Gilt bronze is a term which refers to bronze items decorated with gold. This technique was often used in the 18th and 19th centuries and it was also popular in the Art Deco era. This form of decoration was used on clocks, lamps, wall panels, doors (especially high end stores) and figurines.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, mercury was used in the production but due to the mercury fumes, many gilders did not live until after 40. The process was banned in France in 1830 although items were still made using this technique up until the 1900’s. Art Deco items usually used other techniques similar to electroplating. Reference Wikipedia
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco gilt bronze items including a figurine by Demetre Chiparus and a Tiffany Studios lamp base.
A PAIR OF ART DECO GILT-BRONZE AND ALABASTER LIGHT FITTINGS, CIRCA 1928 each semi-eliptical alabaster shade held in a gilt-bronze bracket supported by three Egyptian male figures standing on stylised foliage
Sold for 7,200 AUD at Sotheby’s in 2009
DEMETRE CHIPARUS (ROMANIAN, 1886-1947) ‘Vedette’: A Cold-Painted and Parcel Gilt Bronze Figure, circa 1925 modelled as a young female dancer in exotic costume, and raised on a variegated marble plinth 37.5cm high, the marble engraved ‘Chiparius’
Sold for £ 6,312 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2020
A PAIR OF AMERICAN ART DECO GILT-BRONZE ARCHITECTURAL PANELS, CIRCA 1920
Sold for USD 4,000 at Christie’s in 2012
Pair of Art Deco Parcel Gilt Bronze, Metal and Marble Torcheres 1940s Decorated with signs of the Zodiac, unmarked. Height 6 feet 6 inches, width 17 inches.
Sold for $6,250 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2018
A beautiful Tiffany Studios Blue Enameled Lamp base. The base with Art Deco pattern comprised of blue enamel tiles on the foot. The base is finished in an acid etched gilt bronze. The base stands 14” to the top switch. Base is in excellent condition with no dents, breaks, or visible repairs, with minimal scratching to the foot of base. Underside signed “Louis C. Tiffany Furnaces INC. 369.”
Sold for $1,500 at Dan Morphy Auctions in 2020
Rare Art Deco Egyptian Three piece. Clock Set
Circa 1920’s, made in France, depicting two Egyptian ladies holding up the marble clock while a seated wings sphinx, sits atop, side pieces also are of standing gilt bronze ladies holding marble compotes, also includes original pyramid with sphinx pendulum
Sold for $850 at Treasureseeker Auctions LLC in 2020
