Monsen Plating & Silversmiths

We recently updated our 1951 ranch home’s exterior. I didn’t want to lose the funky plates behind the front doorknobs, but their shiny brass finish had to go. Monsen’s gave them a brushed nickel facelift that is incredibly beautiful. They are now so unique and really highlight the entrance. Thank you for continuing this craft. Your shop is absolutely fascinating!

I brought some very old silver candleholders to Monsen, and they look now unbelievable. This guy is a great artisan. They have become valuable antiques. And he is such a lovely man. I had to wait a long time until he finished, but it was very much worth it.

So remiss in writing reviews– that I have to back track. Thankfully, my Toni is good at writing so I can use some of her reviews as markers to what I have missed!
Last year, we bought a short sale and revamped just about every room in the house. Since we ran into some unexpected (lots actually) of issues that had been Mickey Moused by the previous owner, some of our ideas went out the window and some fixes came by way of our great contractor who suggested we deal with our downstairs shower backplates by having Mr. Monsen plate the huge greenish hued brass backplate that was created circa 1985 and nothing but what you would find in a gas station bathroom would fit.
Our contractor made contact and brought what was to be plated to Mr. Monsen. I spoke with him about price over the phone and could have talked to him for hours. He is a great old timer and conversationalist. He was delayed in doing our plating due to taking a trip to Seattle to have a reunion of sorts with his Vet buddies. That is how cool this guy is.
Sadly, I didn’t get to meet him in person as my folks picked up our newly plated shower plate fixture but his work was perfect (albeit pricey) and this is yet again another dying trade (like lathe and plaster, etc.).

Who knew there were still silversmiths around? I had a couple of really big antique brass candlesticks that had been beat up pretty badly. I took them in for repair, primarily, but Gary said they would polish them up as a matter of course. As the «cups» that hold the candles had been lost, Gary was able to custom make replacements. When I got them back, I couldn’t believe my eyes! They looked absolutely fantastic.
Despite the name, Monsen can handle brass as well as silver. Amazing work and extremely knowledgeable staff.

Tam and Kevin have moved into a new house. The shower backplates needed to be replated to match their faucets as the backplates were no longer made in that shape. The work was due to be completed today about 3:00. It was convenient for Alan and me to pick it up and deliver it to the new house. I called after 1:00 as Tam instructed and Mr. Monsen told me the pieces were just about to come out of the cooker and would be ready by 2:00 rather than 3:00.
The shop is a few storefronts south of Sweet Adeline Bakeshop. We walked in and Mr. Monsen greeted us. He’s the kind of twinkly older man Tam and I both adore. He showed up the finished pieces and they looked spectacular, just perfect. Alan paid by credit card and we drove out to San Ramon, where Alan gave them to the contractor. Next time we’re out there we will see them installed and I’m certain they will be the finishing touch to two already beautiful bathrooms. If I have any fine metal objects which need refinishing I have no doubt where I’ll take them.

Gary is truly an artisen who knows his craft. He’s done supurb restoration work for the historic Camron-​Stanford House in Oakland. He also has managed to give new life to some of my dinged and dented copper pots. His work is nothing less than stunning. Once he’s finished with a piece it’s as good as new.
The attention to detail and throughness of work done at Monsen is worth the price and worth the wait. If it’s not worth fixing, take it somewhere else. But, if it’s a heirloom you’re intending to keep, this is the only place to go.

A friend recommended this venerable institution for silver repair. I brought my tarnished and dented 80 year old art deco candelabras. It wasn’t cheap but the pieces I got back are extraordinary. They look brand new and stunning. Their site claims «The Bay Area’s Finest Restorers of Precious Metals & Fine Antiques» and they aren’t kidding.
Monsen’s also accepted a couple of beat up old candlesticks for their silver value (which I applied to the restoration). He explained everything and gave me the at that moment price (off the internet) for the silver.
Great work, reasonable prices and family heirloom restored to greatness — wonderful!