Bronze and sculpture valuation
An animal bronze on the mantelpiece, an inherited statuette, a signed group whose history you do not know: the value of a bronze lies in the quality of its casting, its edition and its condition, far more than in the weight of its metal.
We examine the bronze, explain what we see and, if it interests us, make you a written offer. We do not buy metal by the kilo.
- Valuation
- Free and without obligation
- Where
- From photos, then at your home
- Offer
- In writing, and you remain free to decline
- Hours
- Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm
The pieces we examine
Art bronzes
Animal subjects, figures, groups, busts, signed or unsigned.
Statuettes and sculptures
Bronze statuettes, sculptures in other materials.
Furnishing bronzes
Candlesticks, candelabra, mantel garnitures, decorative objects in bronze.
- Other, or not sureBronze, spelter or brass? Photograph the piece from several angles: we will help you find out.Describe the item
A signature is not enough
The name engraved on the base is a clue, never proof.
What a signature indicates
- The model from which the bronze was cast.
- With a foundry mark or a number, a lead on the edition.
- A starting point for the expert’s research.
What it does not prove
- Not the age of the cast: a model may have been cast long after the artist’s death.
- Not the quality: an after-cast (surmoulage) reproduces the signature, not the finesse of the model.
- Not the value, which depends on the edition, the chasing, the patina and the condition.
What helps us value your bronze
- Overall photographs
- The piece from the front, the side and the back, against a plain background if possible.
- Signature and marks
- Signature, foundry mark, number, marks under the base, close up.
- Dimensions
- Height, width, depth, with or without the base.
- Condition
- Patina, wear, missing parts, repairs, reattached elements. Please do not clean the patina.
- Known provenance
- Inheritance, purchase, invoice, sale catalogue.
How the valuation works
You send us photographs
From several angles, with the signature and the marks.
An initial assessment
Likely material, model, possible attribution, and whether an examination in person is worthwhile.
The examination
Material, quality of the casting and chasing, patina, edition and attribution, at your home.
Your decision
A written offer if we are able to buy the piece. You are free to decline it.
At your home, anywhere in France
We are based in Chauny but do not receive the public there: we travel by appointment to examine bronzes at your home, which avoids moving a heavy or fragile piece.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell bronze from spelter?
Spelter, a lighter and more fragile alloy, was often patinated to imitate bronze. It is generally less heavy, and a discreet scratch under the base reveals a light grey metal. Do not try this on a visible part: send us photographs instead.
My bronze is signed: does that mean it is valuable?
No. A signature indicates a model, not a period cast or fine quality. The expert looks at the chasing, the patina, the founder’s marks and the edition before giving an opinion.
What is an after-cast (surmoulage)?
A cast made from a mould taken from an existing bronze, rather than from the artist’s model. The resulting piece is slightly smaller and less crisp. It reproduces the signature, which often misleads.
Do you value bronzes from photographs?
Yes, for an initial assessment. The material, the casting and the patina are then examined in person.
Should I clean a bronze before showing it?
No. The patina is part of a bronze’s value; a cleaning product or a brush can damage it irreversibly.
Do you buy bronze by weight?
No. We are interested in art and furnishing bronzes for their quality, not in metal by the kilo.
Is the valuation free?
Yes, free and without obligation, from photographs or at your home.
Find out more
Have your bronze valued
Describe the piece and its signature: an expert will get back to you and tell you which photographs are useful.
- Telephone
- +33 7 57 99 00 67
- Opening hours
- Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm
By appointment - Address
- A.F Conclues
142 Rue de la Chaussée
02300 Chauny
Tell us about your pieces
Free, confidential valuation.
An expert will call you back within 24 hours.