Boulton & Fothergill, c1770
2000M12

These are early examples of Sheffield plated wares made at the Soho Manufactory in Handsworth. Sheffield plate was invented during the middle of the 18th Century and consisted of copper with a thin layer of silver on the surface. Although it looked like silver, items made from Sheffield Plate could be made much more cheaply and so were affordable to a much wider market.

You can see where the silver has rubbed off these candlesticks to reveal the copper beneath.