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I just wondered if any of the great minds here have any information or thoughts about silver repair techniques that will be enabled by the emerging, life-changing science of nanotechnology? The possibility came to mind when I was recently confronted with shallow, snowflake-shaped pits in the mirrored surface of a few of my nice pieces, and I wondered whether to have them professional buffed out, or whether to bide my time. I believe the hype that nanotechnology will soon change every aspect of life.

It's possible that in the next 10 years, buffing out an unwanted monogram (or a corrosion pit) may give way to nano deposition of silver particles into the cuts of the monogram to fill the cuts until they're flush with the surface of the surrounding area, thus making the old monogram disappear, without having to grind away any of the original surface to take the surface down to a level below the deepest part of the monogram. Nano is at such a miniscule level that the surface texture of the silver on the rest of the piece could be replicated in the repaired area.

I don't know if heating or burnishing would be required to make the newly-deposited silver and copper particles form an even , cohesive surface. I read that Elkington patented a process in the 19th century to electrically deposit pure silver onto the surface of a mold (and then base metals were used to back the pure silver coating) to allow silverplate copies of intricate pieces to be made; I assume the nano technique would work similarly. I would also think that worn tines could be rebuilt precisely with nanotechnology techniques, offering an economical way to repair flatware that isn't economically feasible to repair, at present.

Of course, the particles being deposited onto an old piece would have to be an alloy of the same composition, with the same ratio of silver to copper, etc.

From what I've read about nano, I infer that carefully-done forgeries will also be indistinguishable from antique items because the copies will duplicate the original on a particle level. I offer my appreciation in advance for any thoughts on this subject.
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Hello historydetctive & all

Before I show aspects of details I like to show some examples of history and future.

There is first the by me so baptized “market triangle”, which sometimes becomes “circulus viciosus”.

The “market triangle” has at least three main aspects:

The “market” in general (e.g. its needs …)

The “price” — how much it would cost

The “time” — to be developed, financed and re-financed as well

You could add to this triangle some more related aspects; e.g. state of art of technology — so the triangle become to be a quadrangle … a pentagon … a hexagon … a heptagon … and for final some times a “circulus viciosus” (like to be e.g. Atomic bombs, power generation).

The Greece philosopher Demokrit was the man who imagined some thing what is now, under other circumstances, saviour and nightmare — not to speak from circumstances of future human generations and nature.

Let’s make me discontinuous steps — otherwise it would become a book.

The Scottish Robert Stirling liked to prevent human lives, killed by explosions of steam engines — instead of study “backwards”, he developed a new system of engine. But the technology of that time wasn’t advanced enough.

I designed now about 20 years ago a sign for a heat shield — during the discussion we had the impression, there must be come another design philosophy, to make things simpler and more affordable. Next year in Woomera would be made the first test in situ — the back entrance out of the space.

What I like to explain here with is, that steps from idea to reality of »be useful« or »flop« become shorter.

But also the costs often increase — there fore the »simulation technology« (e.g. also the flight simulator) and CAD-techniques are usefully tools.

Now let’s step to the here suggested »nano technology«:

Yes it could be for some things a solution — but let on: Only one solution for only some individual problems.

Otherwise it would be like to be using on X-mass a steam roller for crack nuts. There fore its better to request Alfred Krupp to show his pocket watch hammer test.

The nano-technology is as it is said, a technology of thinness’, e.g. for surfaces.

When I was a silver novice, I visited the famous Bröhan-Museum, and spoke there with one of their scientists, how to prevent effective silver contra tarnish. He told me that exist some ways of to slow down tarnish — but some are expensive, or e.g. by use of protective atmosphere, the show cabinets must be airtight.

Richard Riemerschmid had developed frameless glass cabinets — but for use with protective atmosphere they must be made from glass of several thicknesses. That means that they could be used only primarily for permanent exhibitions.

Now I wrote a letter on theme of protection of tarnish to one of the globe’s leading company for galvanic chemicals — until yet no answer.

That could be an area of use of nano-technology: Protection of tarnish!

But if cutlery would be used - what happen with these nano particles? Do they enter my skin, my blood, my hart, my brain, and my cells?

To come now to the other suggested aspects:

The galvanic plated and reproduction technology is now about 250 years in discussion and application. Josiah Wedgewood was already interested to get there with additional aesthetic effects on his ceramic products.

It was need a lot of time, a lot of money (e.g. from Mr. Mason, a pen producer < from nearly every page who was then written in the Empire). Also the Siemens, and Krupp as well have earned from this money.

But always would be used Silver of highest degree of fineness — nothing for restorations of other finenesses.

Already a long time ago I’ve made on scientific congresses and to the industry the presentation of laser plasma technology. There with could be used every composition of fineness.

That is the technology for this kind of suggested “repair” of e.g. monograms. But it must be hold in mind that this would be made by machines or robots — they need a guideline of an intelligent human, or especially an in aesthetics educated or at least sensible one.

The Hamburg town hall gave her silver to be restored by Gebr. Kühn — in the Third Reich removed engravings were restored as well.

Tines remould — nice idea. But how could it be done? Actually it could be done only with CAD programming and by high grade, cost expansive technology.

And what would be said by the historians? All by Napoleon used cutlery to be delivered like as just yesterday delivered from his Imperial court suppliers!

The modern Assay Offices are using already laser plasma technology in a kind of adverse form: LIBS = Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy.

Résumé:

Not all is new — some usefully techniques already exist. Not all could be used for all!

There are many aspects which should be hold in mind — general human aspects first; then also: Would there with maybe more “destroyed” than “repaired” or restored?

For final: How is it affordable?

Or doe I hope to become it for free, for the reason of a just emerged “friendship”?

There is a lot to make of a personal think over — but also fruit and risks of applied technologies has to be studied as well.

Kind regards silverport
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