Most bronze sculptures carry more than one kind of mark. You might see a hand-incised name, a stamped monogram, an edition fraction, or a small plaque—sometimes all on the same base. The goal of marks identification isn’t just curiosity: it’s how you avoid paying fine-art prices for a decorative cast, or undervaluing a legitimate edition.
This guide uses an at-home, collector-safe workflow. You’ll learn (1) how to tell a foundry mark from an artist signature, (2) how to interpret edition numbering, and (3) what red flags suggest a later cast or a fake mark.
Visual guide: bronze mark examples
Use these references while you inspect your sculpture. The easiest wins come from raking light, a loupe, and good photos.
10-minute checklist: identify marks without damaging the patina
- Set up raking light: a flashlight held low to the surface reveals shallow engraving (see raking light example).
- Scan the base rim first: many signatures are scratched near the edge; many foundry marks are stamped in a cartouche.
- Check for multiple marks: you might have an artist signature and a separate foundry stamp and an edition number.
- Photograph straight-on and angled: take one shot perpendicular to the mark, then rotate 20–30° and shoot again.
- Look for consistency: is patina inside the mark consistent with surrounding surface? Bright, fresh cuts can be a warning.
- Document dimensions: measure height and base width; scale drives value and also narrows down possible models.
Foundry marks vs artist signatures: what you’re looking at
Collectors often assume any mark is a signature. In bronze, that’s a common mistake. A foundry mark identifies the workshop that cast the bronze (or the foundry that finished/authorized it). An artist signature identifies the sculptor or designer.
| Clue | More like a foundry mark | More like an artist signature |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s made | Stamped, raised, or cartouched (see example) | Incised/engraved by hand (see example) |
| Content | Monogram/logo, workshop name, city, “Cire Perdue” | Name, initials, sometimes a date |
| Placement | Often under base rim, on the base bottom, or on a plaque | Often on base edge, integrated into composition, or on plinth |
| Value implication | Can increase confidence and price if reputable | Can be decisive—if authentic and matches known examples |
Edition numbers: what “3/25”, “AP”, and “EA” actually mean
An edition mark is usually written as a fraction (e.g., 3/25) and typically appears near the signature or foundry stamp (see edition example). It signals that the sculpture was produced in a limited run.
- Number/number (3/25): third cast out of an edition of twenty-five.
- AP (Artist’s Proof): a proof outside the numbered edition, often less common.
- EA (Épreuve d’Artiste): French equivalent of artist’s proof.
- HC (Hors Commerce): “not for sale” proofs; still traded in the market.
Collector tip: Don’t assume “limited edition” means “valuable.” Editions can range from small and tightly controlled to very large runs. The artist’s market and the foundry’s reputation do more work than the fraction alone.
Where to look for marks (collectors miss these spots)
If you only check the obvious signature area, you can miss the most informative stamp on the piece. Before you conclude “unmarked,” scan these locations in a loop and photograph each one:
- Base rim: rotate slowly and check every 90°—many signatures live here.
- Bottom of the base: felt, wood bases, and plaques can hide a stamp.
- Plinth or marble base: a separate plaque may identify the artist or edition.
- Rear edge of the composition: some sculptors sign discretely along an edge.
- Inside cavities: on hollow bronzes, a foundry may stamp inside the base.
Use raking light (example) to make shallow cuts readable without rubbing or polishing the surface.
Original casting vs later cast: why the timeline matters
Two bronzes can carry similar marks and still have very different value if they were cast in different periods. Collectors and appraisers often separate:
- Lifetime casts: made during the artist’s life, typically closer to the primary market story.
- Posthumous casts: made after the artist’s death; can still be legitimate but may trade at a discount.
- Later decorative casts: “after” models inspired by a known sculptor, sometimes with misleading marks.
Practical photo clues include stamp + signature consistency, edition presentation (example), and overall finishing quality (example). If the casting looks crude but the mark set implies a premium edition, treat it as a red flag and seek expert review.
Casting and patina clues that support (or contradict) the marks
Marks are only one input. High-quality bronzes usually show careful finishing: seams are blended, textures are crisp, and patina sits naturally in recesses. Low-quality casts can still carry convincing stamps, so use physical evidence too:
- Chasing quality: hand-finished surfaces show intentional toolwork (see casting/chasing example).
- Sprue plugs: round plug circles and filled channels can be normal, but should look consistent with age (see sprue plug example).
- Patina behavior: authentic handling wear often polishes high points while recesses stay darker (see patina example).
Common false positives (and why collectors get fooled)
- “BRONZE” is not a foundry mark: it can be a material stamp on decorative objects and tells you nothing about authorship.
- Fresh engraving in old patina: a signature cut through oxidation can look suspiciously bright.
- Transferable plaques: name plates can be swapped; always evaluate the bronze itself.
- Posthumous casts and later editions: marks may be real, but the casting date and edition control can change value significantly.
- Too-perfect stamps: extremely crisp marks on heavily worn surfaces may indicate a later strike.
Cleaning & care: what not to do (if you care about value)
Marks and patina are evidence. The fastest way to destroy that evidence is aggressive cleaning. Avoid:
- Metal polish or abrasive pads: they strip patina and can soften fine engraving.
- Chemical cleaners: acids and harsh degreasers can stain and destabilize patina.
- Re-patination experiments: these often look uniform and can reduce confidence for buyers.
For routine care, dust with a soft brush and microfiber cloth. If you see active corrosion (powdery green), consult a conservator before trying home remedies.
Auction comps: real-world context from recent sales
Below are three concrete sold examples pulled from Appraisily’s internal auction results database. Use them as context: the same subject can trade very differently depending on artist, edition control, size, and provenance.
How these comps connect to marks: two of the easiest “value signals” to verify from photos are (1) whether a work is a controlled edition (often visible via numbering) and (2) whether the mark set (signature + stamp) matches what the market expects for that artist’s bronzes. When either piece is missing or inconsistent, buyers price in uncertainty.
When to get a pro appraisal (and what to send)
If your goal is selling, insurance, or tax documentation, you’re better off with a written appraisal than a guess based on one stamp. Use the photo checklist above and include:
- Full views + measurements
- Close-ups of every mark (signature, stamp, edition fraction)
- Condition details (repairs, dents, patina issues)
- Any paperwork (gallery invoices, certificates, estate notes)
Search variations collectors ask
Readers often Google:
- how to identify foundry marks on bronze sculpture
- bronze sculpture signature vs foundry mark difference
- where to find the signature on a bronze sculpture base
- what does cire perdue mean on a bronze sculpture
- bronze sculpture edition number AP EA meaning
- are bronze sculpture marks always on the base
- how to spot fake signatures on bronze sculptures
- how to date a bronze sculpture by foundry stamp
- bronze sculpture authentication checklist at home
Each question is answered in the identification checklist above.
References & data sources
- Appraisily auction results database (via valuer-agent). Comps cited from Bradford’s lots 1087 (2023-04-30) and 3037 (2021-04-11), plus Antique Arena Inc lot 271 (2024-07-20). Source file:
/srv/repos/agents/article-agent/run/article-2025-12-25T20-06-30-818Z-bronze-sculpture-marks-identification-foundry-marks-vs-artist-signature/valuer-comps.json. - Bronze handling guidance: standard museum/conservation best practices (avoid metal polish; preserve patina).