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Metals

At CARAA, we have a long experience in the expertise of metals. We have so far conducted studies on statues (from antiquity to modern times), antique furniture, archaeological items and numismatic collections ... Our analyses helps to better understand and preserve metal-based objects.


The accuracy of the analyses


The physico-chemical analysis allows to determine qualitatively the composition of a metal object and the relative proportions of its various components (copper, tin, lead, silver, iron, etc.). If conditions are optimized, the exact concentration of an alloy can be determined.

The authentication or looking for fakes


The identification of the corrosion products present on an object can help to differentiate natural alteration from artificial “patina” made in the aim of forgery. The concentration of the different components of an alloy can also be correlated to the manufacturing techniques of a specific artist, country or historical period.

A benefit for restoration and conservation


The information provided by the analysis help conservators to choose the mode of restoration or conservation the most appropriate according to the type and harmfulness of the corrosion products identified.





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  • Monumental French « bronze », 17<sup>th</sup> c. (Apollo Belvédère, <em>LeSueur</em>), (Huntington Library/USA).
  • Monumental French « bronze », 17<sup>th</sup> c. (Antinoüs/Hermès, <em>LeSueur</em>), (Huntington Library/USA).
  • Monumental French « bronze », 17<sup>th</sup> c. (Hercules & Telephos, <em>LeSueur</em>), (Huntington Library/USA).
  • « Bronze » bust of the pope Gregory XV Ludovisi (c.1621) by <em>G. L. Bernini</em>.
  • « Bronze » bust of the pope Paul V Borghese (c.1621) by <em>G. L. Bernini</em>.
  • « Bronze » roman statue, 19<sup>th</sup> c. copy (Priv. Coll.).
  • Gilt « bronze » statue of St Jean Baptist (claimed 15<sup>th</sup> c.) (Priv. Coll.).
  • Commode <em>C. Cressent</em>, 18<sup>th</sup> c. (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco).
  • Commode <em>Hansen</em>, 18<sup>th</sup> c. (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco).
  • Commode <em>M. Carlin</em>, 18<sup>th</sup> c., lake and gilt « bronze » (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco).
  • <em>BVRB</em> (Bernard Van Risenburgh) desk, 18<sup>th</sup> c. (Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco).
  • Silver pre-Columbian statue analyzed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence X (Priv. Coll.)
  • Silver chandelier, 19 <sup>th</sup> c. (Priv. Coll.).
  • Polychrome metallic pendants from the Peruvian site of Haca de la Luna (200-800 D.C., Moche culture). (R. Morales, Univ. Nacional de Trujillo, Perú).
  • Louis XV lead-based medal (18 <sup>th</sup> c.).
  • Greek and Gallic silver and gold coins collection within non-invasive analyses project (Priv. Coll.).
  • Greek and Gallic silver and gold coins collection within non-invasive analyses project (Priv. Coll.).
  • Greek and Gallic silver and gold coins collection within non-invasive analyses project (Priv. Coll.).
  • Silver pre-Columbian statue with gems inserts analyzed in the American department of the <em>Musée de l'Homme</em>, Paris.
  • Metallographic analyses and electron microscopy observations (BSI) of a high lead bronze alloy (>21% Wt).
  • Transversal section of a Roman iron ingot from a shipwreck found at Sainte Marie de la mer, France (alteration products).
  • Microphotography of corrosion products during the dechlorination study of a Roman iron ingot from a shipwreck found at Sainte Marie de la mer, France (alteration products).
  • Microphotography of corrosion products during the dechlorination study of a Roman iron ingot from a shipwreck found at Sainte Marie de la mer, France (alteration products).
  • Microphotography of corrosion products during the dechlorination study of a Roman iron ingot from a shipwreck found at Sainte Marie de la mer, France (alteration products).
  • Microphotography of corrosion products during the dechlorination study of a Roman iron ingot from a shipwreck found at Sainte Marie de la mer, France (alteration products).
  • Microphotography of corrosion products during the dechlorination study of a Roman iron ingot from a shipwreck found at Sainte Marie de la mer, France (alteration products).
  • Precolombian ceremonial mask analyzed in the American departement of the Musée de l'Homme, Paris.
  • Precolombian ceremonial axe analyzed in the American departement of the Musée de l'Homme, Paris.
  • Precolombian ceremonial bludgeon analyzed in the American departement of the Musée de l'Homme, Paris.
  • Precolombian ceremonial mask analyzed in the American departement of the Musée de lHomme, Paris.
  • Precolombian iron mirrors analyzed in the American departement of the Musée de l'Homme, Paris.
  • Precolombian ceremonial axe analyzed in the American departement of the Musée de l'Homme, Paris.
  • Precolombian sculpture analyzed in the American departement of the Musée de l'Homme, Paris.
  • Precolombian ceremonial axe analyzed in the American departement of the Musée de l'Homme, Paris.
  • Roman coin of Augustus (63 BC-14 AD.) altered by copper chlorides (bronze disease) (Priv. Coll.).
  • Silver denier of Septimus Severus (146-211 AD.) showing preferential alteration of copper (formation of malachite at the surface) (Priv. Coll.).
  • Roman copper-based scabbard showing a complete minéralisation (Priv. Coll.).




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