Gold and Silver Thread Act, 1761

9 & 10 W. 3.

39. Eng. 1 Anne 17. stat. 1. Eng. 15 G. 2. 20. Eng.

Metal inferior to silver shall be spun upon thread, yarn, or inkle only, not silk,

penalty 5s. per ounce.

WHEREAS hitherto there has not been any law in this kingdom for ascertaining the fineness of silver, and quantity of gold to be laid thereon in making wire for threads, and the other denominations necessary in manufacturing gold and silver lace, nor for proportioning the quantity and quality of silk to be used in the same; by which frauds may be committed, to the great loss of his Majesty's subjects, and hurt and damage to the trade of this kingdom: for remedy whereof be it enacted by the King's most excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal, and commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, That from and after the first day of May one thousand seven hundred and sixty two, all copper, brass, and every other metal inferior to silver, shall be spun upon thread, yarn, or incle only, and not spun, mixed, wove, wrought, or set upon silk; upon pain that each and every person offending therein shall forfeit and pay the sum of five shillings for each and every ounce so spun, mixed, wove, wrought, or set upon silk.