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Best way to remove engraving from sterling silver

2006

Inherited large silver set with initials engraved. I want to remove these and possibly re-engrave with the initial of our last name.

Jay Erickson

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2006

It doesn't strike me as a practical thing to do, Jay. There are a couple of sites on line that explain how a silver smith can do this (in some cases) though. Maybe you can swap them on a silver exchange or eBay ?

But your problem is admittedly easier than an earlier letter where the inquirer had bought a small curio cabinet and wanted to know the name of the process by which he could have all of his collectible sculpture, china, and silver reduced to 2/3 of its original size.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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2006

Not so simple but effective way to do that job is electroforming- all areas except engraving must be coated with lacquer. Other methods are less friendly to objects(sanding,filling it with silver solder or silver/mercury alloy,then you must heat it to evaporate mercury). Try Society of American Silversmiths webpages, hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija

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2007

You will need to get a machinist to mill the engraving off and then re-engrave with a laser engraver or pin stamper.
Depending on who you know in this field and how many parts, this could be expensive. Good luck.

Stephane Poirier