I restore many hollowware items that do not contain fill. It is important to know the base metal of what is being restored.
All metal, sterling, silver plate ,white metal and even speltzer (pot metal) can be restored. Most often a picture will let me tell what metal we are working with. When I know what the metal is, the restoration my customer is requesting and the condition I am starting with, an estimate can be formed. As with filled wares, a wide range of restorations are possible.
Flask
Before
Flask with dents and seam splits – Money clips cracked and broken in two
After
Metalsmith Rita Robben removed the dents from the flask,
soldered the splits around the seams and polished the flask.
The Money clips had previous repairs, which were first removed.
The Silver was reinforced and soldered, the area of design detailed
out and the clips polished to a mirror finish.
Sterling 20" by 30" English Sterling Easel back figural mirror.
Before
The sterling was in poor condition from lack of care and storage conditions. The piece had previous repair and lacquer.
After
The lacquer was removed, sterling straightened. The velvet backing was cleaned and the breaks soldered. Then a special frame was constructed to prepare to polish the intricate design.
The frame was then detailed and placed back onto the clean velvet easel back frame. Truly an amazing piece to work with.
Sterling silver Victorian figural bowl holder. The applied lacquer has yellowed.
I dismantled the piece, put the pieces through several different bath to remove the lacquer. The pieces were then machine polished and then reassembled. I used Hagerty Silver Spray Polish, as an easy effective way to prevent tarnishing. I do not recommend lacquering because the lacquers seal is problematic and is costly to remove.
Before
After
Sterling baby cup and fork. Baby wares are a common restoration request.
Having ones baby cup or bowl restored for the new child or Grand child is a wonderful way to welcome a baby into the family, but it must be presentable. I straightened the tines, removed the dent(optional), cleaned and polished. Sometimes a monogram removal is ordered. Some customers want a monogram added. I don’t engrave, however we have a wonderful referral upon request.
Before
After
Silver Plated bread basket.
The handle was bent and broken and the silver looked to be in very bad condition. I started with assessing the condition of the silver plate and determined it was in very good condition. I then straighten the handle and aligned the breaks . I soldered the handle with a soft silver bearing solder so the color would be as close as possible to the finish. The soldered section of the handle was detailed and polished along with the rest of the basket.
Before
After
Have your damaged silver heirlooms returned to their original beauty by Robben Metal Restoration Specialist
TestimonialsTestimonials
What our customers says
Gary / Illinois
Rita – wanted – again – to say how happy I am with the professionalism and quality of the repair you made to my favorite clock! Can’t tell it was ever damaged. Everyone should be as good at what they do as you are. Thanks again.
Shane / WI
Ms. Robben, Thank You Thank You Thank You. The weekend was a wonderful event, and I thank you for all you did to make it happen. You are not just my Silversmith but now my friend. GREAT JOB!
Joan / Ky
WOW! Thats all the words that come to mind. I never expected perfection. How did you do it? Thanks so much.
Sylvia / CA
Ms. Robben, You will never know the love you have restored with the restoration of our families candelabra. They were mothers pride and joy. I thought of having them at her service but was told they not only couldn’t be restored in time but may not be able to be restored at all! I was so touched when I got the email that they were on the way back. I will be honest, I thought they would not look too good. They were amazing, in time for moms service and I could just tell came back with Love. Thank you!
Tom / Mi
Rita, You are an amazing artist. I can’t even see where the damage was.
Dave / NM
What skill, I don’t think this tea set has ever looked this good. It must be fun being you!
John / OH
Rita, you did it again. I thought I did the unrepairable this time, but you and your amazing hands erased my mistake again.
Amazing!
Mae / WV
Ms Robben, I had no Idea you could cast a whole new foot. I was in hopes there was a way to just have a stick or something that made it sit upright again. The restoration you sent back is nothing short of perfection. Thank you for your talented work.
Ruth / NC
Rita if this is what you call 95% good you have a very high standard of perfection. My vase looks perfect.
Kindness Always,
Peter / OH
You will forever be referred to as MY silversmith. Your talents are endless, and I thank you again.
Karen/In
Rita, Thank you for all your help and knowledge. You are so willing to share and help. I have told my whole family about you and my three sisters have sent the following items to be restored. Can’t wait to see them completed.