Refurbishing question

[daffyslanding]

A general rule of thumb is "if in doubt, do nothing". IF you do decide to restore, you should document the "before" condition with photos so that if you ever do decide to buy you will be able to show the original condition. Keep your sales receipt of the restorer since this now would become part of the history of the piece and should always remain with the item where ever it would end up in the future. See if you can have the restorer remove dents and dings without needing to replate the item this would be a good halfway alternative.

[WWGjohn]

I agree, the general rule of thumb is, when in doubt, do nothing about replating old silver, if value is of concern. Polishing or even reattaching broken parts is one thing but actually replating lost silver is another. Most antique dealers will tell you not to replate antique items and, while this is not an antique, it is notable and valuable. I'd get an appraisal and expert opinions before replating.

John