The Art of the English Silversmith: Crafting Tomorrow's Heirlooms

The Heritage of our Workshop  

Since 1973, our small team of time-served silversmiths has been dedicated to a single goal: preserving the vanishing traditions of British silverware. Based in Sheffield, the workshop combines half a century of experience with a passion for lifelike detail. Every silver animal in the Silver Basket collection is a product of this dedication, hand-crafted with a level of precision that machines simply cannot replicate.

The value of Traditional Skills

We don't believe in shortcuts. To ensure the highest quality, every stage of production is kept "in-house." Our craftsmen are masters of:

• Metal Spinning & Casting: Transforming raw sterling silver into the delicate forms of British wildlife.

• Hand Buffing & Polishing: Multiple stages of polishing to achieve the famous "mirrored" luster that characterises fine English silver.

• Intricate Hand-Finishing: From the texture of a fox's fur to the expressive features of a Labrador Retriever, our smiths use techniques to bring every figure to life.

The Sheffield Hallmark: Your Guarantee of Purity

Quality is cast into every piece. Every item is sent to the historic Sheffield Assay Office to be tested and hallmarked. This isn't just a legal requirement; it is your international guarantee of authenticity. When you see the Sheffield Rose, you know you are holding genuine 925 Sterling Silver. Wish to learn more about Hallmarks? Here is our article on the Hallmarks we use.

From Miniature Mice to Bespoke Trophies  

Our silversmiths' talent is vast. While they delight in the intricate detailing of our miniature animal collection, they also create pieces on a grand scale—creating bespoke presentation awards for the military and prestigious racing trophies for international events in Dubai. This same level of elite craftsmanship goes into every single piece we sell, regardless of its size.

The Finishing Touch

To protect your furniture and add a final touch of quality, the base of every silver animal is finished with hand-cut baize fabric, ready to be cherished for a lifetime.

For more information on bespoke items please contact the Silver Basket on 07725 465 339 or by email sales@silverbasket.co.uk

Explore the full collection of Sheffield-made Silver Animals