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Gold Wash done on Silver in the late 1800's and early 1900's

2006

I'm researching how sterling silver souvenir spoons were manufactured in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Many of them were gilded over the bowl or all / part of the spoon. In many texts this called "gold wash." Was this done by immersion plating? It's certainly a very thin layer of gold that is easily removed.

I also have spoons that have what looks like copper and bronze plated onto portions of the bowl. Is this immersion plating onto the silver? If so does anyone know basically how it was done?

There is also a surface finish that is known as Gray, French Gray or Satin on the silver. It's matte finish with a very slight texture. Any clues?

Thanks.

K.P. O'Neil
Researcher on Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoons - Santa Monica, California, USA

Metal Plating and Patination by S. La Niece and P. Craddock is very good book on that subject.Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2006