Though the early products were composed of tin and lead, James Vickers of Sheffield, England, discovered in 1769 that replacing the lead with touches of copper and antimony resulted in a stronger product. Known as Britannia metal, the new formula could be spun, rolled, and pressed, opening the door to mass production and greater distribution to the public. All tiers of society, from royalty to the working class, were enamored with this sturdy, and less costly, alternative to silver.
