Got bad news today...

[Digger_O'Dell]

I spoke with the restoration expert this morning about the 1873 napkin ring I sent him. He confirmed the local silversmith I went to really is a hack and damaged the piece beyond repair. What could have most likely been completely repaired and restored to its original condition for about $200-250 would now cost about $3000 in labor with no guarantee how good it may turn out.

:omg: :girlcry:

I just can't believe a business could destroy a priceless piece of history!

[calabash digger]

thats bad but get back out there lighting might strike twice!

[Digger_O'Dell]

There is no second chance of finding another the same. It was a Victorian era tradition of commissioning a unique napkin ring as a baptismal gift from family/friends. As the saying goes, there can be only one...

[calabash digger]

ouch!

[del]

Sorry to hear that Chris , for what its worth I really don't think it looks bad now and you have a new silversmith one with better skills when you do find another similar type piece that needs restoration.

Dan

[Digger_O'Dell]

Sorry to hear that Chris , for what its worth I really don't think it looks bad now and you have a new silversmith one with better skills when you do find another similar type piece that needs restoration.

Dan

Thanks Dan, much appreciated. The pics I posted of the "after" were of the best parts. The rest was so bad saying it was cringe worthy would have been a compliment. The new guy is great to say the least. Communicates well and is very honest about the situation. Last message I got is that he even went as far as to call the first shop to give them a piece of his mind and told me they should be blacklisted.
:clapping:
If anyone is interested, here's a link to see the guy in action, it's very impressive!
https://youtu.be/zdAI9itzVMA
https://youtu.be/06m_ofsdFyU

[Digger_O'Dell]

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[Lodge Scent]

Bummer the first guy was a hack Chris. It's still a unique piece and a nice find.

[OxShoeDrew]

Still a great find Chris!!

[Ken C]

I agree with the others, still a beautiful find!

[Digger_O'Dell]

I got an estimate of how much it would cost to have the piece reproduced and was told at least $3000, ouch!

[MangoAve]

Sorry to hear, Chris. Most of us agree it still looks ok the way it is. Live and learn. No different than accidentally hitting the target with the shovel and finding out it's a GW button.

[The Rebel]

Hey it still looks good, considering it's been in the ground all that time. At least you rescued it and now will never be harmed by the elements again.

[aloldstuff]

It's still a very nice recovery. As far as the hack goes.....you had no idea of his abilities, so don't beat yourself up.