W&G Sissons LTD

W&G Sissons Ltd. traces its origins to 1784, when Samuel Roberts Sr., an accomplished silversmith, established a workshop at No. 9 Eyre Street, Sheffield, for his son, Samuel Roberts Jr. Partnering with George Cadman, a former apprentice of Roberts Sr., the firm operated as Roberts, Cadman & Co., specialising in high-quality silver tableware, cutlery, and Old Sheffield Plate.

Roberts Jr. was a highly skilled designer, influencing many of the finest Sheffield Plate patterns between 1785 and 1810. In 1789, he significantly improved the composition of Sheffield Plate by increasing the silver-to-copper ratio, creating a variant known as "Bell Metal." This innovation made their plated wares nearly indistinguishable from solid silver. Their tableware, tea, and coffee sets were heavily plated to allow for deep engraving, often featuring solid silver handles, mounts, and feet. These enhancements made their products highly sought after in both domestic and international markets.

Following Cadman’s death, Evan Smith joined the business, leading to its rebranding as Roberts, Smith & Co. In 1834, William Sissons Sr. became a partner, and after Roberts Jr.’s retirement in 1848, the firm was renamed Smith, Sissons & Co. This name remained in use until 1858, when Smith retired, leaving the business to Sissons Sr. and his sons, William Jr. and George. Upon their father’s passing, the brothers renamed the company W&G Sissons Co.

Between 1885 and 1903, William Sissons Sr.'s grandsons, Charles and Walter Sissons, successfully ran the business. The firm registered its electroplated wares with a distinctive "bell" symbol, honouring the mark historically used on their Sheffield Plate pieces.

However, the decline in silverware demand and shifting tastes during the 1930s severely impacted W&G Sissons. To adapt, the company transitioned into manufacturing metal kitchen sinks, a move that proved highly successful. In 2002, W&G Sissons was acquired by the Swiss company Franke, becoming Franke Sissons Ltd., now one of the UK's largest manufacturers of stainless steel kitchen and washroom products.