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pricing information, which is a good thing in this day and age of online auctions, as such pricing info is often outdated by the time the book reaches the press.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.

No comments about Pewter at Colonial Williamsburg.

No comments about Ancient Egyptian Scarabs.

1 comments about Miller's: Jewellery: Antiques Checklist (Miller's Antiques Checklist).

1. It covers antique collectible jewellery from 18th century to modern, gives plenty of details on styles, materials used, hallmarking and things to look for when buying. For each category (i.e. Art Noveau brooches) it gives one representative item in picture and description + estimation of value, and several similar ones (different craftmanship or designer than the main example) but without the value (which bugged me a little). If it also offered a comprehensive table with all/most info arranged in one place, for quick reference, it would be perfect.

1 comments about Pewter of the Western World, 1600-1850.

1. I'm not a pewter collector nor expert, however, when I decided to look into a couple representative pieces, I figured anything done by Schiffer Publishing would be a good place to start. It was informative as to the different forms pewter was used, as well as styles, and the history into the use of pewter. Clear black and white photographs are abundant. The issue price to me was more hefty than the value I gleamed from it, however, with used books bringing about half that, you can't go too wrong. You might want to check out "Old Pewter: It's Makers and Marks" by Cotterell which I found the most useful in identifying and dating pewter by its markings, and it was quick and easy to use.

3 comments about Silverware of the 20th Century: The Top 250 Patterns (Silverware of the 20th Century).

1. The old saying "you get what you pay for" definitely describes this book...Although very reasonably priced - there is little or no information in it as far as identification...It does however, give 250 patterns and breakdowns of pieces and prices that are now 8 years old - so not very accurate...If you're looking for strictly identification, this isn't the book for you...It barely scratches the surface, and you find yourself spending alot of time trying to find the pattern - only to find out its not in here....



2. While it might not be the most complete reference on silverware, it does serve a purpose - and is economically priced. It lists the most popular patterns, and their most popular pieces. Measurements are given, and are very helpful. I have several silverware reference books, and use this one for quick look-ups, other reference books for more detail.



3. I have read several books pertaining to flatware, and many of them have a few strengths, and more weaknesses. This book does not break that trend.

   The best feature in this book is that the measurements of many flatware pieces are listed. The introductory section is also informative for those not familiar with flatware. Histories of today's manufacturers are also comprehensive.

   However, the book is so poorly organized that it makes for a difficult read, and very difficult to use as a reference book.

   Also, the photographs are so small, you will need a magnifying glass to distinguish between even barely similar patterns. There are much better books on silverware available.

No comments about Miller's: Collecting Silver: Facts At Your Fingertips (Miller's).

No comments about Floriated Ornament.

2 comments about Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork: From Wurttembergische Metallwaren Fabrik 1906.

1. The best silver book i have ever seen. I have never seen those models before. No more words , just buy and see yourself.



2. In addition to being a fabulous portrayal of a time gone by, this is the working bible for collectors of WMF, a turn of the century German mass producer of silver-plated holloware in the Jugendstil (art nouveau) style. Because the products were plated rather than sterling, the manufactured items were easily affordable. This is a reprint of the company's 1906 English catalog. not sterling, or pure, silver, the