Monsen Silversmiths began 1904 and has become a unique Berkeley institution. It has the skills few others do in taking care of antiques made of metal. It can strip them and put a new finish on the outside, polish or clean them. If items are broken it has all kinds of techniques to repair them including casting new parts, if need be. The proprietor and operator, Gary, is also able to assess and authenticate antiques, giving their approximate age and characteristics.