Sheffield plate is a layered combination of
silver and
copper that was used for many years to produce a wide range of household articles. These included
buttons, caddy spoons,
fish slices, serving utensils,
candlesticks and other lighting devices, coffee and
tea sets,
serving dishes and
trays,
tankards and
pitchers, and larger items such as soup
tureens and hot-water urns. Almost every article made in
sterling silver was also crafted by Sheffield makers, who used this manufacturing process to produce nearly identical wares at far less cost.