Dear all,
In my quest to find answers to some questions it was suggested to me to
post here for help.
The subject is the following: The use of soft solder on late medieval
silver plate.
There seems to be enough technical evidence to suggest that the use of soft
solder (tin-lead alloys) during manufacture on gilded silver is impossible.
The melting temperature of the solder is below the temperature at which the
fire-gilding would be applied.
So the presence of such a solder would be the result of a repair (and
contemporary silversmiths would almost certainly argue it is an
unprofessional repair...) with the exception for when used in the presence
of heat sensitive material ie. for the mounting of enamelled plaques.
In the absence of gilding there is no obvious technical reason for a soft
solder to be not used during manufacture. (although there may be other
minor disadvantages)
I am wondering though if there is any evidence in the regulations by guilds
governing the alloys used for solders? so far I have only been able to find
regulations governing the alloy compositions of the main body of objects.
When solders are mentioned it is more to suggest that not to much may be
used.
Another issue I'm struggling with is the definitions/ use of terms like
goldsmith, silversmith, jeweller or plate worker. Is there evidence to
suggest that there was a certain extend of specialisation in craftmanship
in different workshops to either produce plate or jewellery and what names
were used for these professions?
Looking forward to any suggestions or points of discussion.
Sincerely, Maickel van Bellegem.
(metalsconservator, the British Museum, London)
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