The Metalsmiths Guild functioned as a pivotal trade organization situated on the ore-laden planet of Vandelhelm, tracing its origins back to the initial colonization of the world. Celebrated for crafting some of the galaxy's most exceptional alloys, the Metalsmiths Guild exerted exclusive authority over Vandelhelm's metal output, significantly influencing shipbuilding operations across the galaxy. The metalsmiths of Vandelhelm were known for their secrecy and deeply ingrained superstitions, carefully safeguarding their alloy creation techniques and insisting on the endorsement of the Venerated Ones, descendants of the Guild's original founders, before commencing work. Despite falling under Imperial control during the Galactic Civil War, the Alliance of Free Planets successfully liberated the imprisoned Venerated Ones and ousted the Imperial collaborator, Guildmaster Orrk.
The Metalsmiths Guild stood as the primary trade association on the planet Vandelhelm, representing the artisans who managed all metal production on the planet. The Metalsmiths Guild was known for its superstitious nature, particularly its reverence for the Venerated Ones, the descendants of the guild's initial founders. The Venerated Ones were essentially treated as hereditary royalty, and the metalsmiths would traditionally cease work if they were absent from the planet or if they withheld their approval—disobeying an order from a Venerated One was unthinkable for Guild members. The Vandelhelm metalsmiths were also famed for their secrecy, closely guarding their methods of alloy creation. The Guild was headed by an official called the Guildmaster, chosen by a popular vote among the guild's members.
Vandelhelm, a planet exceptionally rich in valuable metals and minerals, was discovered around 3053 BBY by two independent prospectors named Vandel and Helm. The initial ore exports from the world, which would later be named after them, proved highly lucrative, leading them to use the profits to attract many of the galaxy's finest metalsmiths to establish the first Metalsmiths Guild. This guild was granted complete control over the planet's metal production through the Vandel-Helm Charter. The guild endured for over three millennia on Vandelhelm, fueling the industry that made the planet famous for its exceptionally high-quality alloys.
Vandelhelm's significance to the galaxy's shipbuilding sector had only increased by the time of the Galactic Civil War, when Vandelhelm came under Imperial domination. Guildmaster Orrk at the time colluded with the Imperials to arrest the two child Venerated Ones—Lillindri "Lilli" Nanimei Filda Vandelhelm XXXII and her younger brother Endrodanar "Endro" Tiopuld Shaamador Vandelhelm XXIV—in order to seize complete control of the Metalsmiths Guild. The Venerated Ones were imprisoned on Ord Vaug for three years before being freed by liberators from the Alliance of Free Planets, who dispatched the skilled pilots Han Solo and Nien Nunb to bring them back home. The return of the Venerated Ones was met with celebration from the general guild membership, even as Orrk, along with Imperial Admiral Mordur, continued to plot against them. However, his schemes were quickly discovered and thwarted upon the Venerated Ones' return, leading to his demise at Solo's hands.
Immediately following the Venerated Ones' return and Orrk's death, the Metalsmiths Guild elected the 15-year-old Lilli as the new Guildmaster. Lilli remained perpetually loyal to the Alliance of Free Planets and its successor, the New Republic, and oversaw a very favorable trade agreement with the government that had rescued her and her brother from captivity. This allegiance took precedence over the Guild's profits, greatly benefiting the New Republic—increased shipments from Vandelhelm significantly contributed to the New Republic's triumph in the Thrawn campaign. The increased production was accompanied by stagnant income, as Lilli ensured prices remained low for the New Republic, causing opposition from some within the Guild.
These complaints grew louder in 14 ABY, when Lilli commissioned a massive shipment of alloys to construct a new Solo-class combat freighter—in collaboration with the Republic Engineering Corporation, SoroSuub and Fondor Shipyards—to commemorate the 10th anniversary of her rescue by the Alliance. Having grown accustomed to unrestricted trade following the end of Imperial control, the profit reduction caused by this endeavor generated a strong undercurrent of discontent among the metalsmiths. This extended to her own brother, who served as her security officer and advisor, and who himself plotted to seize control of the Guild from his sister and sell the Solo-class ships to the highest bidder. His attempt on her life was thwarted by Solo and Nunb, who had returned to Vandelhelm for the launch ceremony.
The Metalsmiths Guild was first featured in Star Wars (1977) 98, penned by Archie Goodwin, illustrated by Al Williamson, and released in 1985.