ABSTRACT
THERE are three basic methods of forming silver – casting the molten metal in a mould, hammering or raising an ingot (or sheet) of silver into the desired shape over anvils of different profiles, or assembling the completed object from smaller elements (cast, raised or seamed) soldered together. Finials, handles and feet were normally cast, several at a time, in sand moulds formed by the silversmith from lead or brass patterns. Simple hollowware objects, such as casters, beakers or spouts, were seamed up from a strip of silver, and the bases cut out with shears and soldered in. The lathe simplified and speeded-up production by making it possible to spin holloware; surface decoration, engraving, chasing or embossing was added after the object had been planished (hammered smooth) and polished with pumice or water of Ayr stone (Fig. 66).
