In a message dated 14/08/2009 19:28:53 GMT Daylight Time, michael@allbrook.com writes: What I find interesting is that this was a skilled trade worthy of an apprenticeship. Do you believe that that was generally the case? Hi It certainly was a very worthwhile and a very skilled trade. Silver Plating in this way was revolutionised by George Richards Elkington and his methods put the Sheffield Plate industry in the shade. Together with his cousin Henry Elkington, who was a marvellous modeller as well, they created some of the finest plateware for over 50 years. There was nothing that was not worthy of an apprenticeship in this trade. I don't know about the man in question, but canteens of Cutlery and fine silverplated wares graced the tables of many a Royal family including Queen Victoria,. whom ordered a set of cutlery for Buckingham Palace as did the Sultan of Brunei. Every piece made in this manner had to be taken to the local assay office before it could be sold and every silversmith had his own mark. It stands to reason, therefore, that anyone carrying out this trade [which method was fairly new} would be able to carry on a reasonable and profitable business. Try this site. Although it says Sheffield there is a lot about Birmingham and Elkington & Co. and other companies. _http://www.ifranks.com/control/silver_history.html#old_sheffield_plate JUDY ELKINGTON [N. Derbyshire, England] www.elkingtonfamily.com ELKINGTON@rootsweb.com www.one-name.org/profiles/elkington.html _ (http://www.ifranks.com/control/silver_history.html#old_sheffield_plate)