The business began in 1806 when James Dixon and Thomas Smith set up in Silver Street, Sheffield as Dixon & Smith. In 1823 Smith left and Dixon was joined by eldest son William Frederick Dixon creating James Dixon & Son. A year later they moved to larger premises at Cornish Place. In 1830 they acquired Nicholson, Ashforth and Cutts, and began making silver and plated goods. In 1835 the firm became James Dixon & Sons when James Willis Dixon joined. Nickel silver was used from 1836 onwards and electroplate from 1848. Stainless steel spoons and forks carried the name "staybrite" and "Firth". In 1920 the firm became a limited liability company and absorbed William Hutton & Sons Ltd of Sheffield in 1930. Production ended in 1992. Famous for Britannia metal goods. The brand name is still used by British Silverware Limited.