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Sheffield Silver

Sheffield silver plate consists of a layered combination of silver and copper. It was used to produce a variety of household items including soup tureens, caddy spoons, buttons, tableware, coffee and tea sets, and candlesticks. Silversmiths in the town of Sheffield, England typically produced identical wares in sterling silver, which they sold at higher prices than those fabricated from Sheffield silver.

Like many great inventions, the process of Sheffield plating was discovered accidentally in 1743 by Thomas Boulsover of Sheffield’s Cutler Company. While in the process of repairing a client’s knife, he heated the metal handle to an unanticipated temperature, causing the silver to melt. To his surprise, the silver and copper formed a strong bond and appeared as a single material.

For roughly the next hundred years, the Sheffield plating technique enjoyed great popularity among silversmiths and was used in the creation of objects of every variety. Beginning around the mid-19th century, it was largely replaced by electroplating techniques such as those pioneered by George Elkington.


Quick Facts

  • Sheffield silver requires less pure silver to produce and therefore can be purchased at a more accessible price point than sterling silver
  • While sterling silver tea services and tableware sets by eminent silversmiths can run into the thousands of dollars, Sheffield silver sets can usually be purchased for a fraction of the price
  • In March 2014, Skinner Auctioneers sold a James Dixon & Sons Sheffield tray for more than $600

Recommended Items at Auction

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English 925 Sterling Silver Wine Coasters
Apr 30, 6:00 PM EDT
English 925 Sterling Silver Wine Coasters
by Kodner Galleries
Est: $150- $300
$4006 Bids
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HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER SET OF TEASPOONS BY JAMES DIXON & SONS, SHEFFIELD 1922, WEIGHT OF 55 GRAMS
May 01, 9:00 AM AEST
HALLMARKED STERLING SILVER SET OF TEASPOONS BY JAMES DIXON & SONS, SHEFFIELD 1922, WEIGHT OF 55 GRAMS
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD554 Bids
George III Sheffield Plate Cruet Stand
May 08, 10:00 AM CDT
George III Sheffield Plate Cruet Stand
by Neal Auction Company
Est: $200- $300
$402 Bids
4 colheres de servir em prata inglesa, séc. XX, 925‰, com estojo, Peso aprox.: 210 g.
May 05, 7:00 PM WEST
4 colheres de servir em prata inglesa, séc. XX, 925‰, com estojo, Peso aprox.: 210 g.
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €80- €160
€1402 Bids
A mixed lot of silver
May 02, 10:30 AM BST
A mixed lot of silver
by Sloane Street Auctions
Est: £400- £600
£2001 Bid
Sterling Silver Hallmark English Sheffield Pierced Ovel Bowl 1800s
May 09, 6:00 PM EDT
Sterling Silver Hallmark English Sheffield Pierced Ovel Bowl 1800s
by Auction by Daum
Est: $150- $1,200
$1001 Bid
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Pair of Sheffield Silver Plated Three-Light Candelabras, height 50 cm width 47 cm
May 06, 5:00 PM AEST
Pair of Sheffield Silver Plated Three-Light Candelabras, height 50 cm width 47 cm
by Shapiro Auctioneers
Est: AUD1,000- AUD1,500
AUD8001 Bid
Walker and Hall Sheffield silver bottle holder, Height 26 cm
May 06, 7:00 PM AEST
Walker and Hall Sheffield silver bottle holder, Height 26 cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD0- AUD0
AUD151 Bid
A GEORGE IBBERSON SHEFFIELD KNIFE SET FOR TWELVE IN CANTEEN W.40CM (MISSING ONE KNIFE)
May 01, 10:00 AM AEST
A GEORGE IBBERSON SHEFFIELD KNIFE SET FOR TWELVE IN CANTEEN W.40CM (MISSING ONE KNIFE)
by Leonard Joel
Est: AUD100- AUD140
AUD901 Bid
A GEORGE V SILVER 3-PIECE TEA SET,
May 01, 10:00 AM BST
A GEORGE V SILVER 3-PIECE TEA SET,
by Cheffins
Est: £300- £500
£2400 Bids
AN EDWARD VIII SILVER 4-PIECE TEA SET,
May 01, 10:00 AM BST
AN EDWARD VIII SILVER 4-PIECE TEA SET,
by Cheffins
Est: £500- £700
£4000 Bids
A GEORGE VI SILVER TEAPOT,
May 01, 10:00 AM BST
A GEORGE VI SILVER TEAPOT,
by Cheffins
Est: £200- £400
£1600 Bids
A GEORGE VI SILVER 4-PIECE TEA SET,
May 01, 10:00 AM BST
A GEORGE VI SILVER 4-PIECE TEA SET,
by Cheffins
Est: £500- £700
£4000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Sheffield Silver


Cheffins

Cheffins

Elstob Auctioneers

Elstob Auctioneers

Lawsons

Lawsons

Leonard Joel

Leonard Joel