Solid Silver

Solid silver, or sterling silver, is an alloy of silver having minimum fineness of 925. Solid silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. As pure silver (99.9% purity) is too soft for making large resourceful and utilitarian objects, silver is usually alloyed with copper (in the above mentioned percentage) so as to give it added strength whilst preserving silver's ductility and preciousness. Copper is primarily chosen in solid silver as it offers improved resistance to tarnish



Solid Silver Cufflinks

Silver cufflinks A favorite gift for men can be engraved with the recipient's initials on the back of each cufflink. It is often either not suitable, or indeed desirable, to engrave the front of cufflinks, so the back is the perfect place to personalize the gift. I consider of all the men's gifts I can think of a Solid Silver pair of cufflinks is one of the most welcome gifts.
Engraving initials on the back of cufflinks not only makes them unique to the new owner it also shows the receiver you care. Look out for online sellers who have the necessary skill to offer this service. engraving on solid silver cufflinks is still quite rare, but there are a few sellers online who offer this service.

A History of Silver Cufflinks

The history of cufflinks starts in the late 1600s with Charles II, who had a flair for both fashion , and function, and was the instigator of the modern day cufflink. Before the 17th century fashion conscious men retained their cuffs by ribbon or lace. However, some modernists, including Charles, started to use silver buttons connected by a small chain to retain their cuff, thus silver cufflinks were born.
Over time the silver cufflink developed and became a more stylish part of a man's wardrobe, especially for evening suits and other formal attire.
During the 19th century, businessman of all types began wearing cufflinks for business wear, expanding beyond the traditional wedding or evening event. Prices came down and silver cufflinks were available to the average man.
At the beginning of the 20th century, very innovative designers, like jewelers Liberty and Tiffany were at the forefront of cufflink design. Artistic trends like "Art Deco", Cubism or Bauhaus influenced cufflinks creators which used sophisticated materials like silver, enamels, crystal, pearl and precious stone.
With the varying types of stones, precious metals, sterling silver cufflinks, fabrics, and design, the cufflink became the new well-dressed man's adornment of choice. They almost had an element of professional class attached to them.
In the late 20th century the silver cufflink industry had a slow period when shirt manufacturers began mass-producing dress and evening shirts with buttons on the cuffs, but the industry has since seen a change. With styles and trends, as well as a price range to suit all budgets, silver cufflinks are a great accessory and add a touch of elegance.

Omar Ramsden

Omar Ramsden 1873 - 1939



Omar Ramsden was born in Sheffield on the 21st August 1873. His birth certificate states his given name was Omer not Omar as we now know him. Almost seven years of Omar's childhood were spent in America; it is not known whether the whole family moved to America, or whether Omar was simply sent to live with relatives. He spent approx seven years in America, returning to the UK in 1887. His father Benjamin had some connection with the city of Meriden Connecticut USA, and indeed went there himself in 1897 with no trace of him returning to England thereafter. Omar was apprenticed to a firm of Sheffield silversmiths; it was during this apprenticeship that he acquired his training and his experience of mechanized silver production. He started to attend evening classes at the Sheffield school of Art, showing a great interest and flair in the creative design of silverware, as opposed to the craft skills of a silversmith.

It was during these days at the Sheffield School of Art evening classes he met Alwyn Carr. A close friendship between the two developed, which led to the famous partnership seven years later. Alwyn Carr came from a prosperous family; he was well educated, and socially better placed than his friend Omar Ramsden. Alwyn Carr won the Sheffield Corporation Scholarship at the Sheffield School of Art for four years running. On the fifth year Omar won the same award. A friendly rivalry developed between the two, with the friends spending their summer holidays on special courses at the Royal College of Art in London. It is fair to say that Alwyn Carr was by far the better silversmith, and indeed the better designer.

Omar Ramsden won first prize in an open competition for the design of a mace for the city of Sheffield in 1897. Omar involved his friend Alwyn in the execution of this commission and this was certainly the start of a long partnership. Although the date their first mark was registered was a year later in 1898.

Having spent some time in London studying at the Royal College of Art, and both partners great love for the theatre, it is perhaps no surprise that they set up a workshop in London to produce the Sheffield mace. Their love for the theatre was such that there is anecdotal evidence that on many occasions they would slip out from their workshop to attend theatres, still with bits of the unfinished Sheffield mace in their pockets. The mace was finished and presented to the Duke of Norfolk in 1899, and the base carried the legend "Omar Ramsden and Alwyn C E Carr made me in the year of our Lord 1899" This was to form the style of signature on thousands of successive silver masterpieces.

Although it was Omar Ramsden who won the competition for the Sheffield Mace, it was Alwyn Carr who carried out the fine quality repousse work that is characteristic of the Sheffield Mace. Omar Ramsden was at best an average silversmith who lacked true imaginative design ability; indeed it is well documented from a very early date that Omar Ramsden never personally worked on any of the pieces that bear the famous signature "OMAR ME FECIT"

So, if we accept that Alwyn Carr was a fine, even outstanding silversmith, with a true flair for imaginative design, provided the funding for the business in the early years, and was the more socially personable of the two partners, what did Omar Ramsden bring to the partnership? Omar Ramsden was a true entrepreneur, a leader who could spot and bring out the best in others. A great leader like Omar recognized in Alwyn a skilled craftsman and gifted designer and made him even better. He also made skilled silversmiths out of errand boys and very ordinary tradesmen. Omar Ramsden also saw the true value both in terms of art and money of the arts and crafts movement. Omar did what Alwyn could never do; he built an exclusive and enduring brand as remarkable today as it was over one hundred years ago.
Omar may never have personally worked on any of the silver pieces after the Sheffield mace, but his influence albeit executed by others more skilled than he, is evident on every single piece bearing the Omar Ramsden mark.


Both Omar and Alwyn were practicing Roman Catholics. It is fair to say they exploited their religious contacts to the full. They had a long and profitable association with the Roman Catholic Church, providing them with many magnificent silver artifacts. Outstanding amongst the many Religious commissions is the stunning Monstrance for Westminster Cathedral. This is almost certainly Omar Ramsden and Alwyn Carrs greatest masterpiece. The awe-inspiring monstrance was designed entirely by Alwyn Carr, he even executed some of the intricate silver work personally, again, Omar had no hand in the design, or execution of this piece.

The partner's first studio at Albert Bridge Battersea was not a great success, they acquired a property in Seymour Place off the Fulham Road, which Omar transformed into the great St. Dunstan's studio. St. Dunstan's was an old building with it's grand old mulberry tree and portcullis it was the perfect studio for the two theatre loving partners. In the years leading up to the First World War, the partnership flourished and the workforce grew to twenty plus employees. It was during these years before the Great War the Omar Ramsden brand was established as the leading artistic and design led silversmiths. The Arts and Crafts style suited Omar very well from a business point of view; he instinctively knew exactly what his customers wanted. He amassed a loyal, dedicated and talented workforce, well capable of producing the superior quality silverware his customers were queuing up to buy.

The Great War was the start of the break up of the partnership; Alwyn enlisted in the Artist's Rifles and was commissioned in 1915. Alywn served in France as 2nd. Lieutenant and Lieutenant. He was invalided in 1917 with the honorary rank of captain, and spent many months recovering from illness. On his return to St. Dunstan's he found a very much more successful and prosperous business with Omar in his element in control of all he surveyed. Omar with the absence of his great friend Alwyn had become very friendly with Mr. and Mrs. Downes-Butcher. Mrs. Downes-Butcher or Madame as she was known to staff in the studio had a particular influence over Omar both in his private and business life. Alwyn found her formidable, perhaps even fearsome; it was hate at first sight. As is often the case when business partners involve an outsider in an established business the partnership becomes unsustainable. The partnership was dissolved in early 1919, Omar retained St. Dunstan's and its entire staff, whist Alwyn set himself up at the former studios of a sculptor friend.

The 1920's saw the Omar Ramsden brand go from strength to strength with "Madame" taking a more prominent role in the business. This was no bad thing as "Madame" had great business acumen, with the addition of Omar's entrepreneurial flare the Omar Ramsden studio was without doubt the leading silversmiths in England. With the death of her husband "Madame" and Omar were married.

Alwyn continued as a prolific although much less successful silversmith and designer of wrought iron until his death in April 1940 a year after Omar who died in 1939.




More to come work in progress ……….

Paul de Lamerie 1688-1751 Huguenot Silversmith

Paul de Lamerie is almost certainly the greatest master silversmith ever, but did you know he was also a cheat, liar, almost certainly a crook, and made Ebenezer Scrooge look generous. Lamerie's father a French Huguenot of insignificant nobility was an officer in the army of the United Provinces of the Netherlands.Lamerie himself was born on the 9th. April 1688 in Bois Le- Duc a town in the Netherlands.

A work in progress.../

Rundell, Bridge & Rundell The Kings Silversmiths. 1788 - 1827

Philip Rundell and John Bridge an unlikely partnership, Rundell a scheming thoroughly dishonest, cold hearted, tight fisted and selfish man. John Bridge was a personable, liked by everyone, quiet, even timid man, whose ability to sell was second to none.
Philip Rundell was born was born in Bath in 1743 the son of a doctor, Philip showed no interest in the medical profession and was subsequently apprenticed to a jeweler in Bath.

More to come a work in progress....

Paul Storr 1771- 1844 Silversmith and Goldsmith

Paul Storr master Goldsmith and Silversmith without doubt the greatest ever English silversmith. Paul was apprenticed to Andrew Fogleberg in 1785 at the age of fourteen.
Almost nothing is known of Fogleberg other than he was Swedish, it is not known when he came to England, where or when he died.


More to come a work in progress...

Sterling Silver photo frames

Silver photo frames and good quality silver plated photo frames personalized by skilled engraving. Look out for online sellers who have the necessary skills to offer this service. . It is often said that a Silver photograph frame is the perfect gift for all occasions, and a gift that will last a lifetime. I would suggest buying a leading brand when considering a silver frame, and even more so with silver plated frames. Unfortunately, there are very many unbranded silver plated photo frames of very poor quality indeed; these should be avoided at all costs. A good quality silver plated photo frame by a well known manufacturer will last a lifetime.

I have listed below a number of occasions where a Silver or Silver plated photo frame would make a perfect gift....................


New baby
Christening gift
Childs first day at school
Childs special award photograph
Childs first communion
Children family group photograph
Wedding photograph
Wedding favour
Anniversary photograph
Silver Wedding Anniversary
Birthday
Retirement
Achievement
Graduation
Colleague leaving gift
Thank You gift
Special friend gift

Silver Baby & Christening Gifts Advice

Born with a silver spoon in his/her mouth

Silver has for centuries been the most acceptable and traditional of new baby and Christening gifts. The phrase above - Born with a silver spon in his mouth - is actually quite true. The reason for "silver spoon" is because a spoon often wooden, base metal or solid silver - for the wealthy - was the traditional gift given and to be used throughout the childs young life. Antique and vintage solid silver spoons can be purchased for as little as £15.00 or so, these providing they are of good quality, make excellent inexpensive baby gifts. It is imperative that the hallmarks are of good readable quality on antique & vintage silver spoons.
There is available a huge range of new silver and good quality silver plated baby and Christening gifts, both online and, in high street shops, usually with the best savings online. Acceptable silver and silver plated baby Christening gifts include; Photo Frames; Prayer Books and Bibles with Silver Facias; Silver Keepsake Boxes; Christening Cups; Birth Certificate Holders; Childrens Cutlery Sets; Rattles; Egg Cup and Spoon; and of course the famous Scottish Quaich.
Engraving silver or silver plated baby/christening gifts adds that personal touch that shows that you really care. The engraving message should be kept concise, less is without doubt more when it comes to engraving, if in doubt stick to babys name and date of birth, or date of christening. Engraving is a skilled and lengthy process, and can be very costly. There are many excellent sellers now offering a free engraving service, this represents a very good deal for the buyer. Engraved silver and silver plated gifts tend to have a greater perceived value to the recipient.
Silver and silver plate do tarnish, and in some home envirnonments really quite quickly, the answer to this age old problem is to buy whenever possible non-tarnish silver and silver plated products. There have been many non tarnish methods applied to silver and silver plate, unfortunately most do not work. One should avoid laquers and other coatings, these tend to spoil the look of silver, and in extreme cases, can over time, damage silver.
Prices of silver and silver plated baby gifts are very competative online, and with free engraving, a great deal should be easily found.

Silver Wedding and Anniversary Gift Advice

Choosing an interesting and inexpensive 25th Wedding Anniversary Gift

A silver wedding anniversary is, of course a very special occassion for the happy couple concerned. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for the relatives and friends that have to search far and wide to find a silver gift to suit the occassion - without breaking the bank. There are a few do's and don'ts that should be observed. Acceptable solid hallmarked silver gifts can be purchased from as little as £20.00 up to about £100.00. This will get you a very acceptable solid silver gift to present. It is an absolute "don't" to purchase anything other than solid hallmarked silver, unfortunately, silver plate is a definate "no". The most acceptable (and age old favourites) are silver photo frames, silver drinks and bottle coasters, silver/crystal decanters, candle holders, claret jugs, clocks, and vases. To make your chosen gift that bit more special, it is always advisable to include an engraved message on the silver item.
Engraving messages should be kept concise, with engraving less is definetly more. The most frequently used anniversary engraving message is the first names of the happy couple, and the date of the anniversary. Engraving is not widely offered with solid silver, but it is well worth seeking out the companies that do offer this service. Engraving particularly with an inexpensive silver gift, can transform the perceived value dramatically. Hallmarked silver purchased online can yield savings of up to 70% compared to High Street prices. Silver really is the perfect gift when it comes all 25th anniversary celebrations.

Sterling silver and silver plated gifts - Buying tips

Presenting a Sterling silver or plated silver gift to a friend or loved one, is always guaranteed to please. Choosing the gift you will be proud to present, and a gift that will last for many years to come, requires only a little care. Sterling silver - Hallmarked British made sterling silver is invariably made to a very high standard. The same is true of Plated Silver, either made by top British manufacturers, or made to their specification, and manufactiured abroad.

We are all aware of brand names in our supermarkets, and fashion shops, these brand names reassure us of the quality of the goods we purchase. The same guide should apply when choosing silver or silver plated products, a recognized name will be an assurance of quality. A good quailty silver or silver plated product - with proper care - can last for generations, indeed, hundreds of years - just look at antique silver online. Therefore a couple of simple questions to sellers, ie. who is the manufacturer or supplier, and where are they based, should ensure the purchase of a good quality product.

Engraving silver or silver plated gifts adds that personal touch, and shows your friend or loved one you really care. One should always be careful not to go " over the top" with the engraved message - less is without doubt more when it comes to engraving. Please do take great care with your engraving message and spelling, once engraved an item cannot be returned. Engraving is a skilled and lenghty process and, can be very costly. There are many excellent sellers online offering engraving , this represents a very good deal for any buyer. Engraved silver and silver plated gifts tend to have a greater perceived value to the recipient.

Silver and silver plate do tarnish, and in some home and work environments, quite quickly. The answer to this age old problem is to use, whenever possible, non tarnish silver cleaner . There are many non-tarnish methods applied to silver and silver plate, unfortunately, most do not work. One should avoid lacquers and other coatings, these tend to spoil the look of silver and, in extreme cases can, over time, damage silver.

Silver Hallmark information

Solid Silver - an explanation

Solid silver, more correctly sterling silver, is an alloy of silver having minimum fineness of 925. Solid silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. As pure silver (99.9% purity) is too soft for making large resourceful and utilitarian objects, silver is usually alloyed with copper (in the above mentioned percentage) so as to give it added strength whilst preserving silver's ductility and preciousness. Copper is primarily chosen in solid silver as it offers improved resistance to tarnish

Silver Engraving Advice.

Engraving Advice.......
How is it done...........................
An industrial diamond is cut to a tip that is forced through the metal plowing the metal to each side of the cut - very similar to a farmer plowing a field. We use this process to engrave many items Brass Plaques, Clocks, key rings and Pewter tankards. We use Diamond engravers for gift items, such as key tags, letter openers, money clips, picture frames
Always look for suppliers offering an engraving service, there are many online. Engraving adds that personal touch to a silver or silver plated gift, which will become a treasured keepsake for many years. The best piece of advice for engraving messages is, keep them concise. Engraving silver or silver plated gifts adds that personal touch, and shows your friend or loved one you really care. One should always be careful not to go "over the top" with the engraved message - less is without doubt more when it comes to engraving.
Try to avoid making the giver message more prominent than the receiver message, a short "with Love from" " name or names" is grand. Please do take great care with your engraving message and spelling, once engraved an item cannot be returned. Engraving is a skilled and lengthy process and, can be very costly. However, there are a few sellers online offering low cost engraving, this service represents a very good deal for any bargain hunter. Engraved silver and silver plated gifts tend to have a greater perceived value to the recipient. Even the most inexpensive item once engraved has the look of a much more exclusive and personal gift. There are many good quality silver plated gifts with free engraving under £10.00, and much solid silver under £20.00.
It is often much less expensive to send a good quality engraved silver gift to say thank than flowers, oh, and it will last longer. Most good online suppliers have freephone help and advice lines, if so use them, it is always better to be sure than sorry.

Below we have listed the most customary engraving messages for silver and silver plated gifts.

1/ Cufflinks: A super mans gift, but definitely initials only, anything more is tawdry.
Most cufflinks can be engraved with initials on the back.

2/ Baby & Christening gifts: baby's first name & date of birth or Christening date & with love from.

3/ Wedding gifts: first names of the happy couple and wedding date, and with love from.

4/ Anniversary: first names and date of anniversary, and with love from. Silver and good quality silver plated photo frames are both an excellent anniversary gift, and look grand engraved.

5/ Men's gifts; should always be kept brief, and try to avoid sentimental messages.

6/ ladies gifts: name and short message - try to include sentimental messages.

7/ key rings: silver and good quality silver plated are a great and inexpensive gift especially with free engraving.

8/ Decanters and Claret jugs: we advise these should not be engraved. These expensive pieces tend to be handed down the generations for others to use and enjoy; personal messages will consign them to a cupboard or attic. Ask the supplier to supply an engraved plaque which can be attached to the gift box. This will personalize the item without sullying it for future generations.

8/ Font choice: Script is good for weddings, anniversaries, and ladies gifts. There are many script type engraving fonts ask your supplier for advice. Plain fonts for men are probably best. Size of font, take advice from supplier.

9/ If in any doubt about your engraving contact your supplier first, once engraved the item remains engraved forever. All good suppliers will welcome your telephone request for advice, after all a happy customer is a repeat customer.

Silver Gift Ideas

The five most popular gifts for the

following occassions, available in

Sterling Silver & Silver Plate


!Wedding gifts - Ideas
1/ Silver photograph frame.
2/ Silver champagne flutes
3/ Silver cutlery
4/ Silver bottle coaster
5/ Silver & crystal decanter


Groomsmen gifts - Ideas

1/ Silver cufflinks
2/ Collar Stiffeners
3/ Silver Tie Pins
4/ Hip Flask
5/ Silver money Clip

Bridesmaid gifts - ideas

1/ Compact Mirror
2/ Silver keyring
3/ Silver bookmark
4/ Perfume Atomizer
5/ Silver Keepsake Box

Mother of the bride gift - Ideas

1/ Compact Mirror
2/ Silver keyring
3/ Silver Pen
4/ Perfume Atomizer
5/ Silver Keepsake Box


Father of the bride gift - Ideas

1/ Silver Cufflinks
2/ Silver Toothpick
3/ Silver Tankard
4/ Silver Penknife
5/ Cigar Cutter

Usher gift - Ideas

1/ Business Card Holder
2/ Silver Travel set
3/ Silver Wine Set
4/ Silver Pen Set
5/ Silver keyring

Baby gift - Ideas

1/ Silver Prayer book
2/ Silver christening Spoon
3/ Silver Keepsake Box
4/ Silver Christening Cup
5/ Silver photo Frame

Anniversary gift - Ideas

1/ Silver photo Frames
2/ Silver Decanters & Vases
3/ Silver bottle coasters
4/ Silver candle holders
5/ Silver clocks

Ladies gift - Ideas

1/ Silver handbag mirror
2/ Silver letter Openers
3/ Silver keyrings
4/ Silver bookmarks
5/ Silver Magnifying Glass

Mens gift - Ideas

1/ PewterTankard
2/ Pewter/ silver hip flask
3/ Silver Snooker Chalk holder
4/ Gold cufflinks
5/ Silver Business card Holder

Colleague gift - Ideas

1/ Silver photo frames
2/ Silver letter Openers
3/ Silver/Crystal decanters
4/ Silver Cigar Holder & cutter
5/ Silver Clock

Corporate gift - Ideas

1/ Silver desk calendar
2/ Silver desk clock
3/ Silver business card holder
4/ Silver Pen sets
5/ Silver wine Sets

Silver Advice Resource

Edinburgh Silver

Cleaning Silver & Plated Silver

Firstly, it must be said that silver and silver plated items are very simple to clean and keep clean. Silver and silver plated items should always be cleaned separately. Sterling silver is an alloy of 92 .5 % silver and 7 .5 % copper. Its attractiveness increases with use and age, this causes a patina or soft creamy sheen to form. Plated silver is silver that has been electroplated over various other metals. Silver tarnishes when exposed to air. Store in treated cloth, or sealed plastic film.
Rubbing by hand with a clean dry cloth develops patina on silver which adds to its beauty. Polishing silver while wearing rubber gloves promotes tarnish. Instead, use plastic or cotton gloves.
Rubber harshly affects silver. Rubber can decay silver, and it can become so deeply etched that only a skilled silversmith can repair the damage. Raised designs can be lost permanently. Avoid using storage cabinets or chests with rubber seals, rubber floor coverings, rubber bands, etc.
Silver is harshly affected by salt, olives, salad dressing, eggs, vinegar and fruit juices. Although flowers and fruit look lovely in silver containers, the acid produced as they decay can etch the containers and cause serious damage. When using silver containers, always use plastic or glass liners.
Good quality ( thick ) aluminum Foil and soda crystals: Place a sheet of good quality aluminum oven foil in the bottom of a suitable Pyrex bowl; add 3-5 inches, as required, of boiling water and 2 tablespoons of soda crystals. Add silver pieces, making sure the water covers the silver pieces. Remove silver, rinse, dry, and buff with a soft cloth. This technique cleans the design and crevices of silver items.
Silver dips: Silver dips purchased from supermarkets and hardware shops should be used in moderation, and silver and silver plated items should be dipped for only a few seconds, always separately. Silver dips perform an excellent job of removing tarnish, particularly from silver and silver plated cutlery. We would recommend Connoisseurs Silver jewellery cleaner, as we get excellent results with this product
Silver foaming polish: is one of the most effective and gentle methods of cleaning silver. Simply soak the sponge supplied in hot water and squeeze out. Then apply the foaming polish to the silver with the sponge, rub up to a cleaning lather, sponge off and dry straight away. Lightly polish with a soft dry cloth for a gleaming finish. We would recommend Goddard's "Silver Pad Foaming Polish", as we get excellent results with this product.
Silver cleaning plates: Electrolytic silver cleaning plates are a thorough way to clean silver, safely and swiftly. This is an effective silver tarnish remover. The silver cleaning plate cleans under water, removing tarnish from the pieces placed on it. Used in your sink, there is no mess or fuss, just the draining away of the water after each cleaning session. Its effectiveness as a silver cleaner is excellent.

Ultra sound machines: We do not recommend ultra sound machines for cleaning silver. We use an expensive ultra sound machine for other applications but have had no success whatsoever in cleaning silver with it.
Silver Cutlery Care
Silver is tarnished by salt and salt air, sulfur and sulfur-containing foods, and rubber. Do not let silver stand with food on it; salty or acid foods can stain it. Rinse in soapy water if it will not be washed promptly.
Store silverware in a container lined with tarnish- resistant flannel or air-tight plastic bag when not in use. Do not put rubber bands on silver as they cause tarnish. Handle silver with care to avoid nicks and scratches.
Cleaning Flatware: Wash in hot soapy water. Rinse well and dry thoroughly straight away. Do not let hollow handled silverware or hollow ware stand in water as a combination of heat, water, and detergent may loosen soldering.
Washing in a Dishwasher: Most silver cutlery can be washed in a dishwasher, at a low temperature, but the patina on fine silver is improved by the hand rubbing that occurs when washing and drying by hand. Hollow handles may be loosened with exposure to heat and detergent in the dishwasher.
Electrolytic methods of cleaning: Aluminum, salt, soda and hot water are not recommended for cleaning silver with an oxidized finish. Do not spill dry dishwasher detergent on flatware; it may cause dark spots. If washing both silverware and stainless steel flatware in the dishwasher, do not put in the same basket section or let one metal touch the other, or the silver may be permanently damaged. New sterling silverware sometimes gets brown spots after washing in the dishwasher. In automatic dish washing, a reaction can occur between water droplets and the small portion of copper at the surface to cause brown spots on some pieces. After the silverware has been washed several times, the copper on the surface is gone and the surface is pure silver. Avoid such spotting on new silverware by washing and drying new silverware by hand for the first ten washes. If you want to use the dishwasher, follow these precautions: Use the automatic rinse dispenser feature of a dishwasher. The rinse agent lowers the surface tension of the rinse water so it skims off the surfaces and droplets don't form. Or use a rinse agent in solid form that hangs on the dishwasher rack, if your dishwasher does not have an automatic rinse dispenser. Remove new silverware from the dishwasher at once after the last rinse cycle and dry thoroughly for the first ten times. When using a dishwasher always err on the side of caution, a little care and all will be well.
Silver cleaning clothes: are an excellent and quick way to clean and polish light tarnish and dirt from silver items. We would recommend Connoisseurs polishing cloth as we get excellent results with this product.

Silversmiths

Its all true - honest



Aldridge and Green a brief history 1785.

Charles Aldridge the older of the two partners by some 17 minutes was a quite unremarkable man, his only real claim to fame being his father opened the first ladies "Big Bra Shop" in the Home Counties. Henry Green on the other hand or Hughie as he was affectionately known to his millions of fans, gave up silversmithing and took to the stage and screen as the famous host of “Opportunity Knocks”. Hughies long career which started in 1792 and lasted until 1983, made him a household name throughout Europe.


Hester Bateman 1793 a brief history

Hester the leading and, most collectable lady silversmith was also the lead singer with the famous musical combo " Boney M". Hester and the boys had many number one hits across Europe. Hester was recognized by the Royal academy of music for her musical brilliance and rewarded with a place in the European song contest 1793 – which she won. Hester’s rendition of “Ma Baker “is considered to be one of the greatest musical experiences of the modern age. She was recently awarded the prestigious Gordon Ramsey silver spoon award for her services to the tone deaf.



Paul Storr 1792 a brief history

Paul Storr Goldsmith and Champion Pie Eater, as you are no doubt aware Paul Storr could consume up to 17 family size meat pies at a single sitting. It is a little known fact that Paul also invented the Honda C90 moped in 1823. Paul sold the rights to his famous moped to a little known Japenese firm when he decided to devote more of his time to his pie eating. This proved a smart move as the Honda C90 was doomed to be the Sinclair C5 of the 19th. century.


Omar Ramsden1906

Silversmith and inventor of the cordless telephone and of course fish and chips. Omar, never one to rest on his laurels also made a life size working model of a haddock in his back garden. The model made completely out of old tractor tyres is still a major tourist attraction in London.



Edward Wakelin 1742 A brief history

.Edward also known affectionately by his nickname "Crazy Horse" appeared in the very early episodes of "Bonanza" in 1743. Edward played Hoss Cartwrights manservant and was likened to a western "Jeeves". Edwards acting career took a tumble when he accidently ate "Paw Cartwrights" favourite horse. Back in the UK and unemployed Edward turned to silversmithing. Edward was posthumously awarded an Oscar for his part in the film musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.



Ian McCormack 1907 a brief history.

Although mainly known for his silver work Ian was also a keen break dancer and in fact won the world championship in 1953. The final of the break dancing championship in 1953 was held in Londons Millenium Dome. Ian won both the freestyle and rap section world championships. Ian was also the first person in Scotland to eat a deep fried armchair.

Sterling silver hallmarks information

Sterling silver hallmarks information

Use this Information to find out the town of assay of your silverware and its age.
All solid silver that has been registered in this country will carry assay marks. These marks ensure that the silver was tested for silver purity and quality.
Apart from assay marks, there will also be a date mark and in some cases a duty mark to indicate that a relevant tax had been paid. Typically a single piece will carry a Sterling Guarantee (such as a Lion), a Town mark from where it was assayed (Anchor, Crown, Castle etc.) a Date Letter (normally in a shield, circle or square) to identify the year of Assay (A-Z or a-z) and a Makers Mark (Typically some initials such as HA & P.S etc.)



LONDON MARKS (Leopards Head Town Mark)

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1679-1696
Date letters b to i (1686) then k (1687) to t (1696)

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1697-1719
Date letters - old copperplate type script a & b are 1697 then c (1698) to u (1715) (J is missing) then A B C D (1719)

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1720-1728
Date letters E to I (1724) and K (1725) to N, J is missing

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1729-1738
Date letters O P Q R S T U (U looks like a V) then a (1736) b c

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1739-1755
Date letters d e f g h i k l m n o p q r s (s looks like a long r) t u

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1756-1783
Date letters Gothic Script A B C D E F G H I (no J) K L M N O P Q R S T U (1775) then a to h

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1784-1785
Date letters i and k

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1786-1821
Date letters l to u (1795) then A (1796) to U (1815) missing out J, then a b c d e f(1821)

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1822-1833
Date letters g h i k l m n o p q r s

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1834-1837
Date letters t u then Gothic Script A (1836) and B (1873)

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1838-1890
Date letters Gothic Script C to U (1855) missing out J, then a (1856) to u (1875) (missing out j)
this is followed by A (1876) to P (1890), missing out J

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1891-1895
Date letters Q R S T U

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1896-1915
Date letters a to u missing out j

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1916-1922
Date letters Gothic Script a b c d e f g

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1923-1935
Date letters Gothic Script h i k l m n o p q r s t u

LONDON ASSAY MARK 1936-1974
Date letters Heavy Capitals A to U (1955) missing out J, then italic a to t (missing out j)
NORWICH MARKS (Castle Town Mark)

NORWICH ASSAY MARK 1624-1625

NORWICH ASSAY MARK 1626-1627

NORWICH ASSAY MARK 1628-1629

NORWICH ASSAY MARK 1630-1636

NORWICH ASSAY MARK 1637-1638

NORWICH ASSAY MARK 1639-1661

NORWICH ASSAY MARK 1689-1697
SHEFFIELD MARKS (Crown Town Mark)

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1773-1783
Date Letters, these are quite stylised and hard to read: E F A R h s A C D G B J e

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1784-1785
Date Letters, these are quite stylised and hard to read:J e (e looks more like a y backwards)

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1786-1833
Date Letters, again stylised and hard to read: k T w m L P U D m q Z V (1798) then Standard Text: E (1799) N H M F G B A S P K L C D R W O T X I V Q Y Z U (1823), then a (1824) b c d e f g h k i (1833)

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1834-1839
Date Letters m p q r s t

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1840-1867
Date Letters u v x z (1843) then A to Z (1867) missing out J and Q

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1868-1890
Date Letters A (1868) to X (1890) missing out I

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1891-1913
Date Letters Y Z (1892) then Gothic Script a (1893) to v (1913) missing out j

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1914-1917
Date Letters Gothic script w r y z (1917)

SHEFFIELD ASSAY MARK 1918-1974
Date Letters a to z (1942) missing out j, then A (1943) to Z (1967) missing out J, then Copperplate A B C D E F G
DUTY MARKS AND THE MILLENNIUM MARK

DUTY MARK: Victoria 1837-1890

DUTY MARK: George III 1784-1785

DUTY MARK: George III 1785-1820

DUTY MARK: Coronation 1952-1953 Queen Elizabeth

DUTY MARK: Jubilee 1934-1935 George V and Queen Mary

DUTY MARK: Silver Jubilee 1977 Queen Elizabeth II

MILLENNIUM MARK - ASSAY MARK FOR 2000 ONLY

SILVER GIFTS.