This firm specialised in the manufacture of German silver and electro-plate products, which included tea and coffee services, besides plated cutlery (such as spoons and forks).  It was established in 1872 at Orchard Works, Orchard Lane, by Arthur Green and James Meeson.   In 1881, the Census enumerated them in Pickering Road, living in adjacent dwellings.  Green was a bookkeeper; Meeson was a Britannia metal smith.   The latter was the son of James Meeson (1817-1860) and his wife Eliza née Garside (1820-1879).   The elder Meeson had been born in Berwick, Staffordshire, but by 1841 had moved to Sheffield, where he was, in turn, a file smith, grocer, warehouseman, and partner in the electro-plate venture of William Howe & Co.  That partnership was dissolved in 1859, when Meeson became bankrupt with debts of £258 (against credits of £26).  James Meeson Sen. died on 17 January 1860, aged 43, and was buried in St Philip’s churchyard, Shalesmoor.

James Meeson Jun. partnered Arthur Green until 1882, when the arrangement was dissolved.  According to Matheau-Raven (1997)¹, Meeson continued to trade with his son; then as Meeson & Millington (1889-91); and finally as Meeson & Co, Cambridge Street, until 1897.  In 1901, James Meeson was living in Alderson Place and working as a manager.  He died on 20 July 1908 at Balborough, Derbyshire, leaving £2,114.

^1. Matheau-Raven, E R, The Identification and Dating of Sheffield Electroplated Wares 1843-1943 (London, 1997)