Valsuani Stamps and Signatures

Authentic Valsuani bronzes carry distinctive foundry marks that serve as primary identifiers of origin and authenticity. Understanding these marks is essential for collectors, auction specialists, and museum professionals.

Common Valsuani Stamps

• “C. VALSUANI”, The most frequently encountered mark
• “CIRE PERDUE C. VALSUANI”, Emphasizes the lost-wax casting technique
• “VALSUANI CIRE PERDUE”, Alternative arrangement of the same information
• “C. VALSUANI CIRE PERDUE PARIS”, Full identification including location

Critical Identification Feature

In all authentic Valsuani marks, the initial is “C.” for Claude. There are no authentic marks reading “M. VALSUANI” or “MARCELLO VALSUANI.” The presence of such marks on any bronze (or their citation in any publication) indicates either forgery or reliance on discredited secondary sources.

Physical Characteristics

• Stamps are typically incised (cut into) rather than raised on the bronze surface
• Location varies but commonly appears on the base, rear, or inconspicuous areas
• Lettering quality should be consistent with period techniques
• Patina should flow naturally over and around the stamped area

Edition Numbers

Many Valsuani bronzes carry edition numbers (e.g., “3/8” indicating the third cast of an edition of eight). These should be consistent with documented edition sizes for the specific work. Anomalous edition numbers warrant additional scrutiny.

Warning Indicators

Any reference to “Marcello” in connection with a Valsuani bronze (whether on the work itself or in accompanying documentation) indicates either fraudulent marking or catalogue dependence on discredited scholarship.