|
|
|
| How to Post Photos |
REGISTER (click here)
|
|
|
|
| How to Post Photos |
REGISTER (click here)
|
|
 SMP Silver Salon Forums
 A Curator's Viewpoint
 Re-plating
|
 SSFFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Re-plating |
|
Dennis Posts: 6 |
posted 07-25-2002 11:40 AM
  
I am the curator for the Aurora Historical Society, Aurora, Illinois. Currently I am working on an exhibit, to open in 2003, of the Aurora Silver Plate Mfg. Co. We have a really fine collection of hollow and flatware, much of which was recently a private collection. Some of our pieces have spots of visible loss, a few have dramatic wear, but for the most part the condition of the pieces is quite good. My problem is this: there has been some talk about re-plating before the exhibit, but I am a little reluctant. Several of our recent donations were re-plated, and it obscured the design work. Were these just not done well? Are there ways to re-plate that will not mar the look of the pieces? What levels of options are available for this type of work? Any ideas or sources of information on the subject are welcome. IP: Logged |
|
Ulysses Dietz Moderator Posts: 1265 |
posted 07-26-2002 09:05 AM
Welcome to the minefield. It used to be that the re-plating of electroplated goods was not seen as a problem. If properly done, re-plating should NOT obscure the design (i.e. the plating can't be too thick). THis was because it was a like process to the original (which is why you would NEVER electroplate fused or Sheffield plate of the late 18th-century or early 19th century). However, in the last decade opinions have shifted for Museum acquisitions, to the feeling that re-plating is not a good idea under any circumstances. However, this means that museums want plated pieces in fine original condition with original plating in tact (which is not as rare as we used to think). In your case, however, because this is primarily HISTORICAL, you might consider replating only those pieces that have lost so much of their original surface as to detract from their visual integrity (i.e. you can't see them for the damage). Minor or spot losses would best be left alone. Or, if you have a set of things (i.e. a teaset) you might consider replating one piece to give a "new" effect--which is a historic point, since plated silver mimicked solid silver)and leave the rest of the set in "as is" condition. My bottom line is that you should only replate enough pieces (and have them thinly replated so as not to obscure the engraving, which originally was done AFTER the plating process) to make the point of what it looked like new, and leave the rest as it survived. COngratulations on this project. Local manufacturing is such an important thing for Historical Societies to document. IP: Logged |
|
Dennis Posts: 6 |
posted 07-27-2002 12:55 PM
Thanks for the input. Now I just have to find someone who can do the work, if we decided to do any. IP: Logged |
All times are ET | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.46a
|
1. Public Silver Forums (open Free membership) - anyone with a valid e-mail address may register. Once you have received your Silver Salon Forum password, and then if you abide by the Silver Salon Forum Guidelines, you may start a thread or post a reply in the New Members' Forum. New Members who show a continued willingness to participate, to completely read and abide by the Guidelines will be allowed to post to the Member Public Forums. 2. Private Silver Salon Forums (invitational or $ donation membership) - The Private Silver Salon Forums require registration and special authorization to view, search, start a thread or to post a reply. Special authorization can be obtained in one of several ways: by Invitation; Annual $ Donation; or via Special Limited Membership. For more details click here (under development). 3. Administrative/Special Private Forums (special membership required) - These forums are reserved for special subjects or administrative discussion. These forums are not open to the public and require special authorization to view or post. |
|
copyright © 1993 - 2022
SM Publications
All Rights Reserved. Legal & Privacy Notices |