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Restoration of Black Patina

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Author	Topic: Restoration of Black Patina
Creek Norris Posts: 2 Registered: Oct 2006	posted 10-27-2006 09:37 PM I have a big set of Sterling flatware. It is Maker: Towle, Pattern: Rambler Rose from 1940. Due to ignorance and a dishwasher, it has lost the black patina. Is it worth having it restored at about $12 a piece? IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 10-27-2006 11:37 PM Depends on how much you like the black patina. Are you looking to sell this set? There are a number of home remedies that will restore it. But we need to know more before we share them. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 10-27-2006 11:38 PM PS, when using a dishwasher with silver, always use a gel type detergent, not a powder. IP: Logged
Gentleman_Adventurer Posts: 8 Registered: Nov 2005	posted 10-27-2006 11:54 PM Hi Creek, By black patina, you mean the black background/low lights in the decorations, right? It sounds like for $12 a piece, they're going to dip it in an "antiquing solution" (some kind of sulfur?) and power buff it on a wheel with a polishing compound. Towle Rambling Rose has a fine decoration down the middle and on the end. I think that you might lose some detail if they do that. Also, the buffing wheel is going to make the rest of the silver shine like chrome, which doesn't sound like it's what you want. You can buy a spray can of "silver antiquing solution" at any jewelry supply shop, or search it to buy online. Follow the directions and then have fun with a jar of Wrights Silver Cream (my favorite brand) to get the black off the high points. Or, you could leave it out (not in a tarnish resistant bag, etc.) and in six months or so, it'll tarnish up all by itself. Considering the above two options, there is no way I would spend $1000+ on this. Hope this helps. IP: Logged
Creek Norris Posts: 2 Registered: Oct 2006	posted 10-27-2006 11:58 PM The set looks very lacking without the patina that I remember. The wonderful contrast was so beautiful years ago before it washed away. Yes, I do intend to pass this on to my heirs soon. Should I bother with the restoration? Will it be a worth while investment should it be sold? Is the $12 per piece a market norm? I can't deal with this myself as I am too old to apply the process myself. IP: Logged
Gentleman_Adventurer Posts: 8 Registered: Nov 2005	posted 10-28-2006 01:16 AM Dale, I hope that you will excuse me, she states that she's "old" and "going to pass this on to my heirs soon". As such, I'm going to give her some advice that I would have given to my late Mother. Hi again Creek, No, it is not a worthwhile "investment". It would be a waste of money. This set is not worth putting a $1000+ into (you said a "big set", I interpret that as at least 7 individual pieces times 12 and serving pieces). The problem is strictly cosmetic (looks). It is an easy fix for someone that has the time and energy. If you can't do it yourself, you could: have the cleaning lady do it, or let your heir do it when the time comes. A set like this would sell to a dealer for SCRAP which is currently about $9 a (kitchen) ounce. They would pay the same with or without the patina. IP: Logged
Clive E Taylor Posts: 450 Registered: Jul 2000	posted 10-28-2006 05:09 AM It sounds as if there may be too much silver here for the traditional method of reblacking the detail. Which is ?. Seal with a cracked egg for a week or so. Preferably outside the house !!! It will tarnish very quickly, due to the sulpher I believe .You then use a tarnish guard type polish to clean the surfaces, leaving the detail still tarnished. IP: Logged

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