Identifying metal? A vintage or antique Ganesha statue?

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by Wolfrott, Apr 27, 2016.

  1. Wolfrott

    Wolfrott New Member

    I have a vintage (or antique) Ganesha statue my Mum bought in India in the 60s, but not sure what it's made of, and it needs a good clean (dust, dirt, but no rust) so we want to ID it first.

    It's small, about 20cm tall, black-ish bronzey colour, but it weighs A TON so thinking iron. Is there a test for iron, cast or wrought? It has no mold marks or seams, though. The underside of the base is extremely pitted and rough, but the exterior is very very smooth and polished, its a solid statue, not hollow.

    I have photos but I am on mobile right now so I'll add pics in the morning.
     
  2. gregsglass

    gregsglass Well-Known Member

    Hi,
    Test for all kinds of iron with a magnet.
    greg
     
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  3. trip98

    trip98 Well-Known Member

    Many of those brass statues are filled with sand.
     
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  4. Wolfrott

    Wolfrott New Member

    Tried this, forgot the magnet test, but it didn't react so now I'm stumped. I've now added photos!
     
  5. Wolfrott

    Wolfrott New Member

    In real life it is very dark, a steel grey, with flash or direct light its a bronze colour. There's no rust but it has a crusty white and green layer under one arm.

    What do you guys think its made of? I haven't weighed it yet but it's aeound 800grms, its incredibly heavy.
     

    Attached Files:

  6. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    Either bronze or brass with applied patina. The underarm coloration is verdigris.
     
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  7. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    Indian brass is so hard to date because they've been making the same exact thing for hundreds of years. This does not look that old to me.

    image_jpeg.jpg
     
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  8. Bev aka thelmasstuff

    Bev aka thelmasstuff Colored pencil artist extraordinaire ;)

    The visible seams say "tourist" piece. Older ones and those made for sale to believers are much more finely crafted. My son-in-law is Indian and the ones he has are really nice.
     
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  9. Wolfrott

    Wolfrott New Member

    Thanks! I knew it wasn't old, it wasn't sold as such, but was unsure of the metal and other identifying features.
     
  10. Wodawolly

    Wodawolly Member

    A short scrape underneath where not too noticeable will id if brass. Not very well detailed at the fingers and other areas
    Tourist piece. A lot of touristy brass ware comes out of India
     
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