Tassel silver plate replacement

**johngoff** · 13th December 17, 09:59 AM

I have an older sporran with silver-plated bells that cover the top part of the tassel. They have corroded over the years so I'm hoping to replace them. Any leads or information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, John.

**Moses** · 13th December 17, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by johngoff

I have an older sporran with silver-plated bells that cover the top part of the tassel. They have corroded over the years so I'm hoping to replace them. Any leads or information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, John.

It is something I was wondering also just the other day! Hopefully there'll be a good response from our group here

**Stoff** · 14th December 17, 07:21 AM

I have a question. What about gently cleaning and polishing the existing silver vs. replacing it? I have an elderly kilt belt buckle that is brass with silver plate that has been polished a number of times. It is from the first kilt belt that I purchased 40+ years ago and I would not discard it for the world. In fact I think it has been on about four different belts.

Stoff

**LKM** · 14th December 17, 07:47 AM

I agree with Stoff about cleaning. The tarnish is oxidation and there are several cleaners that have been made that can remove the tarnished look. If you don't have the cleaners yourself most jewelery stores can clean silver in a way that can untarnish most silver. My wife had a silver ring that was almost black that now looks as good as new after a trip to Zales. Some may charge a minimal fee, especially if they do not carry the product, yet it will still be cheaper then replacement.

If they are damaged beyond help some pictures of the tassels would help in finding replacements.

**Moses** · 14th December 17, 07:54 AM

In my case my "replacements" would be to replace the chrome styled with silver. I have a silver (plated I believe) cantle and thought it would be much better to match up the metals.

**tky58** · 17th December 17, 02:33 PM

Try NEVR-DULL which is a cotton floss impregnated with polish. It is silver safe. I have used it for decades on brass. You can clean the balls without messing up the leather or whatever it is hung on.

**Luke MacGillie** · 17th December 17, 07:18 PM

I cant recommend any one person or shop, as Ive not had to purchase these parts myself, but searching on ebay and the net turns up a number of places that do sell everything from just replacement metal caps for tassels, to complete tassels themselves.

I would, like others have said, try cleaning before replacement.

**LKM** · 18th December 17, 07:34 AM

I have a few sites book marked on an old computer. It the are still active I will post the links. I will boot it up sometime and see if they are still active. A quick search pulled up these options https://www.etsy.com/market/silver_tassel_cap yet I do not know the sizes or quality.

**LKM** · 19th December 17, 06:46 AM

Most of that I had book marked before were not worth using, most likely why I never ordered any. I do see that http://www.clanart.net has several in pewter that can come with a nickel finish. I have heard that http://www.custom-celtic.com can do custom work, as should most people who make custom jewelry.

Also, if you do not mind doing some design work there is https://www.shapeways.com/ who can 3D print and have the finished products in silver. For more information on the silver: https://www.shapeways.com/materials/silver

**johngoff** · 9th January 18, 10:18 AM

So for those who suggested cleaning up the tarnish. Unfortunately the corrosion went beyond the plating so there isn't any ability to polish the silver.

I'll be checking to see if I can find replacements.

Thank you, John.