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Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How can you tell real bronze from fake?

1 Answer
How can you tell real bronze from fake?
To tell real bronze from fake, try striking it gently with a hard object, such as the handle of a metal butter knife. A real bronze will produce a bell-like ringing sound that continues for a few seconds. Other metals will make a duller, short-lived thunking noise, more similar to what you'd expect to hear from a cowbell. If you're still unsure, take your piece to a certified appraiser to get an expert opinion. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of bronze art, furniture and jewelry.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2024
Shop for Bronze Furniture on 1stDibs
Art Nouveau lamp circa 1910
Located in NANTES, FR
Beautiful Art Nouveau lamp, circa 1910. Brown-veined alabaster shell. The base is bronze with floral decoration. Electric and in perfect condition. Total Height: 52 cm Shell Diamete...
Category

Vintage 1910s French Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Alabaster, Bronze

Nymphaea Chandelier: Warm Neutral Solid Color Glass by Avram Rusu Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Nymphaea Chandelier is a flexible and customizable arrangement of handblown glass discs in a layered myriad of translucent colors with delicate brass hardware. The Nymphaea Colle...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Nickel

Flora Chandelier: Aqua, Jade, Mint, Peach, Coral Glass by Avram Rusu Studio
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Flora chandelier is a vertical composition of two Botanica chandelier styles. Each chandelier combines a dramatically scaled floral bloom with an interlocking chain of glass lea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Nickel

Gorgeous Brass Lizard Nutcracker Vintage, France, 1960s Mid Century Modern
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1960s french large and heavy nutcracker shaped like an lizard. Nice addition to your room, to use it as is or just for your collection of bronze items. Found at an esta...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Bronze, Brass

Antique Early 19c French Empire Mahogany & Gilt Bronze Daybed
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique Early 19c French Empire Mahogany & Gilt Bronze Daybed.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Daybeds

Materials

Bronze

1980s Neo-Classical Greco-Roman Maitland-Smith Bronze Bust / Marble Base - David
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a handsome piece. It is a Neo-classical style bronze male bust on a marble base by Maitland-Smith. It is marked and in very good condition.
Category

Late 20th Century Philippine Neoclassical Busts

Materials

Marble, Bronze

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