Pledging a sculpture at the Crédit Municipal

Bronze, marble, spelter: the accepted materials

The Crédit Municipal de Bordeaux sets out the most detailed rule: it accepts statues in marble, bronze or spelter by artists with an auction record, both modern and antique. A cast figurine with no signature and no saleroom record therefore has little chance of being taken.

The "sculptures, bronzes, figures" category in Paris

At the Crédit Municipal de Paris, the official list of items accepted as a pledge groups sculptures, bronzes and decorative figures on a single line. Furs and any object containing ivory are still refused, which rules out certain chryselephantine statuettes.

Two thirds of the valuation, no more

Article D514-8 of the Code monétaire et financier caps the loan at two thirds of the valuation for goods other than gold, silver or platinum. A bronze valued at 9,000 euros therefore secures at most 6,000 euros; see valuation of a pledge.

Who values the piece

Valuation is the job of the appraisers, judicial auctioneers (commissaires-priseurs) appointed for three years by the institution under article D514-2. They think in terms of the likely hammer price, not the gallery price, hence a frequent gap with the insurance value declared by the owner.

Reims: one weekly slot for appraisal

The Crédit Municipal de Reims, on rue Henri-Jadart, lists bronzes and vases in glass or pâte de verre among its pledges. An appraiser sits there on Mondays from 11 am to noon, except in August; it is wise to telephone before transporting a heavy piece.

Contemporary art: certificate and invoice required

For a modern or contemporary work, Bordeaux asks for a certificate or guarantee card together with the purchase invoice, and the owner must make the deposit in person. Without these papers, a recent sculpture by a living artist will be hard to value, and therefore hard to finance.

Major pieces: the Paris fine art channel

For high-value objects, the Crédit Municipal de Paris advertises a loan of 50 to 60% of the valuation, up to 6 million euros on its dedicated page, whereas the rates simulator shows 5 million. Only the signed contract is binding.

Where the statue is kept

In Paris, pledged works go to the secure storerooms of CC ART, a conservation brand launched in September 2018 by the institution founded in 1637, which claims 3,600 m² of storage. In the regions, each Crédit Municipal handles its own storage of pledges.

Term: one year in Paris, two years as the legal maximum

The Paris general terms of 1 May 2026 provide for a one-year contract, renewable by agreement with a fresh valuation. Article D514-7, however, limits each loan to two years including extensions; the renewal of a pawn loan creates a new contract.

The cost displayed by the Crédit Municipal de Paris

On its rates page, updated in September 2024, the Paris institution displays an APR of 4.25% up to 500 euros, 9.90% from 501 to 6,000 euros and 5.30% above that, including the 1% storage fee.

Breakage or loss during the deposit

In case of loss, the Paris general terms pay the deposit valuation plus 25%, minus the sums owed. Damage caused by oxidation or temperature changes is not compensated, a sensitive point for bronze patinas.

Unredeemed statue: the saleroom

Without repayment, the piece goes to auction, for example in a "Paintings and works of art" sale such as the one held in Paris on 25 April 2024. Fees reach 15% of the hammer price; compare with pledging works of art.

Institutions and texts cited for sculptures

• Crédit Municipal de Paris: Accepts sculptures, bronzes and figures; dedicated channel for high-value works with conservation at CC ART.
• Crédit Municipal de Bordeaux: Statues in marble, bronze or spelter by artists with an auction record; certificate and invoice for contemporary art.
• Crédit Municipal de Reims: Bronzes and art glass accepted; appraiser present late on Monday mornings, except in August.
• Légifrance, articles D514-1 à D514-9: Texts setting appraisal by the appraisers, the maximum term and the two-thirds cap.

Pledging a bronze or marble, step by step

1. Gather the invoice, the certificate of authenticity or any document linking the sculpture to an artist with an auction market record.
2. Call the institution to describe the piece, its weight and dimensions, then book an appointment with the appraiser.
3. Transport the statue wrapped and wedged, base included, to avoid chips and scratches on the patina before the appraisal.
4. Read the valuation slip: the valuation and the amount lent are written out in full before the contract is signed.
5. Note the due date and request renewal in good time if the sum cannot be repaid on schedule.
6. Repay capital, interest and fees to redeem the sculpture, or ask for it to be sold after three months in Paris.

Costs and caps for a pledged sculpture

Papers to bring with the statue

• Official photo ID of the person making the deposit
• Recent proof of address in your name
• Bank details (RIB) of a personal current account to receive the funds
• Purchase invoice or certificate for a modern work
• Appraisal, provenance or sale catalogue mentioning the sculpture
• Proof of income if the loan reaches 10,000 euros in Paris

Common missteps with a sculpture

• Bringing a resin reproduction or an unsigned cast: Bordeaux only accepts artists with an auction record, and a copy has no auction value.
• Confusing insurance value with the appraiser's valuation, then being surprised by a loan capped at two thirds of a cautious hammer price.
• Turning up in Reims without an appointment on a day other than Monday morning, when the appraiser is only present one hour a week.
• Depositing an object containing ivory, which the Crédit Municipal de Paris refuses whatever its age or quality.
• Forgetting to claim the surplus (boni) after the sale: in Paris, it passes to the institution two years after the auction.

General information, up to date as of October 2026 and non-contractual: always check the terms with the Crédit Municipal or the institution concerned.