Restoring a Vintage Links of London Silver Hip Flask

Discovery & History

The hip flask featured an early “Links of London” hallmark—back when the brand still included “of” in its name—and bore the classic oval logo stamp on the base. After researching similar designs, we found a nearly identical flask that had been used as a corporate gift during the 1999 Rugby World Cup for the chemical company Dow. This suggests our piece dates back to the mid-to-late 1990s and was part of a limited run of corporate giftware produced by Links of London during that era.

Vintage silver Links of London hip flask before restoration, showing deep dent

Assessing the Damage

Despite being described as “perfect” in the listing, the flask arrived with a substantial dent and significant tarnish. Using specialist jewellery tools—including rubber-handled pliers—we carefully teased the dent back into shape. The flask was then filled with water to test for leaks. After hours of testing, we confirmed it remained completely watertight.

Restoring a Vintage Links of London Silver Hip Flask | The Vault Revival

Ultrasonic Cleaning

Before polishing, we used an ultrasonic cleaner to remove grime from the interior and surface. To avoid damage, the flask was suspended inside the tank using cable ties—though we learned a plastic basket may work better for future projects! The cleaning fluid reached deep into the flask and removed years of residue, preparing the surface for gentle restoration.

ultrasonic cleaner to remove grime from the interior and surface.

Menzerna polishing cream applied to classic selvyt cloth

Manual polishing of flask using polishing cream

Polishing Without Replating

Since the flask is silver-plated, we avoided aggressive polishing techniques to prevent thinning or exposing the base metal. Instead, we used Menzerna polishing cream—originally formulated for precious metals—along with a classic Selvyt cloth. This approach brightened the surface beautifully while preserving the integrity of the plate.

Flask halfway through polishing, with tarnish partially removed

Restoring a Vintage Links of London Silver Hip Flask | The Vault Revival

Resisting the Urge for Perfection

Although it would be tempting to chase every last blemish, we’ve learned that in restoration, perfection can lead to overworking and, ultimately, damage. Some micro-scratches and light creases remain—a testament to its age and history. But now, the flask is not only beautiful—it’s functional.

Johnny Walker Black Label used for testing flask function

Filling flask with supermarket Scotch to test seal

Restoring a Vintage Links of London Silver Hip Flask | The Vault Revival

The Final Test: Whisky & Utility

To finish, we poured in a few fingers of supermarket Scotch to test it properly. We can confirm: it doesn’t just hold water—it holds whisky too. A few sips later, we agreed this hip flask may not look perfect, but it works perfectly. And that’s more than enough.

Preserved in The Vault

Fully restored, sanitized, and christened with whisky, this hip flask is now listed in The Vault on the Links London website. It’s a rare relic from the brand’s early days—more than just a gift item, it’s a story in silver.