4 comments about Jackson's Silver and Gold Marks of England, Scotland & Ireland.

1. This book is a must for any dealer, collector, appraiser or precious metal enthusiast. It covers the hallmarks and many makers marks of the United Kingdom in detail. Dates covered in the 2005 edition are from 1300 - 1989.



2. Amazon.com offers "Jackson's Silver and Gold Marks of England, Scotland and Ireland" 2nd hand for a fair price compared to my local bookstores. Although not of great use if you collect English silver items late 19th century, it is a great book about the history of the British hallmark system and early silversmiths.



3. Having had the smaller pocket-version of this book, I found the larger one disappointing. Although it has an endless supply of lesser known makers, it is much harder to locate their synbols/names as they are not listed alphabetically (as in the pocket version) but listed on the date that particular company was registered with the guild. In other words you could find a piece of silver with the date letter of 1852 and the maker's mark IB. Instead of just looking up the IB's alphabetically and comparing those symbols with the silver in your hand, you must look up IB in the index (there are 53 different references in this case) and check each corresponding page to see if it's the same as the one you have. It's just not as easy - maybe I'm being lazy. Anyway...



4. Jackson's book is the definitive reference for the serious collector of English silver. It clearly explains the English silver standards, and provides a basis for understanding the silver standards of the world. It provides an in depth history of the development of the English system of hallmarks and provides a detailed study of intricate hallmark variations. A must in dating English silver.

3 comments about Tiffany Lamps and Metalware: An Illustrated Reference to Over 2000 Models.

1. If you have Duncan's earlier book "Tiffany at Auction" and a reasonably complete collection of Sotheby's and Christie's auction catalogs for items made by the Tiffany Studios, then this book will not add all that much to your body of knowledge.
   It's mostly a clever repackaging of earlier works by Duncan, including all the B&W photos from Tiffany's promotional materials.
   Having said that, I still bought it because it brings together a lot of materials from both auction catalogs and earlier works by Duncan.
   Donna, a one-time Tiffany collector in California



2. With the advent of Duncan's new book 'Tiffany Lamps and Metalware' we have a NEW referrence guide that will surely replace 'Tiffany At Auction', also by Duncan. This will take place for two reasons - first - the cost of 'Tiffany At Auction' has become, like the lamps themselves, out of the reach of many prospective buyers and students of the Art Nouveau movement in America. Second - the new volume offers far more pieces to see so that those just getting into the collecting or the study of 'Tiffany' will be able to have a greater number of examples - both common and rare - that the individual may not have seen prior to this publication. A wonderful effort on the part of Mr. Duncan. And, at an affordable price!



3. This book is a stunning follow-up to Mr. Duncan's incredible "Louis C. Tiffany, The Garden Museum Collection". As a 30 year collector and enthusiast of the works of Tiffany I can confidently state that this volume will become an essential reference guide to any collector in this field and dramatically expands upon his "Tiffany at Auction" which was published over 25 years ago and is a highly sought after collector's item. The world of Tiffany collectors owes Mr. Duncan a huge debt for bringing us a seemingly endless series of spectacular books on this subject.
   ~Allen Michaan
   President, Auctions by the Bay, Inc.

2 comments about European Designer Jewelry/a Schiffer Book for Collectors (Design).

1. There are not enough superlatives to describe this book. The photos leap from the page and are simply splendid. The author is knowledgabe and writes in a clear, understandable manner. Covered well are famous designers plus those designers who are relatively unheard of in America but who produce a quality portfolio of work.
   
   This is one of my prized books and would be the last I would ever part with. If there was a 10 star rating, this book would have earned it!



2. Compendium of knowledge about designers of European jewelry. Very useful for the collectors and historians of art. Many (some hundreds!) of great pictures of jewelry.

2 comments about Four Centuries of Silver.

1. As a Chinese studying in US, I collect old Chinese silvers for years. Before buying this one, I have several reference books from China and Taiwan. This is the best one in terms of the quality of writing. The collection shown by the photos is also very comprehensive, although I expect the photos to be larger. Overall, a great book for silverware collecors and those who love Chinese folk culture.
   By the way, does any one know how to contact the author?



2. I used this book to train myself in judging the quality and authenticity of Chinese silver last year in markets throughout China (especially in Beijing). The book really teaches you what you need to know to understand the symbolism contained in the objects you encounter and it is really a book rooted in Anthropology. The examples in the book range from typical examples of things up to museum pieces . The photography is first rate and far better than that in Chinese books on the subject. The time and effort which went into writing this book as well as the collecting of these objects is clearly a labor of love . If you want to understand Chinese Silver this book has no equal . And even if you don't collect silver this book may be the best available analysis of typical Chinese Symbolism regardless of its focus on silver .

2 comments about American Silverplate.

1. Some useful information, but really poor organization. When I found Middletown Plate company it was one page from where the index said it was. This turned out to be the case when I looked up several other companies. Once the error was two pages.
   According to the table of contents the preface was on page 12. Page 12 was blank. Instruction in how to use the book would have been helpful.
   Rainwater, Rainwater and Felger seem to know their field, but I found the book thinner on detail than I would have preferred.
   Lastly, the language is at times intrusively mannered and cultured. It is irritating and breaks good communication.
   The book gets a three. The authors know what they're talking about, but it's a slog finding their knowledge in this book.
   DM, Syracuse, NY.



2. If you buy or sell silverplate, this is one of the must have reference books. This is a complete history of silverplate in America, with the companies and the lines they produced. Contains many photos taken from catalogs. Figural napkin rings or holders, butter dishes, mechanical jewelry boxes, candlesticks, many different holloware forms and the companies who made them. It is additionally a cultural history that reflects the lifestyle of Americans through their silverplated products. Carefully researched, this is the third edition, an indication that it is a useful book that has remained in print. A chapter on care and restoration. Five stars!

3 comments about Miller's: Silver & Sheffield Plate Marks: Pocket Fact File (Miller's Pocket Fact File).

1. This book is great for identifying English and British hallmarks. Has a little bit on other European hallmarks which is very useful. It's a small size, so you can easily put it in your purse when going antiqueing (sp?). I'd definently recommend this to anyone seriously interested in silver.



2. This little book delivers the goods ~ well-organized marks for the English silver sleuth. Also has a credible selection of silver styles thrown in as a little bonus.



3. This book is a must have for anyone who collects antique English silver. Not as comprehensive as a lot of others I have seen which is actually a plus since it fits comfortably in your pocket when you go antiquing. I keep my copy next to my computer so I have it handy while surfing the silver listings on eBay. Well worth the price.

No comments about Theodor Fahrner Jewelry...Between Avant-Garde and Tradition: Art Nouveau Art Deco the 1950s.

1 comments about Silver Masters of Mexico, Hector Aguilar and the Taller Borda: Hector Aguilar and the Taller Borda.

1. This book is well done. But, it is not a Morrill and Berk book on an overview of Mexican Silver and Taxco. It is more narrow in scope that its title would suggest concentrating in depth on Hector Aguilar and making him much more a personna than Morill and Berk do in their book, where he is dwarfed by Spratling. The photos in this book are of homes and people. The photos there are of silver of the Taller are good but do not again expect the detail to the Morrill and Berk book. This is a supplement and to lovers of Aguilar and those who wish to know more about the man and his life both personal and professional.

4 comments about Collectible Souvenir Spoons: Identification & Values.

1. I have found this book invaluable as I am a collector of souvenir spoons. If you collect souvenir spoons, thinking about collecting them or just enjoy looking at them - you need this book!



2. A recommended pick for any collector's reference library, WayneBednersh's Collectible Souvenir Spoons Book II ... considers both usual and unusual categories of spoons, from historical and art spoons to rarer prison spoons.



3. Published in 1998, this 336 page book contains 750 large, sharp, black and white photos, plus 12 full color pages. Although difficult to photograph, the pictures clearly show the designs on the spoons. The volume contains informative text, covering the history of spoons, introduction, and details. Major topics range from Inspiring A Nation, First Americans, and Modern Vision of Government, to Inspiring Our Children, Our Bowl Overfloweth and Craftsmanship and Painted Silver. Price ranges are provided as well as a comprehensive bibliography and index. A valuable reference tool for souvenir spoon collectors.



4. Everyone who is interested in sterling silver and other types of collectible spoons, needs to purchase a book like this. The author has made a grand effort to bring together a great many styles of spoons for the reader and viewer......ENJOY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3 comments about Art Nouveau and Art Deco Jewelry: An Identification and Value Guide.

1. While this book might be of some use to an antiques dealer, the photos are much to small and of to poor a quality to be of any use to a student of jewelry. I was very disappointed.



2. I think that this author had a lot of good information, but needed better help from an editor in organizing and presenting it.

   The first section is disorganized and hard to follow. It was intended to cover the "inspirational forces" for Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry (people, places, ideas, and events) but the way it was presented made the information not very valuable, at least to me.

   One thing I learned---while I knew that "nouveau" meant new, I learned that "deco" meant "young.

   Section 2 had some wonderful color plates of pieces of jewelry and the third section had lists of designs, motifs, and materials for "new art" jewelry.

   Section 4 had "thumbnail sketches" of jewelers, jewelry designers/makers, manufacturers and retailers.

   The last section was an interesting glossary of jewelry terms and types. I especially enjoyed the information about hallmarks, enamel, combs, hatpins, and purses (mesh and beaded).




3. Baker presents a definitive guide to Deco and Nouveau Jewelry. She outlines the historical influences on the designs, offers beautifully photographed and representative pieces and concludes with a glossary and price guide. Her format is logical and the placement of the price guide as an addendum allows periodic updates that keep the book current. Overall a helpful guide for the novice or experienced collector and a pleasurable book for simply viewing lovely jewelry pieces. The paperback format allows affordability.