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Zapffe Silversmiths was
founded in Seattle Washington by Mr. Carl Zapffe in 1919. At the age
of 23, Mr. Zapffe came to America crossing the Atlantic from his
native homeland of Norway. Carl had already become a master
silversmith, having started his seven year apprenticeship in his
teens. After only a few years, he had established himself and his
talents of restoration and silversmith skills to be the premier
silversmith of Seattle.
In 1947, Mr. Zapffe had the keen insight of seeing the lost art of his
trade fading and hired on Donald Thompson. With an apprentice under
his supervision Carl shared his knowledge of the silversmiths trade.
Within five years Mr. Thompson had mastered the trade of restoration
of silver gifts, candelabras, sterling flatware and all types of
antique silver. It was at this time that Don began to follow
his more creative silversmith talents and expanded the business in
the manufacturing of a very high quality silver hollow ware for the
finest hotels and clubs in the United States.
Don and Audrey Thompson had now built, through very hard work, a
stronger, thriving business as well as raising seven children. In 1969
Blix Thompson, the eldest son, took on the apprenticeship title,
followed by his two brothers, William Thompson in 1975 and Thaddeus
Thompson in 1978. All three are present owners and Master
Silversmiths. They perform the skills on an everyday basis.
In 1979 Don Thompson expanded Zapffe Silversmiths to Mesa, Arizona
where Blix Thompson (son) now resides and operates the facility. This
facility shares the same reputation with Washington as being the
premier Silversmith of Arizona.
Amongst the three sons,
two daughters are currently in the business. Kristin Ryan, Senior
accountant for Seattle, also highly skilled in her knowledge of Early
American Silver as well as English Silversmiths. Rebecca Bodighiemer
is Seattle's Appraisal expert and Showroom Sales Manager.
Don and Audrey Thompson now reside in the southwest United States and
are active consultants to the firm. They are also enjoying their
retirement and accomplishments.
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