Object
Art Deco Metalwork
Chrome, and the shine that replaced ornament
Metal is the material the period is recognised by: chromium plate, polished steel, silvered bronze, and a finish that replaced carving with reflection. A bar cart, a lamp base or a cocktail set is a piece of engineering presented as decoration.
The French treated it like jewellery, with silvered bronze and exotic inlay; the American and German manufacturers treated it as a finish, plating whatever shape the press could make.
History
The French line (1920–1935) is silvered bronze and hand-finished metal, often marked by the maker.
The production line (1930–1939) is chrome plate over pressed steel, where the plating quality is the condition issue.
What to look for
Original plating rather than re-chrome, geometric handles and feet, and a maker's mark where the piece is French.
In this group
The searches this object is worth looking at. Each opens the collection for it.