Postby silverport » Mon Apr 12, 2010 11:46 am
Hello
»Silver soldered« mark, most times on hollowware products, be used also in printed product descriptions (e.g. in sales promotion folders), signification is that ALL parts (especially handles, lids ...) of that item were mounted together with use of special silver alloy's as solder material = also called "hard soldered", when products basic material was e.g. brass or copper.
»Tin soldering« was in then past time used for hollowware products, made of tin or »Britannia« alloy (a tin-antimony alloy - please don't confuse this with »Britannia Standard« for Silver!); and later it was used for products made from brass, copper or even nickel silver. That was cheaper; but products had to be carefully handled from the clients.
Products made from »Britannia« alloy came up in mid 19 century in England (and same time range maybe in Meriden, CT, USA as well?); and were an actual material used for hollowware, present in First World Exhibition 1851 in London. Got 1873 his high rise on Vienna World Exhibition — almost hollowware products shown there, were in »Art Eclecteau« (Eclecticism — especially: Historic Styles Revival). »Britannia« alloy lost his importance on beginning of First World War — because tin was an essential solder for ammunition … After First World War, products made from »Britannia« alloy, never have got back their market.
»Silver soldered« products withstand the daily use in Hotels, Restaurants, and at home too much better.
Kind regards silverport
.