1895 French Engraving On Bronze or Brass Mustachioed Period Gentleman In Heavy Bronze Frame By P. Rodde

Description:  Antique signed and dated engraving on brass or bronze of a late 1800s gentleman having a mustache and wearing a jacket. The engraved plate is housed in a heavy Bronze frame and is covered with a piece of glass. The frame has a sliding back and when opened reveals two copies of a business card of the artist P. Rodde. The piece is signed “P. Rodde” and dated “1895”. P. Rodde was a so called Bronze Fantaisies (or Maker of Bronze Novelties), living at 43 Rue Notre-Dame de Nazareth. We assume P. Rodde was French but it is not clear what town he called home. This is a nice engraving with quite a bit of detail. The frame is decorated floral and foliate design and has a loop on top for hanging. The entire piece could probably use a good cleaning, but we will leave that to the next owner. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date: 1895.

Origin: France.

Size: 2 7/8" by 4 7/16" and is 3/8" thick. The engraved plaque measures 2 1/2" by 4" and weigh 2 ounces. The entire piece, including three business cards of Rodde weighs a bit over 9 ounces.

Maker: P. Rodde.

Marks: The engraved plaque is signed P. Rodde and dated 1895

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Very nice and uncommon French antique art work.

Condition: All in excellent condition. It could use a good cleaning, but we will leave that to the new owner. The glass covering the engraved plaque may not be original to the piece and is cut a bit too small for the piece, but this can be easily replaced. Also, it appears that the frame has minor spots of oxidation or possibly remnants of cleaning agent. Please see photos to appreciate the beauty and condition of this antique.