About Us

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 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. 

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 and Lars's nephew, 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 work with antique dealers, collectors, jewelry stores,

churches and retail customers and see many unique and beautiful

items with interesting histories.  

The positive feedback that they receive from

delighted customers fuels their fire and makes all of their hard work worthwhile.

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 well-earned reputation for skilled, old world craftsmanship, attention to detail and unsurpassed quality that

customers nationwide have come to expect and enjoy.

 Dan continues to hone his craft by training with 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.