Spelter is a zinc-lead alloy, once commonly used for decorative art and sculpture pieces. As it ages, it gets a bronze-like patina. Pieces made with spelter were less expensive to make and buy, making it a popular choice, particularly in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Compared to bronze, it’s softer, more likely to corrode and crack and more brittle. Antique pieces may be less expensive to buy but are no less decorative.
