 PM

under base by LUCY posted Dec 17, 2017 at 7:24 PM

face detail by LUCY posted Dec 17, 2017 at 7:24 PM

face detail by LUCY posted Dec 17, 2017 at 7:24 PM

torch detail by LUCY posted Dec 17, 2017 at 7:24 PM

foot detail by LUCY posted Dec 17, 2017 at 7:24 PM

foot detail by LUCY posted Dec 17, 2017 at 7:24 PM

 

Welcome!!! They are very attractive but the base picture does not look like bronze to me IMHO. At least not a traditional bronze. Seems to be some kind of wrap thing going on there?

 

It appears that an outer piece is chipped off. Does the inside look like grey metal?

 

Welcome!

 

I am thinking these may be copper clad if the picture of the strap across the bottom is showing the true color.

 

the color is close. Is a shiny like brass and there is chalk still in it. How old do you think they are?

I have to take a closer look. Also the bases seem different. I will get back to you.

 

What do you mean by wrap thing?

 

These appear to have a very thin layer of metal over another substance in the picture. This is not how a traditional cast bronze piece is made.

 

There should not be anything a different color inside the finger if it is cast bronze.

 

Much of the 1920s - 30s figurines were pot metal (spelter) that was bronze, brass or copper clad. Made it more affordable.

I suspect that is what you have.
Older, but not solid bronze.

In fact there was a thread only a couple of weeks ago with something similar, only missing the candle cups.

 

Thank you. Interesting.

So, are they worthless??

 

Not worthless but not as valuable as solid bronze. I am not qualified to estimate a price. I would describe them as "bronze clad spelter" or "spelter" and search for sold comparables to try to get an idea of value. I believe they originally had some kind of bases under them BTW, possibly alabaster.

 

No they are not worthless.

Here's one listed on Ruby Lane.
https://www.rubylane.com/item/1415055-a236/French-Art-Nouveau-Candlestick-Sculpture-Girl

Are yours really 26 inches tall? I would think that would increase the value.

@verybrad

Wanted to add, I do not think that they had alabaster or marble bases.

 

Have stayed off this thread since photos and info are not really sufficient to say anything definitive. My gut reaction is that these are fairly modern, plated spelter, with applied patina. Could be brass but sincerely doubt bronze. Would really like the OP to do a scratch test. Quality of the casting is not good enough to be 19th century and that very dark patina screams late 20th century. Doubt these had any other bases.

 

Thank you. I am new at this.

 

Hi,

Yes they are 26 inches tall. Thank you for the link.

 

Thank you... I am in a learning curve.

 

You are the OP (Opening Poster).

 

Thank you for clarifying that. Now, I would I do a scratch test? Where and what am I looking for? My specialty is jewelery, I am trying to branch out. Thank you again.