Can anyone help me identify this bronze vase or it's maker? With a strong magnifying glass, I can see that it says "Van-Dyck"

It is approximately 8 inches high
15 inches around at the widest point

It is a beautiful design, but the execution looks rough. I'm guessing that it was either student-made or a prototype.

I found it in Portland, OR.

Any information would be appreciated.
Also seeking a rough appraisal.

Thanks!

Jay

{removed broken images}

Hmmm...
Looks like I can't attatch photos.
The photos can be seen at these addresses
They apply to my previous post.

http://people.tribe.net/batjay/photos/52cdf860-688e-40a9-b061-b9234d700a63
http://people.tribe.net/batjay/photos/745c87a9-f87f-45cb-9dc2-4c5eea7460b6
http://people.tribe.net/batjay/photos/fb1a20e1-2f23-41a0-b187-1c7e68777fec
http://people.tribe.net/batjay/photos/bfeab8ab-9a5e-4b70-bf96-47ba00f2be27
http://people.tribe.net/batjay/photos/aeb2d9a6-0a1d-423c-bcb4-1fda88665162

Hello and welcome to the forum,

Interesting vase. It is bronze or pot metal? The break in the handle will be helpfull in determining that. I am not familiar with the mark.

Hey Fred!
Thanks for the response.
How would I check to see if it's pot metal?
(Other than subjecting it to heat) :-)

I can see into the crack on the handle, and the metal on the inside looks to be the same as the metal on the outside - so I don't think that it's a faux patina. It is also quite heavy for it's size.

Jay

Jay,

Pot metal is white a careful scraping of the break would expose the white metal if bronze the metal will have a yellowish glow. This sort of break is impossible to repair without destroying the patina. Unless the maker turns out to be a famous master sculptor. I would leave it alone as it is.

Fred

Good Job, Fred!

I *very* carefully scraped a bit of the inside part of the break. It seems to be more white than yellow. I suppose that if this metal is more zinc than anything, that would also explain some of the corrosion and pitting on the inside. Anything acidic would eat right through a zinc-based metal, right?

So, now I know that I have a 'probably' pot-metal, and not bronze vase. I guess it also means that I should be extra careful with it, as from what I've read, these metals are very rittle, and easily damaged.

Does this say anything about the age of the vase? Does this mean that it was a commercially made product? It sure looks hand-made - with all of the good and bad that that implies.

I wasn't planning to repair the break, which I kinda like. Character, ya know.

Thanks again!
Jay

Jay,

It is hard to say when your vase was made. One would think that a pot-metal vase would be of commercial manufacture. The VAN-DYCH or DYCK probably was the origianl artists name and I have not found a sculptor by that name that fits the period of your vase. We may never know who made this.

It is a wonderfully designed piece and very pleasing to the eye. If you live in a damp climate I might suggest you wax it with a clear paste wax and keep water out of the interior.

Best,
Fred