Page 128 - Homes & Antiques (February 2020)
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AG O N Y AU N T A silver lining
The I recently inherited a set of such as the Atkin Brothers, in
Antiques antique nickel-plated cutlery conjunction with other marks
Guru with the hallmark NS. The from the mid 19th century. If
cutlery is beautiful but tarnished
the condition is worn, however,
– could you advise on how I can they are more likely to be from
clean it? I also read recently a rubbed EPNS mark (denoting
that antique pewter is not the electro-plated nickel silver).
safest material to serve food on. Either way, do be careful not to
Does the same principle apply strip away any more of the silver.
to nickel? Avoid silver wadding cleaners
Claire Paling, via email and use a gentle product such as
Goddard’s Silver Polish Foam,
From the 1840s it was common or submerge in silver dip for a
for nickel mixed with other second or two – but no more, or
base metals, such as copper and it will turn milky white.
zinc, to be silver plated by an You can consider re-plating,
electronic process. Your cutlery but this will probably destroy
set is likely to be one of these. the antique look and may be
The NS initials were used by more expensive than the
some makers of silver plate, value of the cutlery.
Trolley dash
I have a 1970s brass drinks excess by wiping with kitchen
trolley that I bought on eBay towel and you should #nd the
wheels are back to their smooth-
a couple of years ago. I love to
Ask drinks party to display nibbles are past their prime, you could
use it at our annual Christmas
running glory. If they really
and glasses of !zz. However,
replace them – it isn’t hard to
the wheels are really sti" and
#nd online retro-style swivel
it’s impossible to push around
caster wheels for furniture
(especially when laden with
(try heritagecomponents.co.uk).
Janet drinks!) Is there an easy way The other option is just to park
to loosen up the wheels, or
the well-stocked trolley at the
side of the room – it won’t be
replace them perhaps?
long before your guests make a
Felicity Kershaw, via email
beeline towards it. Cheers!
If the wheels of your trolley
are sti!, it’s probably because
they’re clogged with decades of
accumulated grime. Give them
a good clean with a small brush LEFT A deep
and detergent or sugar soap to
Bestselling author, remove the debris. When dirt- clean and
oil could get
specialist writer and free, leave to dry then lubricate Felicity’s trolley
with WD-40 spray or similar. rolling again,
behind-the-scenes A"er a few hours, remove any says Janet.
expert on the Antiques
Roadshow, Janet
Janet wants your questions!
Gleeson resolves your
Send your curio queries and Regency riddles to Janet for
antiques agonies…
an informative and considered solution to your woes.
And don’t forget to send photos, if relevant. Email Illustration: Holly Exley
AskJanet@immediate.co.uk, or use the postal address, page 4.
128 Homes & Antiques February 2020
