Sterling Silver Cone End Caps

I'm going to have a go at making some of the above and would like to decorate them with a hammered finish.
Do I hammer before or after soldering?

if after, how, ah, hang on, I've just had a thought, I could slide it on to my ring mandrel? (obviously only firing on one brain cell today!!)

Next question, what gauge sheet would you recommend?

Thanks me Matey's

I tend to texture after soldering to avoid any risk of distorting the edges, which need to meet as cleanly as possible. 0.3mm sheet is fine as long as they're not too big. If you want to texture before, it's easier to make them with a deliberate overlap rather than edge to edge.

I use the end of a little horn anvil for support, as the ends are too small for a regular mandrel.

Thanks For that George, bless you.
How's the holiday going? seen anymore of Marilyn

LOL marilyn appears to have been usurped in my daughter's affections by a giant rubber ring and a couple of noodles. The weather here is still utterly glorious - perhaps too hot for some but perfect for us. Pool day today, beach tomorrow and a circumnavigation of the island on Wednesday (always her favourite trip). Really not looking forward to coming back to the UK at the weekend.

Don't blame you, it's persistently chucking it down.