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Updated May 4, 2026

How to identify foundry marks

Foundry marks identify where a bronze may have been cast, but they do not prove the sculpture is authentic by themselves. They must be checked with artist, edition, casting quality, patina, and provenance.

MIA KRANTZ BRONZE SCULPTURE sold by Midnight Sun Antique Auction — auction record photograph
Auction-record example: MIA KRANTZ BRONZE SCULPTURE. Source: Midnight Sun Antique Auction. Separate auction item shown for reference. View auction source.

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One clear answer

Photograph the foundry mark in context, then capture the whole sculpture, base, underside, edition number, artist signature, plaque, patina, and condition.

Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, medium, edition, subject, and demand can materially change value.

Evidence checklist

  • Photograph the whole object, close details, back, frame or base, signatures, labels, condition issues, and scale.
  • Include medium, dimensions, provenance, receipts, certificates, gallery labels, and prior appraisal records.
  • Show the evidence that could prove or disprove the first assumption: texture, paper, canvas, plate mark, edition, foundry mark, surface, or damage.

What changes the answer

  • Foundry mark, artist signature, edition number, casting quality, patina, and documentation work together.
  • Later casts, after-casts, reproductions, and decorative bronzes can complicate mark interpretation.
  • Strong provenance can be more important than a mark alone.

What similar items actually sold for

Real auction sales of items like your bronze sculpture. Open a sale to see the original listing.

Shown USD range: USD 35-USD 42,500. Median of these 60 USD examples: USD 520.

Comparable What sold Auction house Date Lot Source-reported amount
Bronze Cat Sculpture on Marble Base by European Bronze Finery, 12 in. (30.5 cm.) sold by Asselmeier May Auctions, lot 207 — auction record photograph Bronze Cat Sculpture on Marble Base by European Bronze Finery, 12 in. (30.5 cm.) Asselmeier May Auctions 2024-02-04 207 USD 400
A modernist gilt bronze peacock sculpture (L:26.5cm) sold by Lawsons, lot 278 — auction record photograph A modernist gilt bronze peacock sculpture (L:26.5cm) Lawsons 2025-08-14 278 AUD 80
Large Signed J. MOIGNIEZ Bronze Running Cheetah Sculpture sold by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services, lot 19F — auction record photograph Large Signed J. MOIGNIEZ Bronze Running Cheetah Sculpture South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services 2025-09-14 19F USD 285
GEORGE KURSTURKOV A POLISHED BRONZE ABSTRACT SCULPTURE ON BASE, 64CMSH sold by WA Art Auctions, lot 84 — auction record photograph GEORGE KURSTURKOV A POLISHED BRONZE ABSTRACT SCULPTURE ON BASE, 64CMSH WA Art Auctions 2026-06-28 84 AUD 300
Botzaris (Sava, 1894-1965). Maxine 'Blossom' Miles, a cast bronze head and neck sculpture sold by Dominic Winter Auctions, lot 323 — auction record photograph Botzaris (Sava, 1894-1965). Maxine 'Blossom' Miles, a cast bronze head and neck sculpture Dominic Winter Auctions 2025-11-12 323 GBP 540
Robert Wyland Bronze Manatee Sculpture. Condition: good. The piece is signed & number 6/300. Dia. 23" sold by Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions, lot 87 — auction record photograph Robert Wyland Bronze Manatee Sculpture. Condition: good. The piece is signed & number 6/300. Dia. 23" Bill Hood & Sons Arts & Antiques Auctions 2015-01-13 87 USD 450
Yves Lohe (French, b.1947) late 20th century, bronze & cameo glass sculpture, the moulded glass female torso in clear, sold by Martel Maides, lot 672 — auction record photograph Yves Lohe (French, b.1947) late 20th century, bronze & cameo glass sculpture, the moulded glass female torso in clear, Martel Maides 2018-06-21 672 GBP 160
Antique Bronze Sculpture of Winged Victory sold by Amero Auctions, lot 114 — auction record photograph Antique Bronze Sculpture of Winged Victory Amero Auctions 2024-11-17 114 USD 650
† A RARE BRONZE FIGURE OF MAITREYA, SRIVIJAYA, 7TH CENTURY sold by Galerie Zacke, lot 662 — auction record photograph † A RARE BRONZE FIGURE OF MAITREYA, SRIVIJAYA, 7TH CENTURY Galerie Zacke 2024-10-18 662 EUR 2,600
ENRIC CASANOVAS ROY (Barcelona, 1882 - 1948). "Female figure with bouquet of flowers." Bronze. Base in veined marble. Signed at the base. Foundry stamp: R. Vila Valls, Tarragona. sold by Setdart Auction House, lot 14 — auction record photograph ENRIC CASANOVAS ROY (Barcelona, 1882 - 1948). "Female figure with bouquet of flowers." Bronze. Base in veined marble. Signed at the base. Foundry stamp: R. Vila Valls, Tarragona. Setdart Auction House 2021-04-15 14 EUR 2,100
How these auction records were verified

These sales are market context, not an object estimate.

Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Live source access was blocked; the exact record matched Appraisily's immutable pipeline provenance. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.

Condition and authenticity cautions

Do not deepen, polish, wax, or clean a foundry mark before review. Surface changes can hurt evidence.

Use a professional appraisal or authentication path when artist attribution, legal use, insurance, donation, or a significant sale is involved.

When the free screener is enough

Use the free screener for first-pass identification, condition review, and market direction before selling, donating, cleaning, reframing, or ordering a formal appraisal.

When to get a professional appraisal

Use a professional appraisal for insurance, estate, donation, legal, or higher-value sale decisions. See the professional sample report.

Related guides

Art, painting, and signature guides, Art painting guides, Free online art appraisal, Free art appraisal app, Artwork media types guide, How to identify artist signatures, How to identify bronze sculpture marks, Bronze sculpture marks identification, Value of old bronze sculptures.

FAQ

What does a foundry mark tell you?

It may identify the casting foundry, but authenticity still depends on artist, edition, provenance, casting quality, and condition.

Can reproductions have foundry marks?

Yes. Marks can appear on later casts or reproductions, so context matters.

What photos are best?

Full sculpture, base, underside, mark close-ups, signature, edition, patina, damage, and documentation.

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