posted 01-21-2007 10:46 PM            

It is hard, sometimes even for another smith, to tell if someone is good at repairs without seeing first hand what they are able to do. One smith could be great at 20th C. silver and ruin a Georgian piece.

So the best way to find a good repair person is, I think, by word of mouth. Perhaps members would share that infomation? Personally I like to know who else is out there as I like to pass on work I can not do or do not feel comfortable doing technically. Who did the Kinsey pitcher, a great job?

If smiths did advertise themselves it would be great if there could be some sort of rating, perhaps by the peaple they have done work for? Also it might be good to include some allied repair feilds like gilder/platers, tin smith (lead repair), etc.

posted 01-22-2007 01:13 AM            

Finding a "good local' silver repair person, is a lot like finding a good repair shop for your automobile, except more time consuming... You are in luck, however, because you belong to the SMP family (is that the right way to put it, Scott). There probably isn't a silver restorer, or repairer around that one of us hasn't used. Email the moderators, or anyone who appears knowledgeable , and ask them, who they use, and just as importantly, why? Museums and some auction houses should be able to direct you to a silver restorer, also.

If you are like I am, you would like to talk to the person who will be doing your silver repair face to face. This way you can look at their shop, repairs in progress, some finished work, and can describe the work you need done. If they can do it, ask how long it will take to get your work done, and ask for an estimate.

If you are in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, I can recommend silver repair / restoration folks to you...

Happy to help.

posted 01-22-2007 06:49 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by agleopar:
As a working silversmith making new objects it is hard to find the time to do repairs. Also even though I love doing them because it is a chance to handle and get to know some great objects (like the Kinsey pitcher), unless one sticks to the best repairs it is hard to justify charging a living wage! Unlike years ago when I took any job that found its way to the workshop, now I can only manage to do a small amount of repair for 3 dealers.

It is hard, sometimes even for another smith, to tell if someone is good at repairs without seeing first hand what they are able to do. One smith could be great at 20th C. silver and ruin a Georgian piece.

So the best way to find a good repair person is, I think, by word of mouth. Perhaps members would share that infomation? Personally I like to know who else is out there as I like to pass on work I can not do or do not feel comfortable doing technically. Who did the Kinsey pitcher, a great job?

If smiths did advertise themselves it would be great if there could be some sort of rating, perhaps by the peaple they have done work for? Also it might be good to include some allied repair feilds like gilder/platers, etc.

I would like to see that list going and I hope these thoughts are helpful?

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