My research focuses on the development of utilitarian silverware in the United States throughout the time period of the Industrial Revolution.

During this point in history, the bourgeoisie was just getting its footing, and its members were looking for cutlery that was not only affordable but also appealing to the eye.

Because of this, silver leaf and copper that has been coated with silver were both invented.

• Since it was less expensive than using solid silver, silver leaf was used on ordinary cutlery in the early 1800s rather than pure silver.
• A well-liked choice was the double silver leaf, which was also known as Sheffield plate.
• To make the material more durable, a very thin coating of silver was sandwiched in between two sheets of copper, and then the whole assembly was heated and rolled.
• Because of this, it seemed to be made of solid silver yet having a lower price, which made it more accessible to the expanding middle class.
• Silver leaf, which was produced by applying a very thin coating of silver on top of a foundation of copper, was also employed to build more beautiful pieces.
• This process was known as "silver leafing."

The process of electroplating had been developed by the middle of the nineteenth century.

Because of this, it was able to cover copper with a coating of silver that was more robust and would continue to function for a longer period of time. Companies like as

• Rogers,
• Smith & Co. and
• Meriden Britannia Company 

started producing a significant amount of electroplated silverware as the product's popularity increased over time.

Because of the electroplating method, it was able to apply a coating of silver that was more even, which provided the object with a more consistent appearance and helped it to endure longer.

 

The fact that silver-plated products were far less expensive than their solid silver counterparts was one of the nicest things about them.

• Silverware for daily use,
• which had previously been out of reach for everyone but the rich,
• is now within reach of the expanding middle class.

The silver-plated goods were superior for day-to-day usage since they required less maintenance than solid silver, which would rapidly get tarnished if not taken care of properly.

As the industrial revolution progressed, other materials such as nickel and stainless steel were developed, which led to the decline in popularity of silver-plated objects.

However despite the fact that genuine silver is more costly than silver plating, silver-plated goods are still very popular, and several manufacturers, like

• Wallace Silver,
• Gorham Silver, and
• Oneida Silver, continue to produce them.

In the end, the growth of the middle class in the United States during the time period of the Industrial Revolution resulted in a need for silverware that was not only affordable but also appealing to the eye.

From the beginning of the 19th century, it was common practice to use either double silver leaf or plain silver leaf on copper.

By the middle of the century, electroplating made it feasible to mass-produce silver-plated products that were more consistent and durable than ever before.

When looking for a cheap and practical alternative to genuine silver, many consumers still choose for things that have a silver plating.