Britannia Metal is a silvery alloy primarily composed of tin, with smaller proportions of antimony and copper, developed during the eighteenth century as an attractive and affordable alternative to silver. It was widely used to produce tea services, candlesticks, tableware, jugs and domestic objects throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods. Often highly polished or silver-plated, antique Britannia Metal is valued for its durability, elegant appearance and importance in British metalworking.