Contact us
email: archair@brmemc.net

phone: 828-389-3209

mail: Arch Avary Originals
          401 Guest Lane
          Hayesville NC 28904

© 2010 ArchAvary.com

 
    About Materials & Finishes
       
    Fine Pewter,     unlike what you may be familiar with, is not the gray, lifeless metal that was commonly used as "poor man's silver" for so many years.  That pewter was an alloy containing lead.  Today's pewter, and the only pewter Arch would consider using, is completely lead-free and is an alloy of mostly tin.  It takes a shiny, white polish, and is difficult to tell from sterling silver unless you really know your metals. It is much softer than sterling, and therefore is not a good material for some of the designs that have thin parts.
     
    Finishes

    Arch has traditionally offered his miniature sculptures in a brilliant mirror-polished finish that sets his pieces apart from other similar items.  Recently, he has developed an easy-care finish that doesn't reflect sunlight like a mirror.  For that reason, the finish on all the River Sports items is the easy-care brushed finish.  Some pieces in this catalog are available mirror-polished and others are available in the easy-care brushed finish.


    It is up to Arch to decide which finish he will use on any particular piece so that it shows off the item as he designed it.
     

    Production Process

    Arch produces these items by casting them in molds made from the original metal master carving.  Pewter items may be cast directly in these rubberized molds.  Silver pieces must be cast in ceramic molds made of plaster using the lost wax method.  A wax model is made and the molding material is poured around it.  After the mold is cured, it is placed in an oven in an inverted position and heated until all the wax melts out.  The temperature is then increased so that any remaining wax is burned completely out of the mold.  While the mold is still hot, molten silver is poured into the mold and allowed to cool. When nearly cooled to room temperature, the mold is placed into water so that it cracks open, leaving the metal sculpture.  Any clinging ceramic is removed and the painstaking process of finishing the sculpture is begun.  
        

    Arch does not use tumblers or vibratory finishers.  Each piece is individually finished by hand to bring out its best appearance. Whether mirror-polished or brushed to a satin-like, easy-care finish, Arch inspects each piece and won't put his name on it until it is the very best he can produce.  Then he is proud to sign it and send it straight to you!