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BRASS, COPPER, AND BRONZE RESTORATIONConservation-minded restoration of brass, copper, and bronze lighting, hardware, architectural elements, cookware, sculpture, maritime pieces, and decorative objects.
Chelsea Plating Company in Philadelphia restores brass, copper, and bronze objects for clients in the region and across the United States. Since 1948, the workshop has handled brass restoration, brass polishing and refinishing, copper restoration and selected copper cookware re-tinning, and finish restoration for bronze sculpture and architectural metalwork. Typical projects include lighting, hardware, fireplace and hearth pieces, church and institutional fittings, maritime brass, and decorative objects, with a focus on structural stability and finishes appropriate to age and use. All work is carried out in the Philadelphia workshop; there is no on-site metal restoration. Many visitors first find the workshop while searching for brass restoration near them and choose to send their pieces to Philadelphia after receiving packing guidance.
Send clear photos and dimensions to begin.
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AT A GLANCE
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Brass andiron base with cherub—verdigris reduced, detail and polish restored.
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LIGHTING, HARDWARE, AND ARCHITECTURAL METALWORK
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Many projects involve brass and bronze lighting and hardware that have dulled, tarnished, or lost their protective coatings. The workshop restores chandeliers, sconces, table and floor lamps, door and cabinet hardware, fireplace andirons and tools, coal and log bins, and other household fittings. Surfaces are cleaned in stages, corrosion is reduced, and failed lacquer is removed where appropriate so the underlying metal can be clarified.
Where a bright finish is desired, polishing is carried out with care to preserve crisp geometry, cast detail, and inscriptions. Where a softer or aged tone is more suitable, patina is adjusted rather than stripped so the object reads clearly without losing its sense of age. After refinishing, new protective coatings can be applied to help slow future tarnish when appropriate for the piece and its setting. Architectural metalwork and hardware are treated with particular attention to alignment and function. Hinges, latches, escutcheons, pulls, and rail components are checked so that moving parts operate properly and sit squarely once reinstalled. Finish choices are discussed in advance with the client so the restored metal sits comfortably with surrounding woodwork, stone, or architectural finishes. |
Gothic Revival brass chandeliers — heavy tarnish removed, polish restored, structure clarified.
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SCULPTURE, MARITIME PIECES, AND DECORATIVE OBJECTS
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Bronze and mixed-metal sculptures often arrive with accumulated grime, uneven or failing protective coatings, and active corrosion in recesses. These works are approached with a conservation mindset: corrosion is reduced, surfaces are cleaned, and patina is adjusted rather than reinvented. Where losses or breaks are present, structure is stabilized and alignment corrected before any surface work proceeds. The aim is a surface that reads coherently and respects the artist’s original intent and the object’s age.
Maritime brass and copper objects such as ships’ lanterns, bells, portholes, and builder’s plates are common in the studio. Lenses, guards, and housings are cleaned, corrosion is moderated, and lettering or inscriptions are clarified. Some pieces are finished to a brighter polish; others retain a moderated interior patina while exterior surfaces are adjusted for display. Intended use, whether indoor display or occasional outdoor exposure, guides these choices. Decorative brass and copper objects, from samovars and urns to candlesticks and small table pieces, receive similar attention. Loose elements are stabilized, dents or distortions are corrected where feasible, and surface detail is clarified so casting work and engraving are legible again. When a piece has a long family history, a degree of softness can be retained in the finish so it feels cared for rather than newly manufactured. |
Brass engine order telegraph—finish restored, dial cleaned, handle and column aligned.
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PROCESS, SHIPPING, AND FINISH EXPECTATIONS
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Most projects begin with clear photographs of the object from several angles, along with approximate dimensions and a note about how the piece will be used or displayed. From this information, the workshop can usually outline an initial treatment approach and cost range. Once the object arrives in Philadelphia, it is examined in person and any adjustments to the plan are discussed before work proceeds.
Packing guidance is provided before shipping, including suggestions for padding, double-boxing, and securing loose or protruding elements. Local clients often arrange a hand-delivery appointment for heavy or intricate pieces. Clients elsewhere in the United States send pieces to the workshop using these guidelines, and return shipment from Philadelphia is arranged once restoration is complete. Metal finishes, even when restored and protected, are not maintenance-free. Brass, copper, and bronze will continue to react gently with their environment over time. Care guidance is provided for each piece—usually involving light dusting and occasional careful wiping—to help maintain the restored appearance. Strong household polishes and abrasive cleaners are discouraged, as they can erode detail and disrupt carefully adjusted patina. |
Brass door hardware set—letter slot, numerals, escutcheons, pull—finish restored.
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Send clear photos and dimensions to begin.
