To Walter H. Willson, Esq., I have to express acknowledgment for allowing me to reproduce illustrations of specimens of old Sheffield plated ware that have passed through his hands for many years, and for much information afforded me in connection with the old technique. In regard to marks on old Sheffield and other plated ware, in view of strictures on marks laid down by Acts of Parliament, I have come to the conclusion that marks on old Sheffield plated ware are somewhat negligible, as they lack the authoritative exactitude of those placed by law on silver plate. There were marks when the Sheffield makers simulated silver marks till they alarmed the silversmiths and were stopped by statute. Then came a hiatus. Then again they adopted trade marks plentifully found, but these marks are not always found on examples of the best period. So in adjudging old Sheffield plated ware, marks have a subsidiary place, and they are accorded a subsidiary place in this volume. I submit this volume unhesitatingly to lovers of old Sheffield plated ware as a carefully considered exposition of what was produced for a hundred years, consisting of fine design, exquisite balance, and wonderful technique, till plating became a scientific process and electro-plating became of common usage. But this is modernity. ARTHUR HAYDEN. CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE 7 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 13 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 17 CHAPTER II EARLY DAYS (THE INVENTION OF SILVER-PLATING BY FUSION AT SHEFFIELD) 43 CHAPTER III CANDELABRA AND CANDLESTICKS 79 CHAPTER IV SALT CELLARS AND MUSTARD POTS 133 CHAPTER V CAKE BASKETS, DECANTER STANDS (COASTERS), DISH OR POTATO RINGS, INKSTANDS AND TAPER HOLDERS 159 CHAPTER VI TEAPOTS, TEA AND COFFEE SETS, TEA KETTLES, COFFEE POTS, SUGAR BASINS 187 CHAPTER VII SOUP TUREENS, HOT WATER JUGS, THE SUPPER TABLE 217 CHAPTER VIII CENTREPIECES 243 CHAPTER IX CLOSE PLATING 259 APPENDIX, MARKS ON OLD SILVER (1753-1840) 271 " MARKS ON OLD SHEFFIELD PLATE 285 INDEX 295 ILLUSTRATIONS Old Sheffield Plated Centrepiece _Frontispiece_ CHAPTER I.--INTRODUCTION PAGE