12" Long

LOST WAX CASTING From its inception, the technique of lost wax casting has remained the preferred process of jewelers, sculptors and artisans. The process was developed by the Greeks and Romans and has remained in use since its beginning. The many-step technique begins with a finely carved wax model. This wax model is then surrounded by a special form of concrete which is extremely fine in consistency. This allows the concrete to capture all the detail of the original wax version. As the concrete dries, two different holes are carved into the material to facilitate casting. The mold is then allowed to harden and cure. The concrete mold is then filled with molten metal, which in turn melts the original wax model which drains away using a narrow exit hole. When the mold cools, it is broken open to reveal a f inely cast metal object which was once wax. It is at this point a hand applied finish is added. Among our most popular finishes are verdigris, aged brass, dark bronze and burnished bronze. All Maitland-Smith castings are molded in brass and other fine metals.