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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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A sterling twin handled serving tray, Weight: 4300 g. (138.2 troy oz.)
Oct 04, 9:00 AM PDT
A sterling twin handled serving tray, Weight: 4300 g. (138.2 troy oz.)
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $1,500- $2,000
$1,6005 Bids
A Walker and Hall Sheffield silverplated roll top breakfast server. 8 x 14 x 9 in. (20.3 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm.)
Oct 04, 9:00 AM PDT
A Walker and Hall Sheffield silverplated roll top breakfast server. 8 x 14 x 9 in. (20.3 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm.)
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $50- $75
$704 Bids
A set of six dinner forks and knives
Oct 04, 9:00 AM PDT
A set of six dinner forks and knives
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $150- $250
$2203 Bids
STERLING THE SHEFFIELD SILVER Formica Serving Tray
Oct 25, 10:00 AM EDT
STERLING THE SHEFFIELD SILVER Formica Serving Tray
by The Benefit Shop Foundation Inc.
Est: $30- $60
$11 Bid
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A Martin Hall and Co. Sheffield plate tea and coffee service
Oct 03, 10:00 AM PDT
A Martin Hall and Co. Sheffield plate tea and coffee service
by John Moran Auctioneers
Est: $600- $800
$3001 Bid
A three piece sterling tea service, Weight: 700 g. (22.5 troy oz.)
Oct 04, 9:00 AM PDT
A three piece sterling tea service, Weight: 700 g. (22.5 troy oz.)
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $400- $600
$2801 Bid
A part-set of Victorian sterling silver fruit eaters, Sheffield 1876 by Henry Holland
Oct 11, 11:00 AM BST
A part-set of Victorian sterling silver fruit eaters, Sheffield 1876 by Henry Holland
by Chiswick Auctions
Est: £150- £250
£1501 Bid
Unusual Victorian Sterling Silver Creamer,
Oct 07, 10:30 AM AEDT
Unusual Victorian Sterling Silver Creamer,
by Aalders Auctions
Est: AUD200- AUD400
AUD1601 Bid
A set of 9 sterling sauce spoons, Sheffield, 2008. 511 g.; 16.4 troy oz.
Oct 04, 9:00 AM PDT
A set of 9 sterling sauce spoons, Sheffield, 2008. 511 g.; 16.4 troy oz.
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $300- $400
$2001 Bid
A sterling pierced basket, weight: 435 g. (13.9 troy oz.); 3 x 9 1/2 in. (7.6 x 24.1 cm.)
Oct 04, 9:00 AM PDT
A sterling pierced basket, weight: 435 g. (13.9 troy oz.); 3 x 9 1/2 in. (7.6 x 24.1 cm.)
by Maynards Fine Art & Antiques
Est: $250- $350
$1701 Bid
Sheffield Plate, Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Sep 29, 9:30 AM EDT
Sheffield Plate, Sterling Silver Candlesticks
by Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $100- $200
$501 Bid
Victorian Sterling Silver Ivory Handled Bread Fork
Oct 07, 10:30 AM AEDT
Victorian Sterling Silver Ivory Handled Bread Fork
by Aalders Auctions
Est: AUD150- AUD250
AUD1201 Bid
Pair Tall Sheffield Silver Lion Mask Wine Coasters
Sep 30, 11:00 AM EDT
Pair Tall Sheffield Silver Lion Mask Wine Coasters
by Kavanagh Auctions
Est: $40- $15,000
$401 Bid
Two teapots and a box of cookies, England, late 19th century - 20th century
Oct 04, 5:00 PM CEST
Two teapots and a box of cookies, England, late 19th century - 20th century
by Ansorena
Est: €225- €300
€1500 Bids
Sauce boat silver.
Oct 10, 10:00 AM CEST
Sauce boat silver.
by Veilinghuis de Ruiter
Est: €150- €250
€1200 Bids
Cabaret silver.
Oct 10, 10:00 AM CEST
Cabaret silver.
by Veilinghuis de Ruiter
Est: €200- €350
€1700 Bids
Tazza silver.
Oct 10, 10:00 AM CEST
Tazza silver.
by Veilinghuis de Ruiter
Est: €200- €300
€1700 Bids
Rinsing bowl on foot, silver.
Oct 10, 10:00 AM CEST
Rinsing bowl on foot, silver.
by Veilinghuis de Ruiter
Est: €175- €350
€1200 Bids
2-piece set napkin rings silver.
Oct 10, 10:00 AM CEST
2-piece set napkin rings silver.
by Veilinghuis de Ruiter
Est: €65- €180
€650 Bids
CASED ENGLISH FISH SERVING SET
Oct 04, 10:00 AM EDT
CASED ENGLISH FISH SERVING SET
by Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Est: $100- $150
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Sheffield Silver


Chiswick Auctions

Chiswick Auctions

Hannam's Auctioneers

Hannam's Auctioneers

Colasanti Casa d'Aste

Colasanti Casa d'Aste

Hutchinson Scott Limited

Hutchinson Scott Limited