Search found 29 matches

by silverhammer
Fri Aug 03, 2018 10:45 am
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Ask me about silversmithing techniques, restoration & conservation
Replies: 2
Views: 10068

Re: Ask me about silversmithing techniques, restoration & conservation

Hello Traintime! A video is going to be much more effective than having me explain the tools and methods used in hallmarking. Take a look at this excellent video about hallmarking from the Birmingham Assay Office: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_shZ064EnuE . Jeffrey Herman Silversmith/Restorer/Cons...
by silverhammer
Fri Aug 03, 2018 9:03 am
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Ask me about silversmithing techniques, restoration & conservation
Replies: 2
Views: 10068

Ask me about silversmithing techniques, restoration & conservation

Good day!

I'm here to demystify the world of silversmithing and the care of silver. I'm the founder of the Society of American Silversmiths and have specialized in restoration, conservation, and preservation for the past 34 years.

Jeffrey Herman
by silverhammer
Tue Jul 31, 2018 10:08 pm
Forum: Flatware Pattern Identification
Topic: Towle Engraved D Mystery (Engraved A-C?)
Replies: 1
Views: 3079

Re: Towle Engraved D Mystery (Engraved A-C?)

Aguest,

It's definitely Towle Silversmiths. See their marks here: http://sterlingflatwarefashions.com/Sil ... s/SST4.htm

Jeff Herman
by silverhammer
Tue Jul 31, 2018 8:05 pm
Forum: European Jewelry
Topic: Looking for help on identifying maker mark GI on this sterling necklace
Replies: 2
Views: 2866

Re: Looking for help on identifying maker mark GI on this sterling necklace

Hello Sanbil,

The only mark I recognize is the .925, indicating the piece is sterling.

Jeff Herman
by silverhammer
Tue Jul 31, 2018 8:03 pm
Forum: Provincial & Colonial Marks
Topic: Unknown hallmark
Replies: 28
Views: 20969

Re: Unknown hallmark

Hello Syburi, These appear to be pseudo hallmarks as I have never seen those particular symbols, with the exception of the rampant lion signifying sterling. The lion isn't as crisp as it should be. I would recommend having it tested by a reputable silversmith or jeweler. Don't allow either to use a ...
by silverhammer
Tue Jul 31, 2018 7:58 pm
Forum: Provincial & Colonial Marks
Topic: Unknown hallmark
Replies: 28
Views: 20969

Re: Unknown Silver Hallmark

Syburi,

This appears to be a pseudo hallmark, meaning the piece may very well be plated. Take note of the unusual marks, such as the tree, menorah, and crown symbols. They don't match any hallmarks I've seen. Have you had it tested?

Best,

Jeff Herman
by silverhammer
Tue Jul 31, 2018 4:53 pm
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Removing TOUGH tarnish from silverplate
Replies: 9
Views: 50036

Re: Removing TOUGH tarnish from silverplate

If you find tarnish too difficult to remove, contact a reputable silver conseravator to avoid further damaging your piece. Silver is very soft and easily damaged, and once you go down the road of trying more and more abrasive methods, you may devalue the piece. As they say in the medical community, ...
by silverhammer
Tue Jul 31, 2018 3:49 pm
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Controlling Humidity
Replies: 0
Views: 7501

Controlling Humidity

Silica Gel (Humidity Control) © http://www.hermansilver.com/hydrosorbent.jpg Humidity doesn't cause tarnishing, it excelerates it. Since World War II, silica gel has been the drying agent of choice by government and industry. It is safe to use with even the most sensitive materials, including food a...
by silverhammer
Mon Jul 30, 2018 11:30 pm
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Protecting Your Silver & Other Metals
Replies: 1
Views: 8622

Protecting Your Silver & Other Metals

Lacquers & Waxes © Lacquers Lacquering silver and silverplate is generally not recommended for a number of reasons: 1. The individual may not properly prepare the object's surface to accept the lacquer. 2. It's very difficult to obtain a uniform coating, even when applied by a professional. 3. ...
by silverhammer
Mon Jul 30, 2018 6:36 am
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Refurbishing antique silver
Replies: 3
Views: 12186

Re: Refurbishing antique silver

Galabagos,

Use an extremely mild polish first on a cellulose sponge to see if you still like that nice three-dimensional effect. Never use chemical dips!

Jeff Herman
by silverhammer
Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:26 pm
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Removing polish residue
Replies: 3
Views: 10213

Re: Removing polish residue

Good advice, AG2012, but I recommend a natural horsehair or Tampico brush as they won't scratch when used with water. Nylon scratches.

Jeff
by silverhammer
Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:21 pm
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: How to Keep the Silver Bright - Article - 1922
Replies: 2
Views: 9635

Re: How to Keep the Silver Bright - Article - 1922

As for for tarnish protection, try Meguiar's Quik Wax... http://www.hermansilver.com/meguiars.jpg This auto wax is sprayed on, then buffed with a cotton cloth. Though non-toxic, Meguiar's should not be used on flatware or other surfaces that will be used to eat or drink from. It can of course be use...
by silverhammer
Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:18 pm
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: How to Keep the Silver Bright - Article - 1922
Replies: 2
Views: 9635

Re: How to Keep the Silver Bright - Article - 1922

Some great advice. I would, however, caution anyone using just any silver polish. One of the most visited pages on my site is the Silver Polish Abrasion Ratings Guide: (admin edit - see Posting Requirements ) Compare the polish you're using to my test results, you may be very surprised! Jeff
by silverhammer
Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:05 pm
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: White stains on silver after ultrasonic
Replies: 1
Views: 8868

Re: White stains on silver after ultrasonic

EMJ,

Are you using the ultrasonic to remove polishing compound?
by silverhammer
Thu Jul 26, 2018 8:03 pm
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Resilvum
Replies: 1
Views: 8868

Re: Resilvum

Love the ad, hate what it does to silver. "Bad!"
by silverhammer
Sun Nov 12, 2017 5:26 pm
Forum: Website Updates & Announcements
Topic: Updated Russian Marks
Replies: 0
Views: 9649

Updated Russian Marks

I'm not certain what was updated but the main page looks great with the most important identification information noted. Thanks very much, Jeff
by silverhammer
Mon Dec 22, 2014 9:55 am
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: polishing equipment
Replies: 14
Views: 18369

Re: polishing equipment

I must apologize. I didn't mean to sound elitist. My only concern is that if you intend on machine polishing metal that you know how to protect yourself and use the proper methods. I have been machine polishing metal for 36 years, and it's something that can't be learned overnight. It's especially t...
by silverhammer
Mon Dec 22, 2014 9:21 am
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: polishing equipment
Replies: 14
Views: 18369

Re: polishing equipment

Hello Friends, I cannot express more strongly NOT to use a polishing machine. This should ONLY be used by a professional as there are many things that can go wrong: over-polishing; using incorrect compounds; using buffs that are too large; uneven directional lines on larger objects; spreading of tox...
by silverhammer
Mon Dec 22, 2014 9:10 am
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Handling wooden handles
Replies: 10
Views: 15833

Re: Handling wooden handles

The technique I use is: I clean the piece with hand sanitizer. If this doesn't work, I use 0000 steel wool (nothing harsher), then apply Renaissance wax, let sit for 10 minutes, then buff with a cotton ball or paper towel. Do not use oils because they will attract dirt and may change color over time.
by silverhammer
Mon Dec 22, 2014 9:04 am
Forum: Silver Care / Techniques
Topic: Cleaning Antique Hallmarks
Replies: 5
Views: 10066

Re: Cleaning Antique Hallmarks

I use a Q-tip and Windex with vinegar. The Windex does a great job removing gunk.

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