A bit of a different metal work task

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I got a phone call last week. Seems someone recommended me for fixing up a few decorative items and antiques. Tonight I donned my yarmulke and went to Temple Israel to see the items. This photo is only a small part of what they want fixed. I have until Rosh Hashanah to get it all done. There are probably fifty breastplates, finials, yods, and other items. Most need cleaning, minor dents removed, and simple repairs. The crowns and finials need most of the bells replaced. The yods are almost all loose and flopping around. There are several pieces missing on some breastplates. Everything is sterling. I will make the missing parts and hand engrave them to match. They wanted to know an approximate price for the repairs. I said that I had a price in mind , but seeing how many items and hours of work it will take I was raising it. I was going to charge 10 agorot, but would have to charge a whole shekel. They laughed and said, "We are serious about this." I replied, "So am I."

 

[Marko3]

Thats some interesting work right there. How did you learn how to do that kind of work if you don't mind sharing ?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

ב"ה

I am self taught as a gem cutter and a goldsmith ( and bladesmith). I never apprenticed or went to school. Over the past forty years, I have had several apprentices under me, one of which now owns and runs a jewelers training institute.

Silver work is sort of intuitive once you understand where the metal will move when you strike it in a certain way and place.

Work like this projects needs extra help, Bizot Hashem!

 

[Rick Marchand]

Old Shekel or New Shekel?

 

[Marko3]

Well Stacy .. I say good for you ! Sounds like you are a hands on type of guy and you don't shy away from difficult jobs. Also good to hear you passed on some of the knowledge you had to another person to further the craft.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Old Shekel or New Shekel?

Funny you should ask. After I gave the price one of the guys chuckled and said, "Wait a minute....Old shekel or new shekel?" I told him it was up to them, but a new shekel was fine with me.
For those who don't know, a new shekel is about the same as a US quarter. A pre-inflation shekel (1980-85) was worth 1000 times as much, but is now just a collectors item. An ancient shekel from the second temple era can run from $50-$2000.

 

[Rick Marchand]

Ha-ha... yup... that's why I asked.