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should I dedstroy this bowl?

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Author	Topic: should I dedstroy this bowl?
coldair Posts: 18 Registered: Dec 2006	posted 12-04-2006 07:21 PM [26-1273] I am considering destroying this bowl after a little more research. I am wondering how strongly others disagree with such a practice, and your advice why I shouldn't do it. TIA IP: Logged
argentum1 Posts: 602 Registered: Apr 2004	posted 12-04-2006 07:31 PM The E P would seem to indicate Electroplate. If it is electroplate there are people who collect electroplate. I will defer to other respondants who are more knowledgeble than I. IP: Logged
jersey Posts: 1203 Registered: Feb 2005	posted 12-04-2006 07:56 PM Hello coldair! Welcome to the forum. It would be nice if you would introduce yourself & let us know of your silver interests. That said, why would you want to destroy the piece it is lovely. It also happens to be an early Gorham electroplated piece (EP). Jersey IP: Logged
coldair Posts: 18 Registered: Dec 2006	posted 12-04-2006 08:08 PM I am a retired real estate appraiser businessman and hack silversmith - I collect lots of stuff silver items included. I research any item I plan on destroying - hopefully to not destroy something of greater value than I can garner in return for a remade item. I sometimes create bracelets, rings, other jewelry items from older silver creations. There are a lot of average items of minimal value that make up into splendid finished jewelry, and bring a good price. IMHO That said - I once heard a story of a $50 silver plate bracelet made from a $50,000 plate spoon. This site has been invaluable in doing research on items to determine if I will keep, sell or remake (destroy) any particular item. Therefore thought I'd join and put in my 2 cents worth, and get your opinions on this practice. IP: Logged
Dale Posts: 2132 Registered: Nov 2002	posted 12-04-2006 10:36 PM The pierced part would make very nice decorative hair combs. Pieces of this type tend to have problems in the center of the bowl, mainly rust from having held plants. I wouldn't regard them as particularly saleable. Could you show us pics of some of your work? Alway fascinating to see how people rescue dead silverplate to make interesting items. IP: Logged
coldair Posts: 18 Registered: Dec 2006	posted 12-04-2006 11:21 PM The problem is this piece is pristine, I'm having problems bringing myself to the point of destroying it. IP: Logged
Who Knows Posts: 2 Registered: Dec 2006	posted 12-05-2006 07:52 AM Rather than mutilate it, why would you not give or sell it to someone who would be able to use a centerpiece bowl? It appears to have a lot of life left. IP: Logged
FWG Posts: 845 Registered: Aug 2005	posted 12-05-2006 10:58 AM Personally I wouldn't worry too much either way, as there are lots of those around -- but that may just be my bias against (most) silverplate popping up. Since that one's in nice condition maybe you can find someone with a worn one to trade with? That way they'd get a nice one to use and you'd get one you wouldn't have to feel guilty about destroying. I'm with Dale, we'd love to see some photos of your work. I could also imagine a bridal tiara being made from the pierced rim of a bowl like that.... I'm not sure about the $50 bracelet made from a $50,000 plated spoon -- I don't know if there is such a thing as a $50,000 plated spoon! But I've certainly seen some very good coin silver spoons from desirable makers butchered into considerably less valuable (and less important) pieces. [This message has been edited by FWG (edited 12-05-2006).] IP: Logged
coldair Posts: 18 Registered: Dec 2006	posted 12-05-2006 11:58 AM The $50,000 may be an overstatement, but I think you get the point of someone hacking up an expensive collectible for the sake of a moderate piece of jewelry. I consider hacking things up purely from an economical point of view - if I can hack them up and make a good profit I may, I am in business to prosper and feed my family, but on the other hand I truly appreciate the workmanship that went into creating older utilitarian silver pieces, and feel some guilt when Ii cut up or remake things. I'll try to find photos of things I've "ruined", unfortunately for you I don't think I have any pieces available at the current time - I have sold most all of them - fortunate for me - I do have photos of items I make from scratch - if you'd care for those - have a good day I'm heading off to my studio to "destroy" some stuff. PS - the following jpg shows some of my stuff IP: Logged
Who Knows Posts: 2 Registered: Dec 2006	posted 12-05-2006 12:01 PM A bridal tiera?? Don't go to the trouble. I suggest that she just turn it upside down and wear it like a hat. IP: Logged
bascall Posts: 1629 Registered: Nov 99	posted 12-05-2006 05:22 PM I'd call it a console bowl. Silver plate is not a favorite of mine, but that type of item just looks swank to me. They've been out of style for some time, but who knows? Things do come around again and again. IP: Logged
coldair Posts: 18 Registered: Dec 2006	posted 12-05-2006 10:04 PM OK - someone asked for it - some of my work - here are a couple things I created today from plated pierced border of an old coping dish set that was pretty beat up. Finishing the ends was rough - I'll get better on the next, since I'll get five more bracelets like this one, plus other items out of this server. from two nickle silver tablespoon by alaska silverware commission piece for good customer in Epps LA - sterling, fire agate, turquoise and citrene Best Regards IP: Logged

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