A sterling silver handmade hallmarked 7 bar toast rack, reproduced in the English Georgian style. This item is one of the earliest creations in the JA Campbell 'Classic' collection.

A key breakfast accessory for the finest home, luxury yacht or plane, silver has become something of a status symbol in recent years.. This toast rack will take pride of place alongside the matching silver juice jug, sterling silver egg cup and spoon, a sterling silver butter dish and tray, and sterling silver and crystal preserve pot . It will not fail to impress your family, friends and guests. The sterling silver toast rack will help to keep your toast fresh and crisp by keeping the slices upright and separate and avoiding the softening process.

You can spoil yourself and buy one for your own use or a special present for someone close. It is also very suitable as a silver wedding present, a birthday present, a corporate gift or incentive gift. It can even be made in gold for the very special golden wedding present.

This silver toast rack is made in our workshop in Brentwood, Essex and the manufacturing process is described below.

The item consists of 13 components; a rectangular section wire to form the base, 7 round section wires to form the bars, a ring (made again from round wire) and lastly the ball feet on which the rack sits. First, the base wire is cut to length and bent round a former or jig. This is quite time-consuming as the wire (being rectangular) resists being bent on edge and small curves. Eventually both ends meet together and are joined using enamelling silver solder. The base is then immersed in pickle (hot sulphuric acid) to remove flux residues. The joint is checked and 'dressed down' with files until the seam is invisible. The base is then placed finally onto the jig to re-establish the shape which will have altered in the previous soldering process.

Next, the round bars are all cut to their respective lengths and bent around different size jigs to fix their arch shape. The carrying ring is now cut from a pre made coil, then soldered to make a complete ring and soldered to the centre bar. Holes are then drilled part-way through the base wire to hold and position the bars during the soldering process. This time easy silver solder is used in minute quantities to fix the bars to the base. This is quite a skilled process if the bars are not to be spoilt by overheating.

After a careful check of all 17 solderings, the balls are soldered to the upturned rack. Finally after a last pickle, the rack is now ready to be punched with the maker's mark, JAC in a triangle, the initials of John Campbell. It then has a visit to the London Assay Office to be tested and have the remaining hallmarks applied. This is probably one of the earliest forms of consumer protection and dates back to the 14^th century. Indeed the term 'up to scratch' is an ancient precious metal testing term.

As with most products, this item is suitable for engraving to personalise as a gift. The design features and quality in every item made by the craftsmen at JA Campbell are unique. In the unlikely event of damage, we provide a full repair service. Nothing leaves the Brentwood workshop until Master Silversmith John Campbell is completely satisfied. This sterling silver toast rack is a pleasure to use today and a great investment to be handed down to future generations.

As with most things in life your silver will need occasional cleaning. This does not need to be a chore and can be quite therapeutic. From as little as a quick wash-up to the occasional buff-up to remove light tarnish and an occasional polish using silver cleaner such as Silvo.