Gene, I also plate silver and I have found that the nickel materials (nickel and Copy Chrome) are by far the "easiest" to work with and get good results.
When I plate silver, it is for very small electrical contacts for medical applications.
I can not use nickel because it is magnetic and the contacts are going into devices that go into a hospital MRI facility and no parts can be magnetic.
Silver will of course tarnish and you will be constantly having to polish the parts unless you apply a clear lacquer top coat.
I would stick to the Copy Chrome for your application.
As far as my set up goes, I have 2 gallon set ups of copper, nickel and and a (1) gallon Copy Chrome.
My silver and tin are only a quart size because the contacts I plate are so small.
If you strip the part, copper plate it, work the copper plating to a mirror finish then Copy Chrome it I am sure you will be happy.
I would also advise you to start tank plating instead of brush plating.
You will get so much better results (keep reading).
When doing Copy Chrome, I use it as a final "color" coat.
After the usual strip, nickel strike, copper, and polishing, I plate over the copper with a heavy (1) hour nickel plate. Then I buff the part (it usually does not need it...just habit) nickel pickle it and then it goes into the Copy Chrome.
George W.
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