Nambé is the epitome of classic, mid-century food serving ware. I, personally, find the fluid form mixed with untarnished shine, combined with that heaviness-that-feels-like-quality to be unrivaled by any other medium.
{Kat’s collection of Nambé}
Founded near Nambé Pueblo in New Mexico in 1951, it is made of a top secret eight-metal alloy that is oven safe and food safe (although it can be discolored by acidic foods.) Something about their metal is amazing at retaining temperature for long periods of time, according to nambe.com. Their new pieces are still produced and for sale in Nambé stores and through big box stores like Bed Bath and Beyond. But, of course, I find the older pieces to have a certain nostalgic quality.
There are a lot of look-a-likes out there, so know that all genuine pieces will have some mark similar to these on the bottom and a definite heavy weight.
{Example of Nambé marks}
As you can see, I personally have amassed quite a collection from various thrift stores, yard sales, a pair of champagne flutes as a wedding present and of course a few older pieces from the Plaza! I think the shiny pieces go with everything, it brings in a modern shine to any space.
{Bowls, candle holders, frames, vases… they make it all}
Some of the pieces I’ve found/received are a little more loved that others. This one in particular really was in rough shape.
If you have pieces that aren’t completely dull, the Nambé polish works fairly well.
{polishing supplies}
Along with the polish you will need some gloves –it will turn your hands black otherwise– and a shammy cloth. I just got this polish and tried it out on the large serving bowl. It had lost it’s mirror finish after we wet-sanded it to get some gouges out.
{polishing method}
Following the directions, I put a little bit on and went in circle motions, the shammy turned black like they said and I went over the whole piece. It helped some, but I think it needs a more abrasive polish. It was necessary to wet sand that bowl to make it usable.
{Nambé after wet-sand}
It is looking a lot better, hopefully we can restore it to it’s full shine with some more sanding. As another option Nambé will refinish your pieces for 30 percent of their retail cost as a fee.
Well I hope you learned a little something about Nambé and if you see any, whether it is in our shop or out and about, I hope you’ll consider getting some of your own. Their brand has upheld for 61 years and I don’t see them going out of style any time soon!
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