Antique Metalware
When we talk about antique metalware we are generally referring
to items which are crafted from brass, bronze, pewter and
copper. Whilst materials such as silver and gold are also
metal, these are considered to be fine metals and come under
categories of their own.
Metals have been used to create beautiful items for thousands of
years. From sculptures to door furniture, skilled craftsmen
used various metals to both fashion and embellish a wide variety of
useful and decorative pieces.
- Brass was commonly used in various eras of history, including
Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs.
Gorgeous and elaborate candlesticks can be found dating back to the
18th century along with ornate brass door knockers from
the same era. Brass was also commonly used in the production
of pots and kettles which hung over the fireplace for
cooking. Antique brass is easily distinguished from newer
brass due it its incredibly soft patina.
- When we talk about antique bronze, most people automatically
think of the wonderful bronze statues produced in France by
renowned sculptors such as Antoine Louis Bayre. But bronze
was also used to create ornate chandeliers, snuff boxes and elegant
clocks, along with many other pieces. Vienna bronzes are also
highly collectable, with Franz Bergman bronzes probably being the
most famous and sought after of them all.
- Pewter was used to produce many different household
items. Tankards, pitchers, bowls, plates, candlesticks and
even buttons and buckles can be found made from this silvery grey
metal. Antique pewter is once again quite easy to
identify. Because it is a soft metal, years of wear and use
make the surface uneven to the touch, even though it may look
smooth.
- Copper was also a popular metal from which many household items
were made. Pans of all sizes, mugs and warming pans are some
of the more common items to be found.
Antique metalware which was produced in the UK and intended to
hold a specific serving or measure will often have some kind of
verification mark upon it. This makes pinpointing the maker a
little easier. In the case of antique bronze sculptures, they
will often be signed or stamped by the maker.
Another popular area of collection is the tiny trinket and patch
boxes produced by applying enamel over copper. This process
dates back to the 17th century in France, but as they
became popular, British companies began to look to their neighbours
for inspiration and these 'Bilston and Battersea' boxes began to be
crafted in England. Now highly collectable, ones in good
condition can command high prices from collectors worldwide.
Antique metalware also includes pieces produced from wrought
iron, tinplate and steel and can include various outdoor items such
as weather vanes, gates of all sizes and lanterns.
Whatever type of metalware you are looking to purchase and/or
collect, it is always imperative to find pieces in the best
possible condition. Dings and dents can greatly reduce both
the value of a piece and its appearance. As with all
antiques, handle as many pieces as you can so you begin to
appreciate the feel of good quality items.
Antique metalware is perhaps one of the most overlooked areas of
antiques today. Because of this it makes it far easier to
search, and perhaps find, that hidden gem. But you'll need to
hurry, because many people are turning to this fast growing area of
antique collecting due to the intricacy and very often outstanding
quality of many of the highly usable pieces available.