posted 03-11-2003 11:03 PM              

The object I specifically have in mind is a pair of candlesticks (family artifacts, therefore with sentimental value) which someone has scraped apparently to remove wax. The wax and plate have both come off.

The candlesticks date about from the 1920s I would guess and the mark is a BP inside a diamond. There's another figure above, which on closer examination reads (I think) pewter--- (illegible) lead base.

Can anyone tell me if I should be able to have these sticks refurbished?

I appreciate any information.

posted 03-12-2003 01:33 PM              

The reason I asked is, a few years ago, when the things came into my hands, I went to a silver dealer in Princeton, NJ, where they do repairs and re-plating also, to ask if they could be repaired. He quickly looked at the bottom and thrust them back at me with a curl of his lip, saying "no!".

Later I heard something to the effect that silverplated items have to have a copper base if they can be successfully re-plated. So I've held on to them and done nothing.

Recently, I found this forum and thought I'd ask. I'll have to go to NY or Philly to find someone to do it. Does it tend to be expensive?

Thanks again.
H.