Where to get a cake server repaired?

January 15, 2009 10:48 AM

Where to get an antique cake server repaired?

I have an antique metal cake server that needs some repairs. The handle (which is porcelain) is crooked and the handle doesn't line up with the flat part. I'd like to find someone to repair it, but don't know where to start. What type of business might do this kind of repair?

posted by bajema to home & garden (7 answers total)

What kind of metal? Is it hallmarked at all or marked EPNS? Depending on what it's made of, you can just bend it back.
posted by fire&wings at 11:12 AM on January 15, 2009

If you don't get any good answers here, my suggestion is that you take it to an antique shop and ask them where you'd take such a thing to be repaired. Often antique shops do such work themselves, but at the least they should have some contact information for you.
posted by orange swan at 11:13 AM on January 15, 2009

The comments at Not Martha about seeking a tinsmith might be useful. Not sure if the porcelain rules it out.
posted by machine at 12:37 PM on January 15, 2009

We need pictures. Even the term "antique" covers a rather broad field these days. Nthing metal consideration...your solution depends also a lot on how the porcelain handle is fixed to the rest.
posted by Namlit at 1:19 PM on January 15, 2009

I will take some pictures tonight and post them.
posted by bajema at 1:31 PM on January 15, 2009

Yeah, pictures are important. Also, in what state/city are you located? Are you looking for a full restoration (i.e. new electroplating, refashioning a piece of porcelain, etc.), or simply fixing a crooked handle (probably softening resin and resetting). Does it matter if replacement parts are authentic period? How much are you willing to spend? A lot of serious antique people will restore their own pieces for resale, but won't take on someone else's piece because it's not worth the hassle. If the repair is more than something common sense, you will probably need to pay a specialist who is trained to do the repair work expected.
posted by mrmojoflying at 6:13 PM on January 15, 2009

Kovel's has a helpful Repairs, Conservators, Supplies and Parts by Category section.

Pottery & Porcelain

Metals
posted by mlis at 9:14 PM on January 15, 2009