No comments about English, Irish, & Scottish Silver: at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute.

No comments about Bestecke des Jugendstils. Bestandskatalog des deutschen Klingenmuseums Solingen / Art Nouveau Knives, Forks and Spoons: Inventory Catalogue of the Deutsches Klingenmuseum Solingen/Germany.

No comments about Pewter at Colonial Williamsburg.

1 comments about Silver in America, 1840-1940: A Century of Splendor.

1. Silver in America 1840-1940: A Century of Splendor is a highly readable, well-documented overview of the of the development of the American silverware industry. The author, Dr. Charles Venable, has skillfully woven into this study the historic, economic, and social factors that impacted this industry as well as the influence that the silverware industry had in shaping the social rituals and customs of the era. Venable also provides a great deal of detail on the production, technology, and marketing of silver. This book, although replete with marvelous photographs and illustrations, is not a pattern identication guide and readers interested in such reference material would no doubt be disappointed. For those readers who are serious lovers of American silver this book is must reading and a necessary addition to one's library.

1 comments about Gold Coins of the New Orleans Mint: 1839-1909.

1. This is the 3rd of Doug Winter's books that I have bought and it is the best by far. I have already commented on his work on Dahlonega gold and I stand behind my critical comments on the photos. Whether the original pictures were good is beside the point. We can only judge the work we have in front of us and that work had lousy quality pictures regardless of who was responsible. Intent is nothing in this regard; finished product is everything. His work on CC gold was much better, for although again no pictures were in color, nevertheless the quality of them was good. Here, however, all things come together to produce an excellent work. The population analysis, the discussion on strike, luster, etc. are everything we have come to expect from the foremost expert on gold coins. I consider this book invaluable whenever I consider buying New Orleans gold and consult it religiously before making a purchase. The photos are excellent, are all in color, and provide a succulent icing on an already delectable cake. I hope he publishes an update on Charlotte gold soon with the same results.

1 comments about Georg Jensen: 20th Century Designs (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. For all Silver dealers, collectors and appraisers, this book should be THE reference book on George Jensen; no library is complete wihtout it. The pictorials from a Jensen catalogue are indespensible for identying Jenson pieces, and the numbering scheme is detailed with the photographs, making the book easy to use and most informative.

No comments about Animals in Bronze.

1 comments about Rugs & Carpets: Techniques, Traditions & Designs.

1. As a new and small collector of Oriental rugs I found Middleton's book a great source of information for a beginner. It's loaded with great color photos, is easy to read and is laid out very well. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to start an education on Oriental rugs.

No comments about Joe H. Quintana, Master in Metal: Selections from the Irma Bailey Collection.

4 comments about Tiffany Silver Flatware 1845-1905.

1. This is the Bible for Tiffany collectors but it also has a history of the purpose of each piece of flatware.



2. For all silver lovers, not just Tiffany lovers. Beautiful book, beautifully produced. Pictures could not be better.



3. This is a terrific book! It covers the complete spectrum of Tiffany silver flatware from 1845 to 1905. It's lavishly illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and original pattern drawings. It covers the full-line patterns, the not-full-line patterns, and the custom patterns made for the likes of the Vanderbilts and the Hearsts.

   The book breaks the patterns down by designer: early pieces by retailers Polhamus, Hebbard, Gorham, Moore and others; the major designers Edward Moore, Charles Grosjean, and Paulding Parnham. It shows the various place pieces in standard patterns, as well as covering the extensive amount of fabulous and rare serving and other odd pieces (how many of you own a scallop serving fork?) There are also several useful appendices, including: Flatware Terminology; Glossary of Technical Terms; Tiffany Flatware Markings; and a Tiffany Chronology. As well, a thorough index makes it easy to find patterns or pieces you are looking for.

   All in all this is the perfect book for the collector of this wonderful silver. It does not contain pricing information, which is a good thing in this day and age of online auctions, as such pricing info is often outdated by the time the book reaches the press. The only problem I had after reading it was that I wanted to own everything in the book! Don't hesitate, buy it!




4. This book is a superb work. The authors have filled a major void in the literature concerning the history of American decorative arts. The quality of the research and textual insights make this book essential reading for anyone interested in Tiffany silverware or the latter 19th century of American craftsmanship. The photography is so magnificent that I repeatedly find myself leafing through this book to admire the beauty of this flatware of a bygone era. A great read...a beautiful coffee table book...a classic in every respect.