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CHELSEA PLATING COMPANYRestoration of silver, brass, bronze, gold, ceramics, lighting, and heirloom and decorative art objects since 1948.
Chelsea Plating Company in Philadelphia restores silver, brass, copper, bronze, gold, ceramics, lighting, and mixed-material objects for clients in the city and throughout the United States. The workshop focuses on careful restoration and conservation-minded repair of pieces that are used, displayed, and passed down: table silver, lighting, trophies, sculpture, frames, heirlooms, and religious objects. Surfaces are clarified, structures stabilized, and finishes adjusted with respect for original intent. Many clients find us while searching for antique restoration near them and choose to ship pieces to Philadelphia. We provide packing guidance before you ship and arrange return shipping from the studio.
Send clear photos and dimensions to begin.
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AT A GLANCE
Chelsea Plating Company restores:
• Silver and silverplate holloware, flatware, centerpieces, and silver-gilt pieces
• Brass, copper, and bronze lighting, hardware, and decorative metalwork
• Gilded frames, ormolu mounts, and gold-plated or partially gilt decorative objects
• Antique lamps, chandeliers, sconces, lanterns, and other light fixtures
• Porcelain, fine china, ceramics, pottery, and ceramic lamp bases
• Heirlooms, decorative art, sculpture, trophies, and religious and liturgical objects
• Silver and silverplate holloware, flatware, centerpieces, and silver-gilt pieces
• Brass, copper, and bronze lighting, hardware, and decorative metalwork
• Gilded frames, ormolu mounts, and gold-plated or partially gilt decorative objects
• Antique lamps, chandeliers, sconces, lanterns, and other light fixtures
• Porcelain, fine china, ceramics, pottery, and ceramic lamp bases
• Heirlooms, decorative art, sculpture, trophies, and religious and liturgical objects
RESTORATION SERVICES
Silver Restoration and Repair
Restoration of sterling silver and silverplate holloware, flatware, decorative objects, and silver-gilt surfaces. Tarnish reduced, dents corrected, plating renewed where appropriate, and engraving preserved.
Restoration of sterling silver and silverplate holloware, flatware, decorative objects, and silver-gilt surfaces. Tarnish reduced, dents corrected, plating renewed where appropriate, and engraving preserved.
Victorian sterling silver tea and coffee service with tray — tarnish reduced, surfaces polished, finish restored.
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Rose Point sterling silver flatware — tarnish reduced, surfaces polished, finish clarified.
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Brass, Copper and Bronze Restoration and Repair
Surface and structural restoration of solid brass, copper, and bronze objects, including lighting, hardware, beds, sculpture, and decorative or architectural metalwork. Corrosion reduced, finish restored, and alignment corrected.
Surface and structural restoration of solid brass, copper, and bronze objects, including lighting, hardware, beds, sculpture, and decorative or architectural metalwork. Corrosion reduced, finish restored, and alignment corrected.
Antique brass andirons — old lacquer removed, surfaces polished, lacquer reapplied, finish restored.
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Vintage copper and brass ship’s lantern — tarnish removed, surfaces polished, lacquer applied.
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Gold, Gilding and Plated Surface Restoration
Gilded frames, ormolu, gold-plated decorative metalwork, and partial gilt surfaces. Modern gilding and plating methods used to clarify detail and renew worn gold finishes, with patina adjusted rather than stripped.
Gilded frames, ormolu, gold-plated decorative metalwork, and partial gilt surfaces. Modern gilding and plating methods used to clarify detail and renew worn gold finishes, with patina adjusted rather than stripped.
Gilded frame around landscape painting — frame cleaned, losses repaired, gold leaf re-applied, finish restored.
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Odiot sterling silver figural salt cellar — tarnish removed, surfaces polished, gold plating applied, finish restored.
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Antique Lamp and Light Fixture Restoration and Repair
Table and floor lamps, chandeliers, wall sconces, lanterns, and other fixtures in brass, bronze, copper, and mixed materials. Finish restored, structure stabilized, and fixtures rewired for safe use. All work is completed in the workshop; we do not work on fixtures while they are installed.
Table and floor lamps, chandeliers, wall sconces, lanterns, and other fixtures in brass, bronze, copper, and mixed materials. Finish restored, structure stabilized, and fixtures rewired for safe use. All work is completed in the workshop; we do not work on fixtures while they are installed.
Pair of blue glass and brass table lamps — tarnish removed, brass polished, rewired, lacquer applied, finish restored.
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Victorian brass hanging fixture — tarnish removed, brass polished, rewired, glass shades reinstalled, finish restored.
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Ceramic and Porcelain Restoration and Repair
Porcelain, fine china, ceramic and studio pottery, figurines, vases, and ceramic lamp bases. Breaks reassembled, losses rebuilt and toned, and decoration visually integrated. Restored ceramics are for display and very light, careful use only and are not food- or heat-safe.
Porcelain, fine china, ceramic and studio pottery, figurines, vases, and ceramic lamp bases. Breaks reassembled, losses rebuilt and toned, and decoration visually integrated. Restored ceramics are for display and very light, careful use only and are not food- or heat-safe.
Porcelain lace dancing couple figurine — shattered sections reassembled, joins filled and inpainted, structure stabilized.
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Brown transferware serving bowl — shattered sections reassembled, joins filled and inpainted, structure stabilized.
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Heirloom, Decorative Art and Religious Object Restoration and Repair
Trophies, presentation pieces, frames, sculpture, desk objects, maritime pieces, and religious and liturgical metalwork. Finish restored, tone blended, and structure stabilized so pieces can remain in use and on display.
Trophies, presentation pieces, frames, sculpture, desk objects, maritime pieces, and religious and liturgical metalwork. Finish restored, tone blended, and structure stabilized so pieces can remain in use and on display.
Philadelphia Challenge Cup gold trophy — surfaces cleaned and polished, engraving clarified, finish restored.
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Sterling liturgical chalice — tarnish reduced, surfaces polished, interior re-gilded, finish clarified.
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APPROACH TO RESTORATION
Assessment
Projects begin with clear photos and basic dimensions. Each piece is reviewed for structure, materials, finishes, and how it is used or displayed. Once in the workshop, the plan is refined after a hands-on examination.
Treatment
Treatment focuses first on stability, then on surface. Typical steps include reducing corrosion, consolidating loose elements, correcting minor distortions, adjusting patina, and, where appropriate, renewing silver or gold plating. Original engraving, inscriptions, and maker’s marks are preserved.
Communication
Before work begins, clients receive an outline of proposed treatment and an estimated range. Any significant findings or decisions are discussed during the project so there are no surprises when the object returns.
Shipping and Local Drop-off
Local clients bring pieces to the Philadelphia workshop by appointment. For shipped projects, packing guidance is provided for each object, and return shipping is arranged from the studio once work is complete.
Projects begin with clear photos and basic dimensions. Each piece is reviewed for structure, materials, finishes, and how it is used or displayed. Once in the workshop, the plan is refined after a hands-on examination.
Treatment
Treatment focuses first on stability, then on surface. Typical steps include reducing corrosion, consolidating loose elements, correcting minor distortions, adjusting patina, and, where appropriate, renewing silver or gold plating. Original engraving, inscriptions, and maker’s marks are preserved.
Communication
Before work begins, clients receive an outline of proposed treatment and an estimated range. Any significant findings or decisions are discussed during the project so there are no surprises when the object returns.
Shipping and Local Drop-off
Local clients bring pieces to the Philadelphia workshop by appointment. For shipped projects, packing guidance is provided for each object, and return shipping is arranged from the studio once work is complete.
OBJECT TYPES
Common projects include:
• Table silver, flatware, tea and coffee services, trays, and centerpieces
• Brass, copper, and bronze lighting, hardware, and decorative metalwork
• Gilded and partially gilt frames, ormolu mounts, pedestals, and desk pieces
• Chandeliers, lanterns, sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps
• Porcelain and ceramic vases, figurines, dinnerware, and lamp bases
• Trophies, presentation pieces, and perpetual awards
• Religious and liturgical objects such as chalices, candlesticks, Torah ornaments, and sanctuary lamps
• Mixed-material objects combining metal with glass, stone, wood, or ceramics
• Table silver, flatware, tea and coffee services, trays, and centerpieces
• Brass, copper, and bronze lighting, hardware, and decorative metalwork
• Gilded and partially gilt frames, ormolu mounts, pedestals, and desk pieces
• Chandeliers, lanterns, sconces, table lamps, and floor lamps
• Porcelain and ceramic vases, figurines, dinnerware, and lamp bases
• Trophies, presentation pieces, and perpetual awards
• Religious and liturgical objects such as chalices, candlesticks, Torah ornaments, and sanctuary lamps
• Mixed-material objects combining metal with glass, stone, wood, or ceramics
REQUEST AN ESTIMATE
Most projects begin with photographs. Clear images and basic measurements allow us to understand the object, its condition, and your goals before anything is shipped or dropped off.
Send clear photos and dimensions to begin.
In your message, please include:
• Overall photos and close-ups of any damage or concern
• Approximate dimensions
• Any relevant history or deadlines, such as an event or service date
You will receive a response outlining likely treatment, an estimated cost range, and next steps for packing and transport.
In your message, please include:
• Overall photos and close-ups of any damage or concern
• Approximate dimensions
• Any relevant history or deadlines, such as an event or service date
You will receive a response outlining likely treatment, an estimated cost range, and next steps for packing and transport.
BEFORE AND AFTER GALLERIES
Throughout the site, before and after galleries show representative projects in silver, brass, bronze, gold, ceramics, lighting, and religious and heirloom objects. Each example illustrates how careful cleaning, structural repair, and adjusted finishes can bring a piece back into clear use without erasing its age.
For detailed examples, see:
Silver Restoration and Repair
Brass, Copper and Bronze Restoration and Repair
Gold, Gilding and Plated Surface Restoration
Antique Lamp and Light Fixture Restoration and Repair
Ceramic and Porcelain Restoration and Repair
Heirloom, Decorative Art and Religious Object Restoration and Repair
For detailed examples, see:
Silver Restoration and Repair
Brass, Copper and Bronze Restoration and Repair
Gold, Gilding and Plated Surface Restoration
Antique Lamp and Light Fixture Restoration and Repair
Ceramic and Porcelain Restoration and Repair
Heirloom, Decorative Art and Religious Object Restoration and Repair
FAQ
DO YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA?
Yes. Many projects are shipped from other states. After reviewing photos, we provide packing guidance before you ship and arrange return shipping from the Philadelphia workshop when work is complete.
CAN YOU MAKE A PIECE LOOK NEW AGAIN?
Finishes can often be brought back to a bright, even appearance, but the goal is to balance clarity with character. We discuss the level of refinement you prefer, from subtle cleaning and stabilization to a more fully renewed surface.
DO YOU REPAIR CERAMICS FOR FOOD OR MICROWAVE USE?
No. Restored ceramics and porcelain are intended for display and very light, careful use only. Adhesives and fills are not food-safe, dishwasher-safe, or microwave-safe.
CAN YOU REWIRE MY ANTIQUE LIGHTING?
Yes. Many lighting projects include both finish restoration and rewiring, including new sockets and cords. All work is carried out in the workshop; fixtures are not worked on while installed.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PIECE IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR RESTORATION?
Clear photos are usually enough to determine whether restoration is sensible and what the likely outcome will be. If a project is unlikely to yield a satisfying result, we will explain why and suggest alternatives.
Yes. Many projects are shipped from other states. After reviewing photos, we provide packing guidance before you ship and arrange return shipping from the Philadelphia workshop when work is complete.
CAN YOU MAKE A PIECE LOOK NEW AGAIN?
Finishes can often be brought back to a bright, even appearance, but the goal is to balance clarity with character. We discuss the level of refinement you prefer, from subtle cleaning and stabilization to a more fully renewed surface.
DO YOU REPAIR CERAMICS FOR FOOD OR MICROWAVE USE?
No. Restored ceramics and porcelain are intended for display and very light, careful use only. Adhesives and fills are not food-safe, dishwasher-safe, or microwave-safe.
CAN YOU REWIRE MY ANTIQUE LIGHTING?
Yes. Many lighting projects include both finish restoration and rewiring, including new sockets and cords. All work is carried out in the workshop; fixtures are not worked on while installed.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PIECE IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR RESTORATION?
Clear photos are usually enough to determine whether restoration is sensible and what the likely outcome will be. If a project is unlikely to yield a satisfying result, we will explain why and suggest alternatives.
Send clear photos and dimensions to begin.