James Dixon & Sons, one of the largest manufacturers of silver and plated goods in Sheffield, was established in 1806 by James Dixon. In a partnership with Thomas Smith, trading as Dixon & Smith, the emphasis at first was on the making of Britannia metal ware. Smith died suddenly during a visit to Carlisle in June 1822, 'after which Mr. James Dixon carried on alone. He gained a reputation for his application to business, for perseverance and enterprise, and, in fact, remained at work until an age when most.mes n would have retired from commerce. He consistently aimed at a high standard of quality, and on one occasion was heard to say that he would not allow to go out of his workshop any article which would disgrace him. In a conservative age, he was eminently progressive and farseeing. One notable instance of this was given, when, soon after the introduction of steam power, there was a considerable amount of bigotry against the innovation on the part of some Sheffield manufacturers. Mr. Dixon did not allow himself to be influenced by the opposition. . . In 1822 he moved to more commodious premises in Cornish Place, which is the site of the present modern works. . . . His trade grew, and constant additions became necessary. At a later date, Mr. Dixon was assisted in the business by his three sons, William Frederick, James Willis, and Henry Isaac Dixon, and also by his son-in-law, Mr. W. Fawcett. From that t.mes the firm became known as James Dixon and Sons. The senior partner, Mr. James Dixon, retired from the business in 1842. . . . The present works are amongst the best equipped of their kind in the kingdom, and a tour of the throbbings departments in which the multifarious processes of the silversmith's art are carried out is an interesting experience. Evening imaginable type of silverware and electro-plate good is produced, and the firm are exceedingly proud of their chaste and exclusive designs.' (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, Sheffield, Thursday, 4 December 1919, p. 9e)

Among Dixon & Sons' most innovative designs, introduced in 1879, were various teapots and other vessels designed by Christopher Dresser.

James Dixon & Sons was converted to a limited liability company in 1920 and continued to trade independently until the 1990s.

Gimbel Brothers, otherwise Gimbels, was a well-known American department store chain, established in 1887 by Adam Gimbel (1817-1896). The New York branch of the business was incorporated in 1909.

'ALBANY, April 22. - Organized to conduct a general department store or stores, Gimbel Brothers, New York, with principal office in New York and a capital of $7,500,00, was incorporated to-day. Of the capital of $2,500,000 is made preferred stock and $5,000,000 is common stock. The Directors are: Jacob Isaac G., Charles, Daniel, and Elis A. Gimbel, and Louis S. Gimbel, all of 111 Broadway, New York. (The New York t.mes s, New York, New York, Friday, 23 April 1909, p. 2d)

Gimbels in New York had a strong silver department, offering a good selection of items, including imports of silver and cutlery from England. In December 1913 a Gimbels' full-page advertisement (one of 11 in the same publication!), 'The Christmas Store of A Million Gifts,' listed 'Gifts from $500 to $1,000 . . . FOR THE HOME . . . Sterling Silver Epergne; beautiful design for centre of dinner table, $700.' (The New York t.mes s, New York, New York, Sunday, 7 December 1913, Section 6, p. 2)

In 1941 Gimbels in New York, in cooperation with Saks Fifth Avenue, under the direction of Hammer Galleries, also of New York, were instrumental in disposing of the residue of the vast collects ion of art objects and furnishings amassed by the American newspaper publisher and politician, William Randolph Hearst (29 April 1863 – 14 August 1951). Their imaginative salesmanship ensured success to the enterprise, even if prices realised were often well below Hearst's cost of purchase: 'Coming to town for the Flower Show? Don't miss the Hearst collects ion and our Flower Show Talk. Lilliam Kearfott, former chairman of the International Flower Show for the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State will arrange flowers and fruit and vegetables in some of our priceless Hearst silver and china. While you watch she'll do magical flower things with an antique Irish silver potato ring, arrange pink rhubarb and artichokes and kale leaves in an Irish silver loving cup or a Liverpool jug. Our Hearst collects ion burgeons with beautiful flower containers for your blue ribbon jonquils, your best-in-show orchids or dahlias. Be there at 2:30, in the Hearst collects ion. Gimbels Fifth Floor.' (Daily News, New York, New York, Tuesday, 18 March 1941, p. 20)