Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Brass:
Point 1: Cu, 52.73; Sn, 1.26; Pb, 1.53; Zn, 44.19; Fe, 0.12; Ni, 0.06; Ag, 0.06; Sb, 0.04; As, less than 0.10; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.005; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, 0.011
Point 2: Cu, 48.8; Sn, 1.29; Pb, 1.65; Zn, 47.98; Fe, 0.11; Ni, 0.06; Ag, 0.06; Sb, 0.04; As, less than 0.10; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, less than 0.005; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, 0.013
J. Riederer
Technical Observations: The patina is green with red and brown accretion on top of the green. It is difficult to tell if the patina is a result of long-term burial. Areas of red corrosion products lie on top of the green rather than under it, and there is no sign of deep corrosion in the underlying metal. However, the surface gives the impression of age under magnification, and the green layer is relatively thick. The patina on the shield is black.
The left arm and the shield have been reattached with modern lead solder. The top and bottom of the spear are lost. The bronze appears to be solid cast, presumably using an indirect lost-wax process. The spear appears to have been cast as part of the figure and the break surfaces at the losses above and below the hand show evidence of a brittle fracture. Details in the modeling of the face are soft and give the impression of having one or more generations of separation from the original model, although this is not necessarily indicative of a modern cast. There is little to no evidence of cold working.
The shield, which has been described as modern, matches the yellow color of the figure in its underlying alloy. The black color of the surface is intentionally formed or applied. It is not soluble in organic solvents. Holes at the back of the shield where it meets the bronze hand appear old and are probably related to the original means of attachment.
Henry Lie (submitted 2001)
