The Silversmith's Handbook: Containing Full Instructions for the Alloying and Working of Silver

Originally published in 1921, this classic Silversmith's Handbook (5th Edition) contains full instructions for the alloying and working of silver, including the different modes of refining and melting the metal; its solders; the preparation of imitation alloys; methods of manipulation; prevention of waste; instructions for improving and finishing the surface of the work together with other useful information and memoranda.

"The object of this Treatise is to supply a want long felt in the Silver Trade, namely, a work of reference from which workmen, apprentices, and manufacturers, employing the material upon which it treats, may find information which will be of assistance to them in the performance of their daily duties, and by which their operations may be rendered more successful. The Author was led to undertake the present work from having had many opportunities, during his lengthened experience in the art of silver-working, of observing the difficulties and stumbling-blocks that are constantly to be met with in the manifold branches of this important trade, by those practically engaged in it, and also by those persons who are desirous of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the mechanical and manipulative details belonging to it. To assist his object, numerous illustrations have been prepared for this Treatise, with the view of rendering the various processes of the art more readily comprehensible, and to save a lengthened or detailed description of them."

"Supplies a want long felt by the silver trade, namely, a work of reference from which artisans, apprentices, and manufacturers, and, for that matter, buyers also, employing the material, may find information which will be of assistance to them, enabling the practical silversmith to become a perfect master of his art or profession." -- Industrial Art

"The chief merit of the work is its practical character. The workers in the trade will speedily discover its merits when they sit down to study it." -- English Mechanic

"The work is thoroughly well-written; every page bears the impress of a mind that has wholly mastered every detail of the art dealt with, and we are sure that every member of the trade who does not yet possess the book should hasten to secure a copy." -- Clerkenwell Press

"Treats in a comprehensive and systematic manner the various processes connected with the silver-workers' art. As a guide to workmen and apprentices it will prove a good technical educator, while manufacturers and dealers may learn much from its pages." -- Glasgow Herald

"A volume of a thoroughly practical character, and containing advice and information as to silver-working generally. The directions given are full and precise, and are so plainly expressed that only a most dull or careless reader can fail to understand them. Should be upon the shelf of every silver-worker." -- Birmingham Post

"The book is well written by one who knows what he is treating of." -- Coventry Standard

Contents Covered:

• Preface
• Introduction
• Silver
• Sources of Silver
• The Assay of Silver Ores
• The Cupellation of Silver Ores
• The Alloys of Silver
• Various Qualities of Silver
• Silver Solders: Their Uses and Applications
• On the Melting of Silver
• On the Working of Silver
• Enriching the Surfaces of Silver
• Imitation Silver Alloys
• Economical Process
• Licences and Duties
• Useful Information for the Trade
• Foreign Silver Standards
• Index