In issuing the present edition, a few introductory remarks are necessary to explain that numerous revisions have been made in Chapters VI. and VII. (by means of the Tables referred to below) regarding the cost prices of the different alloys, solders, etc., which I trust will increase the value of the book.
Through the repeal of the silver duty in the year 1890, a great impetus has been given to the Silver industry of this country, and notwithstanding the length of time that has elapsed since this book was first published, a steady demand has continued for its possession by workers in the precious metal trades—a fact which is gratifying to the Author, not only because a reprint is again called for, but as showing that the work has held its position, and may now justly claim to be a standard authority on the subject of which it treats.
It has not been found necessary to interfere with the general processes embodied in the book, as they are practically the same as formerly; but as regards the commercial value of silver, there is again a considerable depreciation[A] to record on the prices prepared for the second edition in 1885, and it becomes imperative that this depreciation should be dealt with in this new edition, in order to bring the work up to date.
| s. | d. | |||||
| In | 1877 | fine silver | cost | 5 | 2 | per ounce. |
| ” | 1885 | ” | ” | 4 | 8 | ” |
| ” | 1906 | ” | ” | 3 | 0 | ” |
The market price of silver has for many years been of a very variable nature, almost each day’s prices showing a difference, so that it would be impossible to provide the reader with an unvarying fixed price per ounce. The best and most practical thing to do under the circumstances, it seemed, was to carefully revise the different cost prices of the alloys and solders specified in Chapters VI. and VII. and give them by way of approximate Tables, compiled for each chapter separately. These two Tables follow this Preface (making pp. ix. and x.) and will serve as a ready reference for present workers in the silver trades. Thus, by bringing the figures down to date, the work may still retain its reliable character as a practical guide to the silversmith’s workshop.
G. E. GEE.
58, Tenby St. North, Birmingham.
January, 1907.