Jericho Works, Holme Lane, Sheffield. July 1942.

Richard Idell during WWII (Gentleman on the right).

In 1946, they welcomed their son, also named Richard Idell, into the world — and into the future of the business. Together, father and son grew R & R Polishing Ltd with dedication, expertise, and a reputation for quality that spread far beyond Sheffield. By the 1970s, their hard work paid off as the company proudly purchased its very own premises — the same factory where we still operate today. Those walls have witnessed decades of skill, innovation, and care.

The family tradition continued with the next generation: Lee Idell, born in 1971, who today leads the company with the same commitment and pride passed down from his father and grandfather. Under Lee’s stewardship, R & R Polishing Ltd has remained a proud cornerstone of Sheffield's manufacturing and restoration community. Now, the fourth generation stands ready. Jack Idell, after earning his degree from the University of Sheffield, joined the family business with a passion not only to continue the tradition — but to build upon it for the future.

At R & R Polishing Ltd, we honour our past by delivering the same exceptional quality that our founders demanded, and we look forward to crafting the future with that same relentless dedication.

"We will not stop until our customer is 100% satisfied."

This is our promise — and our legacy.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship Since 1946

At R & R Polishing Ltd, craftsmanship runs deep in our veins. Our story began in the years following World War II, when Richard Idell, driven by a passion for hard work and precision, founded the company alongside his wife, Vera. Their dream was simple yet powerful: to provide the finest metal and surface finishing available, with a commitment to excellence that would stand the test of time.

Services We Provide:

  • Metal Polishing Services

    • Mirror Polishing of Metal

    • Satin/Brushed Finishing of Metal

    • Silver Finishing

    • Aluminium Polishing

    • Brass, Bronze & Copper Finishing

    • Machine Knife Polishing

    • Grinding and Buffing Services

  • Restoration & Antique Services

    • Motorbike and Car Part Restoration/Polishing

    • Antique Cutlery, Silverware & Holloware Restoration

    • Antique Valuation Service

  • Plating & Finishing

    • Silver Plating

    • Chrome Plating

    • Gold Plating & Partial Gilding

  • Specialist Work

    • Surgical Instrument Finishing and Medical-Grade Polishing

    • Aerospace Component Finishing

    • Laser Etching Services

    • Lost Wax Casting

    • Pen & Pocket Knife Restoration

  • Bespoke Manufacturing & Trade Services

    • Cutlery Manufacturing (Stainless Steel, Nickel Silver, Sterling Silver)

    • Antler Handled Cutlery & Giftware Manufacturing

    • Stainless Steel Cutlery and Head Parts to the Trade

    • Restaurants & Catering Cutlery

  • On Site Work & Project Support

    • On-Site Polishing Services (Bridge struts, cables, tension bars, etc.)

    • Assistance with Project Research and Design

Why Choose Us?

  • Sheffield's Last Full-Service Standalone Specialists
    In a changing world, we remain proudly independent, offering a complete range of metal finishing services under one roof — a true rarity today.

  • Unrivalled Expertise Across Industries
    From restoring antique silverware to polishing surgical instruments and manufacturing custom cutlery, our depth of knowledge spans generations and sectors.

  • Commitment to Perfection
    We will not stop until our customer is 100% satisfied. It’s not just a slogan — it’s the standard we live by on every single project.

  • Custom Solutions for Unique Projects
    Every item we touch is different. Whether it’s a one-off antique, a precision-engineered medical part, or a large architectural project, we adapt our skills to deliver perfect results.

  • Real People, Real Passion
    When you choose us, you're working with a family of craftsmen who treat your project with the same care as their own.