fused plating

The term "fused plating" refers to a specific historical metalworking technique known as Sheffield plate. This method involves fusing a layer of silver onto a copper base. Discovered around 1742, this process allowed for the creation of articles that combined the ductility of both metals, essentially acting as a single material.

The technique involved heating a copper ingot, often alloyed with zinc and lead, with silver sheets on its top and bottom. After firing and cooling, the combined ingot was rolled into sheets. To conceal the copper edge when the sheet was cut, the edges of the finished pieces were rolled over. Initially used for small items like buttons, the process was later applied to various utensils and vessels. The production of Sheffield plate declined with the advent of electroplating in the mid-19th century.