Soho produced high-quality buckles, buttons, boxes, trinkets in steel, gold, sterling silver, and Sheffield plate.

They were made in silver, Sheffield plate or earthenware and were in vogue from the mid-18th century until about 1820.

The firm continued to make large quantities of Sheffield plate, but Boulton delegated responsibility for this enterprise to trusted subordinates, involving himself little in it.

"Once I illustrate the differences between sterling, Sheffield plate and American and English silver, visitors may gain insight into what they have."

The rectangular one is sterling silver; the oval one is Sheffield plate.

From Black Country kettles to Sheffield plate, the consumption of imports led directly to new opportunities for home manufacturers.

A particular feature of this collection is the fine series of early engraved catalogues of old Sheffield plate.

Sheffield plate is a layered combination of silver and copper that was used for many years to produce a wide range of household articles.

The "double sandwich" form of Sheffield plate was developed around 1770.

Sheffield plate continued to be used for up to a further 100 years for silver plated articles subject to heavy wear, most commonly uniform buttons and tankards.