The story of Oexning Silversmiths, Inc. starts with a young, Norwegian
immigrant named Lars Oexning. Lars began his career as a
silversmith's apprentice in Norway before World War II. After the
war, when Lars was in his early twenties, he moved to the United
States where he worked for well known silversmiths such as Josten's
and the Tiffany Co. before moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota to start
his own shop.
In March of 1947, he opened Lars J. Oexning Silversmiths in downtown
Minneapolis. Lars operated this shop until 1971 when he then sold it
to his nephew, Carl Bloomquist and son-in-law, Dale Sellman. These
two men continued the tradition by repairing, re-plating and
refinishing antique silver from customers all over the Midwest and the
nation.
Dan Walker joined the company in the mid 1980’s after answering an
ad for a silversmith's apprentice. Dan stayed on after learning the
trade from master silversmiths Dave Shutt and part-owner, Carl
Bloomquist.
Beth, originally from Charleston, SC, met Dan after moving to
Minneapolis to take a job in international sales. Although Beth had no
previous expertise in antique silver, she started coming to the shop on
the weekends and was fascinated by the incredible restoration work
being done by the skilled craftsmen.
Dan and Beth Walker purchased the business in November of 1993
when the opportunity presented itself. In 1998, the couple decided to
move the business to a warmer climate and closer to Beth’s
hometown. They ended up in the tiny mountain community of
Bakersville, NC, about an hour northeast of Asheville. From this
location they continue to offer skilled repairs and refinishing on
copper, pewter, brass and antique sterling, as well as replating gold
and silver.
Oexning Silversmiths has a solid reputation for skilled, old world
craftsmanship, attention to detail and unsurpassed quality that
customers nationwide have come to love. Dan continues to hone his
craft by learning from such people as Master Silversmith Brian Clarke
in Ireland. As such, there are very few items that Dan is not capable
of repairing or restoring.
Dan and Beth work with antique dealers, collectors, jewelry stores,
churches and the public at large and see many unique and beautiful
items with interesting histories. Several times a year Beth attends in-
store silver restoration clinics and offers on-the-spot estimates to
customers. The positive feedback that the couple receives from
delighted customers fuels their fire and makes all of their hard work
worthwhile.
Oexning Silversmiths, Inc. offers free estimates and is open Monday
through Friday by appointment only. More information about their
extensive services is available by calling Beth at 1-800-332-6857 or by
browsing their website.
