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Author	Topic: to repair or not to repair?
cheesenips Posts: 6 Registered: Sep 2001	posted 05-30-2002 08:23 AM [01-0691] This cigarette box has a silver top that is "tacked" onto a veneered box. There is some damage in one corner of the box and I'd be interested in the opinion of this group as to whether or not it should be repaired, and the difficulty of such a repair. The silver repair wouldn't make the box perfect, there is some minor damage to the burl (I think that's what it is) veneer. The box is about 5 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches. The silver is hallmarked with four marks but I haven't been able to read them--none of them look like anything that resembles a lion, and I'm clueless as to the origin of the box. Thanks for your opinions. And thanks for having this forum and sharing your knowledge. Sharyn IP: Logged
Scott Martin Forum Master Posts: 11520 Registered: Apr 93	posted 05-30-2002 09:44 AM A qualified silversmith should make the final determination whether the repair is possible. I suspect the wooden box which the silver is wrapped around maybe be a bit of an obstacle for the smith. When looking for someone to do a silver repair you will find there are many candidates: Hobbyist Metal workers Jewelers Silversmiths Conservator silversmiths Which you select depends on your expectations and your budget. I have seen very simple repairs done that just shouldn't have been done. For example, reattaching a finial with lead solder. I have also seen amazing repairs done. For example, a coin silver Albert Coles fish slice with a crease/split running 3/4 of the way through the blade. If that wasn't enough of a problem, the split ran through a very complex engine turned and bright cut design. Before attempting to do this repair, most silversmiths would/should explain what you should expect. Any good smith including a conservator class smith would say that such a repair could not put the item back to its original state. Even so, if the smith has the skill and you have the budget anything is possible. When the smith returned the slice to the owner (it took a long time), it was amazing. The only way to detect the repair required my doing some noninvasive testing and inspection. Was this repair worth it? Yes, but only to the owner who got a family treasure restored. Finding a good smith is not hard. Finding one who has the time, the appropriate skill set and within your budget is another thing. Most smiths take pride in their work, so they can provide examples of their work, before and after photos and have a long list of client references. Fred and Jeff should have some additional comments. IP: Logged
FredZ Posts: 1070 Registered: Jun 99	posted 05-30-2002 09:34 PM Any attempt to repair would require the removal of the wood base. Then the dent could be bumped out from the back. It would all depend on whether the base can be removed. It is an interesting piece. How thick is the silver? If it is too thin there might be a risk of tearing the silver during restoration. How is the metal attached to the wood base? IP: Logged
cheesenips Posts: 6 Registered: Sep 2001	posted 05-31-2002 11:17 AM Thanks for your responses. The silver is attached with two little tacks on each of the sides, but none across the front or back. The tack near the damage comes out with a little pull. The silver fits flush with the wood so it is hard to tell how thin it is, but my guess is that it might be around 1/32", or perhaps less. There are wooden tiered trays inside for the cigarettes, and a few of them have come unglued, but I think (hope) I can handle that repair, :-) Thanks again, Sharyn IP: Logged
akgdc Posts: 289 Registered: Sep 2001	posted 05-31-2002 09:02 PM The problem with repairing an old piece is that you risk losing the patina, though. In my opinion, a few dents and dings just add character and charm when an object is 100 or 200 years old ... they're part of a piece's history. (Otherwise, why not just furnish your house at Crate & Barrel?) It's your choice, but to me the small dent in that box isn't too unattractive -- so unless, for instance, it's interfering with opening and closing the lid, I'd leave it alone if it were mine. I'm curious about the hallmarks you describe - any chance of posting a photo? IP: Logged
cheesenips Posts: 6 Registered: Sep 2001	posted 06-03-2002 10:42 AM Thanks again, I'll leave the box as it is. Here are the hallmarks. They appear on the side and on the small handle. One of hallmark groups is upside down. Under magnification, it looks like this might be "800" silver, if those are the marks that are right side up, but then again, maybe that is a face? Thanks. IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 06-03-2002 11:59 AM I believe your box is Italian. Although I can't make out the characters within the mark, the shape is that of a mark used on 20th century Italian silver. Brent IP: Logged
cheesenips Posts: 6 Registered: Sep 2001	posted 06-06-2002 03:23 PM Thanks, Brent, for letting me know this is probably Italian. It's a little different from my usual purchases, but I was at an estate sale and no one else wanted the poor box, and for the price of dinner for two at McDonalds I couldn't pass it by. Thanks again to everyone for all the help, Sharyn IP: Logged

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