Wiley Horne--So. Calif.
First of all, thank you very, very much for the wealth of insight and data you have provided. You have anticipated every question.

It appears possible for me to make the pulls, starting with rod as suggested by CJ, though David cautions to practice on something cheaper than silver to get the feel of it. And John points to the sticker shock (which is real). Will try to get through it without annealing, but can't assume that, given that I am starting with no metal-hammering experience. Thanks for the advice on flux or cupronil, in the event annealing is required. And also Stephen's point that annealing silver is the opposite of ferrous--who woulda thunk that?! I am familiar with the hammered finish on silver jewelry, so I do know how the finished surface should look.

Charlie's thoughtful information on inlay is very helpful, particularly how to make and use the routing tool, and the limitations on going cross-grain. Charlie's incredible graphics are stunning! Does this stuff just come out of his fingers??

Rio Grande, cited by David, appears is the only supplier of silver rod. I think it will have to be sterling, given the 1/4" diameter, so no avoiding tarnish. I called Rio Grande: they receive the 1/4" rod in precut lengths of 1 foot. Can't buy a single 2-foot length, which would be way more practical. It will be very, very close whether a pull can be made from a 6" length--even a fraction over that would necessitate buying 3 one-foot lengths, a 12" length for each pull. A big ka-ching. So prototyping with copper as David suggests will be useful to determine the exact length of rod needed for each pull, plus get the feel of metal bending. Plus figure out how to shape the metal a bit, since a perfectly round section throughout won't look right.

Deepest thanks to all for the supportive but realistic advice!

Wiley