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ANTIQUES & RESTORATION

Sympathetic restoration, renovation and polishing

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James Johnson
Founder and Principal
Samantha Jones
Project Manager

ANTIQUES & RESTORATION

We have vast experience working on rare, vintage and antique items that require specialist restoration, repair or polishing. Every one of these projects needs an individual, tailored approach. For example, we have worked on projects such as:

  • Ornate Gates

  • Antique Garden Furniture

  • Antique Swords & Armour

  • Antique Lanterns & Bells

 

We love working on these projects because it gives us the opportunity to utilise our wide range of unique skills and craftsmanship. Our extensive knowledge and ability to join different types of metal using a variety of methods allows us to undertake detailed and sympathetic antique repairs. Some of the techniques we use include:

  • Brass Welding

  • Copper Welding

  • Cast Iron Welding

  • Lead Welding

  • Silver Soldering

  • Soft Soldering

  • Metal Polishing

 

Call or email us to discuss your antique restoration project with us.

SWORD AFTER REPAIR 3.jpg
BRASS COAL SCUTTLE AFTER.jpg
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Kim Bailey
VP Marketing

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Trevor Sinclair
VP Accounts

CASE STUDY 1: NAPOLEONIC SWORD

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This stunning 2 bar officers Cavalry sword dating to the Napoleonic-period came to Armour Engineering for repairs. The hilt had been crushed, and one of the guards (which protects the hand) had been broken off and lost.  The sword has exquisite detailed engraving on the blade and an original leather grip.

 

Our client understandably insisted that we did not damage or dismantle the sword in any way. We fabricated a new guard in brass, welded it to the sword hilt (whilst keeping the leather free from any damage) and polished the new component. The sword was transformed without compromising the original artefact.

If you have a specialist project that you would like to discuss with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Testimonial

"Over the last 25-30 years, I have been dealing with antique swords, armour and guns. Both in the finding, resale and refurbishment and restoration of them. Some of the work is incredibly difficult and the smallest mistake can not only make the issue larger but also cause the item to lose any value and historical importance to the piece. 

 

Over the years we have put work over to Paul at Armour Engineering Ltd. The nature of the work carried out has been repairs to sword guards such as a very rare 2 bar officers light cavalry sword from the Napoleonic wars. The guard of a rare 5 ball C1800 Naval officer’s sword and many others. 

They have helped with repairs to daggers and various other knives from many different centuries as well as helping with exceptionally difficult repairs, cleaning and restoration of armour pieces. 

On a few occasions we have needed work done to the lock and firing mechanisms of very old and early flintlock and match lock guns and pistols. 

 

The work has always been of exceptional quality and detail and this is why we have continued to use this company over the years. The work time and expertise they bring has been invaluable. We would just like to say thank you from a client who over the years has become a friend".

 

Thank you 

Antiques and swords UK

CASE STUDY 2: COALBROOKDALE SEAT

The Lilly of the valley leaf and bell pattern had been sadly broken off this striking, highly collectible Coalbrookdale garden seat and lost. 

 

Before the restoration process could begin, the bench was initially sand blasted. Stripping the bench of years of paint, revealed it's delicate and intricate Lilly of the Valley details that had been hidden for so long. Unfortunately over years of loving use and weathering, parts of the pattern had become damaged. A significant section of the back of the bench was also missing. Armour Engineering fabricated a new back section from Mild Steel and created a new leaf, faithfully copying other elements on the seat and blending it perfectly with the original work.

This sentimental, detailed restoration gave this beautiful bench a new lease of life and once painted it was almost impossible to see the difference.

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CASE STUDY 3: SERVANTS BELLS

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These wonderful Victorian servants bells were brought to us for restoration. They were heavily tarnished and the springs were badly rusted to the point where they were starting to fracture.

 

It was important for us to retain as much of the original bells as possible, but also ensure that they were structurally sound. After discussing the options with the customer; replacement springs were made, the bells were stripped and polished then riveted onto the new springs with new copper rivets.

 

The final results speak for themselves and it was great to work on something that has had such a unique, practical history.

We love working on project like this, if you need expert help with a restoration please contact us.

"A service minded, family run company which works with you and has terrific experience and skills to deliver a super 'product'. Thank you for your guidance and help getting the railings and gate in at the Red Lion pub in East Bergholt - it looks great. It is nice to deal with people face to face and get this level of service from Paul and Glen. Thank you".

Jonathan Peachey

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