Zapffe Silversmiths'

Zapffe Silversmiths'
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A Grand Company History

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 silversmithing 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 E. Thompson. With an apprentice under his supervision Carl shared his knowledge of the silversmiths trade. Within five years Mr. Thompson had mastered the trade and began running the day to day business operations along with his silversmithing duties. It was at this time that Don began to follow his more creative silversmithing talents and expanded the business in the 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 1991 Zapffe Silversmiths was expanded to Mesa, Arizona where Blix Thompson now resides and operates the facility. This facility shares the repuation with Washington as being the premier Silversmith of Arizona.

Amongst the three sons, three daughters also joined the business. Kristin Ryan, Senior accountant for Seattle, is highly skilled in her knowledge of Early American Silver as well as English Silversmiths. Rebecca Bodighiemer is Seattle's Appraisal Consultant and Showroom Sales Manager. Kimberly Chilcott was Seattle's Customer Service Representative and Data Entry Specialist but left the firm in 1996 to marry and raise a family. The newest member of the family to join the staff is Maygen Thompson, daugher of William and Victoria Thompson, as Internet Technician and Assistant in Marketing Sales.

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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