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Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Where to Repair / Replace...





Towle Silversmiths is committed to offering the finest selection of silver products. On occasion, a flatware pattern may be retired from our active product line. In some cases a small supply of the retired pattern might remain available for several years, enabling the retailer you are working with to place special orders. If stock is no longer available and we are unable to produce the pattern, we suggest that you contact one of the many companies that carry replacement inventory.



The following is a partial listing. Other company's are located across the country and often advertise in the back pages of home furnishings magazines.

ALICE'S PAST & PRESENT
PO Box 465Merrick, NY 11566
516.379.1352(Christmas)

ALL THAT GLITTERS
PO Box 2549Murphy's, CA 95247
209.728.2700(Silverplate)

AS YOU LIKE IT SILVER
SHOP3025 Magazine StreetNew Orleans, LA 70115
800.828.2311(Sterling, silverplate, stainless)

BEVERLY BREMER
3164 Peachtree RoadAtlanta, GA 30305
404.261.4009(Sterling flatware and holloware)

BUSCHEMEYER'S SILVER EXCHANGE
515 South Fourth AvenueLouisville, KY 40202
502.587.0621(Stainless and sterling)

CARMEN'S COLLECTABLES
POB 258Levittown, PA 19059
215-946-9315(Silverplate)

CHINA REPLACEMENTS
POB 508High Ridge, MO 63049
800.562.2655http://www.chinareplacements.com/(Crystal, stainless, silverplate, sterling and collectibles)

COOPER'S
2133 NE 62ND CourtFT. Lauderdale, FL 33308
800.241.5571http://www.coopersgiftgallery.com/(Christmas)

J.P. FADDOUL
115 TurnpikeShrewsbury,MA 01545
508.755.5505http://www.inquire.com/(Stainless, sterling, crystal, giftware, chests)

REPLACEMENTS LTD.
800.737.5223http://www.replacements.com/(Crystal, sterling, silverplate, sterling)

SILVER QUEEN
730 N. Indian Rocks RoadBelleair Bluffs, FL 32207
800.262.3134 813.586.0822 (FAX)http://www.silverqueen.com/(Christmas)

STERLING AND COLLECTABLES
820 Koogle RoadMansfield, OH 44903800.636.4756(Christmas)

THE SILVERSUPERSTORE22165 – 68th Ave S.Kent, WA 98032
800-426-3057 http://www.silversuperstore.com/

WESTERN SILVER Las Vegas, NV
"The Silver State"http://www.westernsilver.com/1 800 850 3579(Christmas)

Sterling Warranty!

RE: LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Towle Silversmiths Sterling Silver - dedicated to the design and manufacture of the finest products in the silver industry.

TOWLE SILVERSMITHS STERLING SILVER LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
This sterling silver flatware is warrantied to be free of original defects in materials and/or workmanship for the lifetime of the original retail purchaser (or, if given as a gift, for the lifetime of the original recipient). During the life of the warranty we will, at our option, repair or replace a defective item without charge.

FOR THIS WARRANTY TO BE EFFECTIVE, YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ENCLOSED WARRANTY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE AND MAIL IT TO US WITHIN ONE MONTH OF YOUR PURCHASE OR RECEIPT AS A GIFT.
This warranty does not cover any damage resulting from improper use or any other cause other than defects in materials and/or workmanship. Due to manufacturing considerations, it is possible that the shape of replacement knife blades may differ from the original.


Please return your completed limited lifetime warranty registration certificate to:

Lifetime BrandsWarranty Department22 Blake StreetMedford, MA 02155

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

Six Frequently Asked Questions About Towle Stainless Flatware

1. How do I clean my sterling/stainless?
Although our stainless is dishwasher safe, we recommend hand washing and drying, as the drying cycle of your dishwasher may be too harsh for the flatware's surface. We always recommend hand washing and hand drying your sterling silver flatware. Also, be sure never to wrap fine sterling flatware in elastic, newspaper, or plastics as the chemicals in these materials can damage your sterling flatware's beautiful surface.

2. What are the differences between 18/10 and 18/8 stainless steel flatware?
18/10 and 18/8 is a reference to the percentage of chrome and nickel contained in the stainless steel alloy. The "18" refers to the chrome content, which gives your stainless steel flatware its strength. The "8" or "10" refers to the flatware's nickel content, which gives the flatware its magnificent shine and rust resistance. 18/8 is the premium alloy, this grade is to stainless as sterling is to silver. Some less expensive alloys contain no nickel. These alloys are susceptible to rusting if left in contact with water for extended periods of time.

3. If 18/8 is good, is 20/10 better?
Not at all; 18/8 is the accepted benchmark formula for quality stainless steel.

4. Stainless steel means it will never stain, right?
Wrong. It simply means it will stain less than other steels and certainly less than other metals such as silver, bronze, aluminum, etc. Stainless steel is today's best metal for flatware but can stain if subjected to adverse conditions.

5. What causes rust on my stainless?
Is the rust removable? Rust is simply the oxidation of iron. 18/8 steel can't unite with oxygen to create iron oxide (rust) without the help of outside elements. The most common cause of rusting on stainless steel is water with a high mineral concentration. If flatware is not completely dried after washing, the remaining water evaporates and the minerals, which were in suspension, settle on the stainless and cause rusting. The rust is easily removed by using a moist sponge and any good cleanser. Rusting can be prevented by completely drying your stainless steel by hand or by making sure that the drying cycle on your automatic dishwasher is functioning properly.

6. Why should stainless be washed thoroughly before the first use?
Often a metal dressing is used on the steel during shipment to protect against corrosion and to keep the finish in original condition. Thorough cleaning before use is recommended. Flatware washed in an automatic dishwasher should be cleaned by hand occasionally as well as even the best dishwashers cannot prevent the build-up of detergent film on flatware, dinnerware, or glassware. Occasional hand washing will keep your flatware free of film, preserve its finish, and keep it sanitary.

Towle Flatware – Various Types

Towle stainless steel flat ware is produced by premier silverware companies of the United States. The origin of this flat silverware can be traced back to the late 1690s in the United States.

Towel stainless steel flatware in America is known for their knives and other slicing instruments, whereas in Europe, they are very well known for knives, forks and spoons for everyday use. It is ideal to choose products made of high quality stainless steel.

Alternatively Pewter can also be used except in most cases stainless is the preferred option for most people's kitchens due to the quality. It is possible to get disposable flatware and this normally comes in plastic.

The range of Towle stainless steel flatware is made to a high quality regarding their cutting blades and with an emphasis on fine detail. There are many various types to choose from to suit everyone. One of the ranges is the XL flatware this can be used for a number of different purposes in the kitchen, from preparing and serving food to eating food as well.

There are spoons for young infants as well, starting at the baby from twelve to twenty-four months. Those of you who like to prepare and serve deserts will enjoy the range offering cake forks and cake-serving forks, and a cake knife can also be purchased if so desired for cakes and pastries.

Those of you who like to offer a cheese board to your family and guests will like the cheese cleaver that is available in the range. Then for the coffee to follow there is also the demitasse spoon by Towle for you to serve after dinner refreshments, ideal for coffee or tea. Those guests who enjoy an after dinner liquor will love the double jigger you have which is part of the flatware range ideal for drinks.

Cleaning Towle Stainless Steel Flatware

Stainless steel is essentially iron which has been infused with 10% or more chromium. It is good at resisting corrosion and rust through normal wear and tear but occasionally it will dull.

Stainless steel is noted for its hardness and ability to withstand everyday use. To make the flatware shine, chromium is used to form the hard oxide coating on the surface which protects the steel on the inside. Over time and use and with exposure to elements like dishwashing detergent, this hard protective shell slowly wears down. Frequently the exterior of flatware will dull and no longer retain its luster. This is a normal occurrence for all flatware, although it should not occur for quite some time, depending upon the initial quality of the silverware.

If your flatware is still relatively new and in good shape then there are a number of ways to clean it and restore some of its original shine. One method used to remove streaking is to take a soft dish towel and rub olive oil on the flatware; this should help remove streaks. You can also polish and shine stainless steel flatware by using vinegar and a soft cloth; this will help to remove heat stains from the flatware. If you don’t have vinegar, club soda can be used.

Before placing your Towle stainless steel flatware in the dishwasher try to rinse off salty or acidic foods. Sometimes people put utensils in a dishwasher and wait upwards of 3 days to run the dishwasher. This extended time will dull your stainless steel flatware quicker than daily washing. An important note is that detergents are harsh chemicals used to clean off stubborn foods but they can also damage your flatware if they come in contact with flatware which is wet; usually dark spots are the result.

If you want to take the time to properly care for your stainless steel flatware then washing by hand is the way to go. Simply clean the items with warm water and a gentle detergent and immediately dry the flatware by hand. Letting them drip dry will cause spotting and streaking. If a haze or blur occurs over time, a gentle silver polish can sometimes be used to remove this.

Acidic and salty foods are more corrosive than others and should be removed from the stainless steel flatware as soon as possible. Remember to not use harsh abrasives or steel wool on stainless steel as it will scratch the surface and cause additional problems.


How to clean dull stainless steel flatware...

Materials needed:

Bowls for mixing ingredients and soaking
Rubber gloves
Non gel toothpaste
Lint-free soft cloths
Paper towels
Water
Calgon water softener
1/4 cup measure
Bleach
Ammonia
Silver polish
Stainless steel cleaner: 1/4 cup chlorine bleach, 1/4 cup Calgon water softener, 1 gallon very hot water

Note: Only use this on stainless steel, not real silver!

- Mix 1/4 cup chlorine bleach, 1/4 cup Calgon water softener, and 1 gallon of hot water. You can mix this in the sink or in any non-aluminum container.

- Immerse the stainless steel flatware in the solution for 30 minutes and then wash as usual, whether this be the dishwasher or by hand with dishwashing soap.

- For really tough spots, use a little non-gel toothpaste, or one part silver polish mixed with one part ammonia. Apply with a soft cloth, rinse and dry.

Tip: You only do this when the stainless really needs it — when it has that blue tint — probably every couple of months.