"Old Sheffield Plate" Basket made in 1700's
"Old Sheffield Plate" Basket made in 1700's
This gorgeous goblet shaped bridal basket was made in the late 1700's is a rare and valuable collectible! It is difficult to find "Old Sheffield Plate". It was made in England over 200 years ago during a short period of time before electroplating was discovered. This lustrous piece is gleaming with sterling silver sandwiched with copper in between sheets of silver. Its pedigree as authentic and collectable "Old English Plate" is easily able to be identified by it's rolled edges and soldiered joints.
Because of the age, there are some spots where the copper shows through and wear, particularly in the inside (see the photos of the interior basin of the basket, there is wear.) MOST NOTABLY it appears that base has been reattached to the basket portion of this piece using an adhesive and there is a little tear in the pierced edging in one small area, therefore; it is priced accordingly. 7" t x 4" wide.
'Old Sheffield Plate', an exquisite and rare craftsmanship not to be mistaken for the later and inferior 'SHEFFIELD PLATE' items, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of mid-18th-century British artisans. This unparalleled process involved delicately layering a sheet of lustrous sterling silver over a core of copper, skillfully heating and meticulously rolling it into splendid sheets. These precious sheets were then transformed into an array of opulent table items, ranging from intricate hollow-ware and resplendent trays to elegant candelabras, candlesticks, wine coasters, and, on rare occasions, even exquisite cutlery.
Collectors hold this exceptional method of silver plating in the highest regard, acknowledging it’s craftsmanship and rarity. With the advent of electroplating, a groundbreaking innovation introduced by Elkington & Company in 1840, the production of 'Old Sheffield Plate' came to a halt, marking the end of an era defined by hand crafted ingenuity and unparalleled quality. Today, these pieces serve as cherished treasures, a testament to the unparalleled artistry and mastery that once graced the tables of the most discerning connoisseurs.
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