After an item has been stripped to its base metal, and any necessary repairs have been made, the replating process begins. The most important aspect of the plating process, like all other facets of the restoration process, is the preparation. Before anything can be plated, it must go through an elaborate cleaning process. First the item is degreased in a tank of hot water and industrial grade soap. This breaks down and loosens up substances on the piece such as left over buffing compound, wax, etc… Next, the item is electro cleaned. This is a process very similar to the degreasing, except in addition to the hot soap, an electrical charge is sent through the piece to activate the ions so the next coat will stick to the base metal. After the electro cleaning, the piece is rinsed in clean water, and then dipped in a mild acid to neutralize any left over soap. Once neutralized, it is rinsed again, then a primer coating, usually copper is applied. Once the primer bonds to the metal, it is rinsed one last time and ready to move to the final coat of plating, whether it be gold, silver, nickel, etc…

Electro plating can be broken down into four key terms. You have the Rectifier, which is the power source. The Rectifier sends an electrical current to the Anode, which causes a transfer of ions through the Plating solution, and the final deposit of the metallic coating on to the Cathode. The Anode is the source of metal, and the Cathode is the object being plated.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: The Challenge to do the impossible with odd shape and size jobs.

Q: After 30 years of plating, is there any particular finish, or area within plating that still challenges your expertise?
A: Plating on Plastic

Q: What is the most dangerous aspect of your day to day routine here at Estes?
A: A chemical spill form a ruptured tank

Q: Is there any other department or area at Estes-Simmons that interests you?
A: The Repair Department

Q: Whom do you admire most?
A: My Wife

Q: Who is your favorite musical artist?
A: Lionel Ritchie

Q: Finally, when it comes to chicken, curry or jerk?
A: Jerk, It separates the men from the boys.

How were the Miami shows this year different than those in the past?
MA: The shows were well attended. The Miami Beach show moved their opening day to Thursday, which, in my opinion, hurt the energy of the crowd that was used to coming on Friday.

Did you notice any particular trends or pattern that were selling more than others?
VW: The main trend change all year is increased interest in great flat silver and less interest in great hollowware.
MA: Most categories were the same as in the past. Holloware was up for us. Flatware is a function of desired patterns, so we were off a little.

Which show do you prefer, The Beach or the Airport? Why?
BR: I prefer buying at the Beach, just because there are such a huge number of exhibitors from whom to buy. The Beach sure is a more tiring show, given its size.
FH: The shows were OK, the beach was poorer of the two.
VW: My Miami National Show continues to be better and the Beach is more and more depressing and less successful financially. At Miami National, a broader range of silver sells and a more diverse group of customers. At the Beach the number of people who buy silver for their own personal use has declined dramatically. It is even more of a wholesale show than it used to be.
MA: The Airport. Because it is the first show, therefore more excitement and more aggressive buying from beginning to end.

Do you find more success at larger “International” shows such as the Beach, or smaller more local shows closer to your hometown? (picture MiamiBeachLogo)
BR: I probably buy more in volume at the big shows, but find better deals at the smaller ones.
FH: The large shows are better because you can buy at them. I hardly think shows are enough to make a living these days in fact I would hate to be starting out fresh in business without experience and a good reputation. Its hardly a business for a beginner.
VW: We do better at shows where "regular people" and serious collectors shop. We have a lot of trouble selling in the international arenas where the whole emphasis is, "How little can I pay for the very best pieces?" This does not apply to sales to fellow floor dealers who are happy to pay a fair dealer price. We have no problem with these friends at all.
MA: We do better at the larger shows. The smaller shows are good in some areas but not across the board like the larger ones.

Were you able to buy well at the shows this year?
BR: I was happy with the buying this year. I think my partner and I spent more than we did last year, and if you don't buy it, you certainly can't sell it.
FH: I always manage to buy well at the shows because I am a raving lunatic
VW: We bought less in Florida this year but were very happy with the purchases we made. Some were very high-end and others were "gifts" for our shop.
MA: The buying was O.K. but nothing very special.

How is the Economy in the U.K.?
MS: The economy is healthy, people live well, there does not appear to be any / much poverty. The English live fairly frugal lives, not much extravagance here. No collectors of repousse, southern silver or Martele. Just piggy banks.

How are the antique shows in the U.K. different than here in the states?
MS: Shows are well attended. Though there is not such a wide range of merchandise, and not much business. People love to look and coo.

What is selling in the U.K.?
MS: Good English / Irish / Scottish antiques. Foreign stuff is left for the foreigners

Are you able to buy good American merchandise, or is it primarily Continental and English?
MS: I have bought and have seen some very, very good American antiques here. Generally, the English ignore the good American antiques. They will buy the cheaper stuff to sell to the Continentals.

Has the dollar valuation hurt?
MS: The low Dollar has hurt the business here. That and the Terror Alerts have kept the US buyers to a minimum.

Are you buying or selling flatware, or is it mostly hollowware?
MS: 50-50. I don’t distinguish, can’t afford to, anything with a profit.

How are the ladies treating you?
MS: They treat me like a Foreigner. Get back where you came from.

Finally, we are pleased to introduce you to the newest member of the Estes-Simmons team, Lotte Martele’ Simmons. Lotte, originally from north Georgia, moved to Atlanta 4 weeks ago, and in no time became a vital part of the Estes Simmons Family. Lotte has 0 years of experience in the plating industry, and 0 years of experience in sales. She does not have a college degree, and never attended high school. To be honest, Lotte brings nothing to the table, but gives 110% every day.