Since 1919
Zapffe Silversmiths of Seattle, is the trusted name in antique silver restoration, expert silver plating and conservation. Our three full-time silversmiths Thaddeus Thompson, James Coulter and William Thompson have accumulated over 100 years of experience between them, and continue to restore precious articles with the skill and expertise of those that originally created them.
The staff of Zapffe shares the common goal of preserving the original integrity and beauty of sterling silver, silver plate, and Sheffield plate so that future generations will be able to appreciate the mastery and quality of the art of silversmithing.
The services we provide range from soldering hinges and broken pieces, re-silvering, refinishing and polishing sterling, silver plate, copper, pewter, and brass, to providing insurance appraisals on your silver heirlooms.
Our company was founded by Carl Zapffe, a Norwegian immigrant, and was located on the corner of 3rd avenue and Virginia Street in a young and thriving Downtown Seattle. We have a full service silversmith shop where all silver plating, gold plating and silver repair & restoration takes place, as well as an antique silver showroom filled with antique silver for sale.
The silver work of Carl Zapffe and his apprentice, the company's third owner, master silversmith Donald Thompson can be viewed in the Smithsonian Museum, and our restoration work can be viewed in many Cathedrals, onboard the USS Constellation, inside the Washington State Governor's Mansion, and thousands of homes across the country.
The Thompson Family still owns and operates Zapffe Silversmiths, maintaining the core values of quality and craftsmanship taught to them by their Father.
We invite you to explore our website to see view the services we provide and how Zapffe Silversmiths can help preserve and restore your personal silver collection, answer any questions you may have about the restoration process, educate yourself on proper silver care, shop the antique silver we currently have for sale, and view our restoration before and after gallery.