SILVER FLATWARE

[nomad 11]

can somebody recommend a book on silver flatware i'd like to learn the markings and manufacturers-thanks-

 

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[callmez]

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread, but I think I can help with this question.

The vast majority of older flatware found in the U.S. is of English or American origin. With that thought in mind, I'd recommend:

Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers by Dorothy T. Rainwater (to save a few bucks, an older edition would be OK)

ANY of the books on British Hallmarks (Bradbury's is well known, but there should be plenty of cheaper options -- oh, and you don't need a big book, a simple pocket guide should do the trick)

A great way to search for used books online is to use BookFinder.com -- it searches multiple sites for you. Also, every public library should have one or more books on British hallmarks, and they may have Rainwater as well. Finally, a lot of info on markings can be found online these days, here's one useful website: www.silvercollection.it/hallmarks.html

If you are searching for a lot of markings on plated ware, you may need another reference or two -- and American coin silver (pre-sterling, before 1860-ish) can be complicated as there were MANY independent craftsmen with their own markings. But this should get you a start.

Good luck!