The questions we are actually asked.
Grouped roughly by when they come up. If yours is not here it is probably worth asking — we add to this page from the inbox.
Because lacquer eventually chips, and moisture then sits underneath it in a way it never does on bare metal. Bare brass darkens protectively and can be polished bright again in under a minute. Sealing it trades a reversible change for an irreversible one.
No — it is the reason the material was chosen. Photographs are taken of new pieces. If you prefer it bright, polish it; if you prefer it dark, do nothing.
Five to seven working days for stock pieces with engraving, because you approve a proof at final scale before anything is cut. Commissions are quoted individually and typically ship within three weeks of proof approval.
Only if the engraving is wrong or defective, in which case we remake it. An engraved name cannot be resold, which is why the proof step exists.
Yes. Most artwork has to be redrawn for engraving — detail that reads on a letterhead closes up at 38mm in metal. We redraw it with you, not for you, and nothing is cut before you approve a proof.
It depends on the die and the finish, so it is set at the inquiry stage rather than published as a number. Small runs are possible and are quoted honestly rather than discouraged with pricing.
Occasionally, if it is brass or leather work within our competence. Write to us with photographs. We would rather decline than do a mediocre job on someone else’s work.
If it failed at the making — a joint, a stitch, a finish, an engraving — we repair or replace it at any point, with no receipt required. The mark on the back is the receipt. Ordinary wear is not covered, and if you are unsure which you have, send a photograph.
A few pieces are, and they are labelled as such. We do not manufacture scarcity, and nothing is limited purely to make it feel urgent.
Yes. Duties and import taxes are the recipient’s responsibility, and we do not understate declared value or mark parcels as gifts.
No. There is one workshop in Portland, Oregon, and it is a working room rather than a showroom.
No. The correspondence list sends notes from the workshop occasionally, and unsubscribing takes one click. There is no separate marketing list.
Ask directly.
We reply to everything, usually within two working days.