Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How can you tell if a statue is real bronze?

1 Answer
How can you tell if a statue is real bronze?
To tell if a statue is real bronze, try striking it with the handle of a butter knife. Bronze will typically produce a sustained ringing sound. Other metals will usually produce a duller, more muffled or shorter-lived sound. Researching the artist can also be beneficial. By learning what types of materials they worked with, you may be able to determine whether your piece is likely to be bronze. Another option is to have a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer inspect your statue for you. On 1stDibs, explore a range of bronze statues.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
Shop for Bronze Sculptures on 1stDibs
Bronze sculpture of two flamingos standing on a stepped plinth, signed Franz Maz
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Bronze sculpture of two flamingos standing on a stepped plinth, signed Franz Mazura. The birds are modeled with detailed feather and leg work, shown clearly in the close-up of the ba...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Large Egyptian Revival cat sculpture, 1970s
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
A large and heavy Egyptian Revival cat, cast in a dark-patinated bronze alloy, modeled in the manner of the ancient Bastet figures of dynastic Egypt. This piece captures both eleganc...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Egyptian Revival Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Abstract Modernist Bronze Sculpture Figural with Brutalist Relief Texture 1970s
By Lynn Chadwick
Located in Troy, MI
Unique post-war abstract sculpture in solid bronze Anonymous artist circa 1970's Slab like torso cast in deep relief texture and nuanced patinas Three elongated legs and subtly offs...
Category

20th Century Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pierre Le Faguays (Fayral), “Lysis” Art Deco Bronze Sculpture for Max Le Verrier
Located in Bochum, NRW
An exceptional and exceedingly rare Art Deco bronze sculpture titled “Lysis”, designed by Pierre Le Faguays under his well-known pseudonym Fayral, and cast by the Max Le Verrier foun...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Marble, Metal, Bronze

Auguste Clésinger (French, 1814–1883) Roman Bull, 1858 Bronze sculpture
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
French Art Deco Bronze Sculpture – Roman Bull by Auguste Clésinger (1814–1883) Cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry – Reduction by Achille Collas France, 1858 This exquisite 19th-...
Category

Antique 1850s French Romantic Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Bronze Grand Tour Model of The Arc de Triomphe 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A delightful French bronze Grand Tour model of the Arc De Triomphe, circa 1860 in date. The beautifully realistic model is cast in high relief and is mounted on a black marble base....
Category

Antique 19th Century French Grand Tour Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Shop All