How can you test Bronze to find out how old the metal is?

Question

I have a Greek Bronze Sculpture and I want to find out how old it is?

Answer 1

Radiocarbon/C14 dating will not work on a metal object, as it is designed to measure the amount of radiocarbon remaining in organic (i.e. once living) objects.

There are no good ways to reliably date metals. Dating of your sculpture is more likely to be done on the basis of art historical features by an expert in the field who will be able to narrow the range of dates based on the style of the piece.
Analysis of the metal can be undertaken to determine the exact chemical makeup of the bronze - e.g. amounts of tin, copper, and other components, such as arsenic - to help to establish the authenticity of the piece and possibly establish sources of the metal used to cast the piece. The copper can also be analyzed to determine production techniques, which can also help to establish authenticity. Both chemical and production analysis can occasionally provide a ball-park figure for dating, but nothing exact.

Bear in mind that all of the analytical techniques mentioned, with the exception of simple visual examination by a trained expert, are destructive - they will need to obtain a sample of the sculpture for testing. Such testing is also quite expensive.

If you are interested, I suggest you contact a museum in your area that features similar objects for more information or contact one of the larger auction houses, such as Christie's or Sotheby's. They may be able to put you in touch with a lab willing to take commissions from private citizens.

Answer 2

I believe radio carbon dating, but you need a lab and trained professionals for that. If you found what you believe is an ancient piece, take it to an archaeology dept. at a nearby university.

Answer 3

Carbon testing.