Poor quality a clue to new cast iron

Lots of new cast iron is being copied from period originals, especially Art Deco and Art Nouveau figures. Most of these new pieces, like the candlestick shown here, can be detected by poor quality construction. Feet and hands are particularly good keys to quality because they require sharp detail to appear realistic. New pieces in more complicated shapes are often made in several pieces and welded together. The welded sockets on this new candlestick, for example, are very awkwardly positioned.

Fig. 1 New Art Nouveau figural lady 8½ inch cast iron candlestick. Finished in dull gold to imitate bronze.

Fig. 2 The candle socket is cast separately and welded to the head. Note the strange tilting position.

Fig. 3 Detail of badly blurred and pitted feet on the new cast iron candlestick. Hands and feet are excellent general indicators of overall quality. Poorly formed fingers and toes are almost always a warning sign of poor construction.