Sheffield Plate

Old Sheffield Plate.

About 3o years of ter its disappearance as a commercial commodity, the acquisition of what was by then termed "Old Sheffield Plate" became a cult amongst col lectors of antiques. It was evident that the process of manufac ture might be classed as a lost art. The superb workmanship could not be disputed and was well nigh impossible of reproduction. Most of the older skilled craftsmen had by then passed away, and the younger ones had adopted other callings. The demand soon began greatly to exceed the supply. This state of affairs was followed by the appearance on the market of many imitations electroplated on copper, which were dishonestly described as "Sheffield Plate." To so great an extent were these spurious articles sold as Sheffield plate that in the year 1911 prosecutions were undertaken by the Sheffield Cutlers company, when it was established in court that the term "Sheffield Plate" could only legally be applied to articles made by the older method of plating by fusion.

The tendency to-day has not been towards a general increase in values of all specimens of Old Sheffield Plate, but those of utility such as candlesticks, candelabra, waiters, trays, entree dishes, tea services, salt cellars and mustard pots, coffee pots, and many original designs in pierced work have advanced greatly in value. For such articles in perfect condition almost as high a figure is occasionally paid as for contemporary hall-marked silver specimens.

With regard to the large articles that, early in the 19th cen tury, were so prominently displayed on sideboards and dining tables, these, under modern conditions of home life, are not now greatly in request, consequently they may frequently be pur chased at a price which is under their original cost.

With regard to the future of the industry, the modern demands for a cheaper class of goods has led to a deterioration of design generally associated with mass production. Possibly silver plated articles may eventually be superseded for domestic use by solid sil ver, which since the removal of duty in 1891 and decline in value of the raw metal has greatly grown in demand. Again, too, there has been a resuscitation of pewter for table use, which is treated more scientifically than formerly and bears a marked resemblance to a standard silver. Pewter also has the advantage of practical immunity from tarnish, whilst the material is easily worked and very durable.

The manufacturers of best quality plated goods are to-day more concerned with the production of wares suitable for hotels, restaurants, clubs and the shipping services, than for domestic utility. See SILVERSMITHS' AND GOLDSMITHS' WORK.