Peter Field (X) (asker) Jul 22, 2006:

From Peter Field: gold wire-drawers v. gold thread makers. As it happens, I did in fact undertake a little research before submitting my offering for your valued appraisals and had the advantage of knowing there was an extended metaphor involved, which would necessarily clinch my final decision. Once I had appraised the responses to my query, the correct choice became immediately clear.

In terms of relevence within the context in question, I have to award the points booty to Anne Wagner-Findeisen.

Thank you all for your genuinely appreciated expert assistance.