Al Bar Wilmette Platers History

Wilmette Electroplaters Circa 1940’s

About the same time Al Bar was being started a local Wilmette business was also being started - it was located on Silver Restoration

Green Bay Road (where there is currently a Ford automobile showroom). Wilmette Electroplaters performed a full variety of services for the local community and Chicago.

The two firms moved to 127 Green Bay Road in the 1940's and formed Al Bar - Wilmette Platers. Since then Al Bar - Wilmette Platers has become a leader in restoration and preservation of antiques for the communities of Lake Michigan's exclusive 'North Shore', just north of Chicago.

We acquired the famous Gilbertson Silver Company, founded in 1901, that was located in Chicago, Illinois for over 100 years. Gilbertson's performed all of the silver restoration for Marshall Field and Company as well as many high profile clients in the Chicago area.

Early photo of Al Bar location circa 1880's

Al Bar-Wilmette Platers is the finest antique metal restoration shop in the country. Our staff of artisans blend historical techniques with today's new technology to provide superior luster to restored metals. Our gentle, nonabrasive methods preserve the detail in your fine silver and sterling.

As our business has expanded, we have developed tracking systems to make sure your hardware is never lost. When you send us your hardware, fixtures, or silver, know that each piece, down to the tiniest screw, is labeled and kept separate through the entire restoration process. Our staff takes great pride in seeing that the finished article is done to perfection, and that all parts are returned to you.

Al Bar Laboratories, Inc. was founded by two craftsmen dedicated to the restoration and preservation of fine silver and started the company as a hobby for all practical purposes. The two famous craftsman were Allan and Barnard and started their business in Kenilworth, Illinois.

Current Al Bar Wilmette Platers

Wilmette Family Business
The Bettenhausen family has owned the shop for over 25 years and has continued to expand and improve the restoration services. Today, we provide services nationwide, specializing in the restoration of metal items found in both period and newly constructed homes.

Gregory E. Bettenhausen
President of Al Bar Wilmette

Gregory Bettenhausen who grew up 'in the business' went to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia to earn an undergraduate degree in Business Finance and went on to earn his MBA at Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Virginia. His passion for both Al Bar Wilmette Platers and Wilmette Hardware is evidenced by our continued quality, growth and sucess. Today we have 20 employees dedicated to continuance of our previous generations' work, quality and passion.

We guarantee our service.

We know that restoring a home can be a challenge. Finding the right craftsmen to restore your door hardware, lighting, and plumbing fixtures can be close to impossible. Al Bar-Wilmette Platers provides the services you need, all under one roof. We offer a 100 % guarantee. We want you to be completely satisfied with your restoration project. We are as committed to customer service as we are to our craft.

View an article seen in Plating & Surface Finishing (December 2002) Click to download PDF