Sterling Silver Frames
Full Restoration of
Sterling Silver Picture Frames
19th-century Sterling silver picture frame fully restored
This 19th-century sterling silver picture frame is a classic example of an older decorative style. It was fully restored with repairs and polishing to the sterling silver frame and all the fabric was replaced.
Learn about the step-by-step process to fully restore this frame by CLICKING HERE.
antique Sterling silver picture frames fully restored with new fabric
This elaborate decorative style of the picture frame was fully restored with new fabric.
Learn more about the step-by-step restoration efforts by CLICKING HERE.
Restoration of rectangular Frame
antique Sterling silver rectangular picture frames fully restored
This sterling silver rectangular picture frame was fully restored with new fabric. The sterling silver picture frame itself was very lightly polished with extra care to protect the engraved linear design and the engraved initials.
To do this type of restoration work, the old fabric is carefully removed to reuse as many of the original core materials as possible. The rectangular frames are challenging because of the wood frame that goes inside the back. The easel and back must be friction tight, but not too tight. A fine line for a perfect fit, and the best quality restoration.
In the photo below, you can see the condition of the fabric when it arrived for restoration.
Modern 1914 Sterling silver oval picture frame repaired
This oval picture frame was very modern for the date of 1914. It was in good condition for its age. The customer did not want to replace the textured leather backing material. The front of the frame was damaged by a jewelry store that didn’t know how to repair sterling silver frames. Repair and restoration of sterling silver frames require experience, metalworking, and fabric skills.
Cleaning Picture Frame Fabric
Cleaning picture frame fabric is possible.
Generally, I would recommend polishing picture frames very carefully with Q-tips. Do not get silver polish on the fabric. In this example, the customer sent eight sterling silver frames with hard, encrusted dried silver polish embedded into the blue velvet fabric. (above right photo)
I have figured out how to remove old silver polish from the fabric (above left photo) The final appearance was not like new fabric, but it looked much better and cost a lot less than replacing the fabric on the entire frame.
PRICES FOR RESTORATION OF STERLING SILVER PICTURE FRAMES
Polishing the sterling silver picture frame is relatively easy though time-consuming as the sterling silver frame is very fragile. Prices start at $325 and up.
Cleaning old silver polish off the fabric and polishing the frame: $616- $960 (depending on the size and shape of the frame.)
Complete restoration of an antique sterling silver picture frame with new fabric and polishing the sterling silver frame takes 10-24 hours and more than two weeks. Depending on the design and condition of your frame, the restoration starts at $1200 - $3600
For restoration of an antique picture frame there are many factors to consider:
the condition of the sterling silver frame
the condition of the wood forms (under the fabric)
the design of the wood forms and shape of the sterling silver frame .
missing and broken parts such as the hinges and tiny sterling silver nails that hold the frame.
That is just the beginning…..
There are no replacement parts available for antique frames. Everything is hand work. I will reuse or repair as many of the original parts as possible. Fabrication of missing parts is possible but will increase the cost of the restoration.
Please do not replace the easel with new parts from a frame shop. What is sold in the 21st century as an easel is cardboard and plastic junk.