The term Sheffield refers to silver plated antiques of England. They were considered to be an affordable alternate for sterling silver. The Sheffield pieces made between 18th and 19th centuries is known as Old Sheffield. The process of silver plating used in Old Sheffield was invented by Thomas Boulsover, a Sheffield cutler. Later Joseph Hancock developed the process and began producing candle sticks and coffee pots. The Sheffield pieces lost its significance with Industrial Revolution which made electroplating cheaper and quicker.