Summary for vintage tortoiseshell restoration Discussion
Vintage tortoiseshell antique restoration is the concern here: Bill Doherty describes a 200-year-old-or-older solid silver box with a tortoiseshell lid and silver inlay that has become dull on top, though still vibrant from beneath. He suspects centuries of polishing the silver inlay may have contributed to the change and asks how to preserve the artifact, especially since it is intended as a gift. The only answer, from Goran Budija, does not recommend a do-it-yourself treatment; instead, he points Bill to a conservation resource listing Australian object conservators and says there are many excellent professionals in Australia. The practical takeaway is to seek a qualified conservator rather than attempt polishing or restoration on a fragile antique tortoiseshell piece, since preservation is the priority and the thread offers no home remedy.
Q. Hi,
I am looking for some advice on the restoration of a vintage box.
It is intended to be a gift to my granddaughter as a tooth fairy box.
The article is solid silver with a tortoiseshell lid which is also inlaid with silver.
It is at least 200 years old and probably much older.
The shell is dull viewed from above, but quite vibrant from beneath the lid.
I suspect that polishing the silver inlay in the lid over the centuries has contributed to the dulling.
What can be done to preserve this artifact?
Please advise.
Regards,
Bill
william doherty
regular contributor – Newcastle, NSW Australia
June 17, 2015
A. Try this link:
www.cool.conservation-us.org/misc/people/nations/australia.txt
There are many excellent object conservators in Australia. Hope it helps and good luck!
Goran Budija
– zagreb,Croatia