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.

No comments about Gilbert Poillerat.

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 Bradbury's Book of Hallmarks.

5 comments about Mexican Silver: Twentieth Century Handwrought Jewelry and Metalwork.

1. For some reason, I thought I was going to get more examples of the work of the major artisans in Mexico Silver but it basically is book of "Hallmarks" which can prove helpful but I really needed more since I just purchased exceptional Mexico jewelry bracelets that date from the 1920s to 1940s. The Hallmarks date from the none eagle period to the eagle period and what they use today.



2. Mexican Silver by Penny Morrill and Carole Berk is the definitive reference for anyone interested in 20th Century Mexican silver jewelry. Not only is it brimming with information on the jewelry, the background biographies of the working life of Spratling, Davis, Aguilar, Margot and many other giants of this industry are well written and a darn good read. After spending several hours reading the book I the expertise that I would have gained had I taken a 3 credit college course. There is a general price guide in the back of the book which, from my experience, accurate and reasonable. The only observation I might make is that there is not as much information on silver hollow ware and decorative pieces. For myself, my main interest is in the jewelry so I was not disappointed.
   
   The Amazon price can't be beat. Before I bought the book through Amazon I had not seen it for less than $60, its list price. I paid less than $40 on Amazon!



3. You have to admire the research that went into this sumptuous volume, also the photos. As a (very) amateur collector, this work, I'm sorry to say, doesn't pertain much to me. Still, I'm happy to have it on my shelf.



4. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Mexican Silver jewelry of the 1930's - 50's. It gives a wonderful overview of the history of this unique craft. It also provides knowledgeable information about which pieces and designers are most collectible, with high-quality photos of many of the best pieces. I started collecting Mexican Silver jewelry 10 years ago out of sentiment, because my mother and grandmother used to wear it. Learning the history of this type of jewelry has made me even more fond of the genre, and has given me the knowledge to collect more valuable pieces.



5. I was disapointed in the book personally.. It's just a great big heavy picture book. (eye candy)
   I believe a collector would appreciate a non vague value guides as well which this book does not have. The value guides are exp: Margot necklaces - 600.00-2500.00+ huh? What is my blue enamel circle necklace worth?? 600.00 or 2500.00?!
   This is a book about a select few mexican silver makers and their life stories. (few pages on unknowns)
   Perhaps a good book to have on a coffee table but that is not what I needed.
   I had hoped this book would help to identify mexican marks I have that can't be found on the internet, all of the silversmiths listed in the book can be and are well documented online. There are personal accounts as well but for the most part this is a coffee table book.
   It is very expensive so I hope I can help anyone looking for exact value guides from buying the wrong book.
   If you like to collect Mexican jewelry you probably should eventually get this book, but as far as a good value guide line for Mexican non-well known Jewelry go else where.

No comments about Country House Silver: from Dunham Massey.

No comments about Tennessee Silversmiths (Frank L Horton Series).

No comments about Gold Coins of the Charlotte Mint: 1838-1861, 3rd Edition.

2 comments about Sterling Silver, Silverplate and Souvenir Spoons With Prices.

1. This would be a very informative and valuabe addition to any ones library of silver reseach. The book has crisp and accurate black and white drawings of many hard to find patterns with a fair market value for the date published. The text is readable,the size is portable and easy to carry along on antiquing trips.



2. The book is a lot of fun to look through. If you have already purchased several books on Victorian sterling and plate this would be an interesting addition to your library. If this is the only book you will be buying on the subject your needs would be better served by another book. This book conisists of turn of the century catalog reprints. The reprints are sharp and they are interesting to look at but there is not a whole lot of information.

3 comments about Beads on Bags:1800's to 2000 (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. iT WILL GIVE YOU A GOOD IDEA ON WHAT YOU SHOULD BE PAYING OR SELLING A BEADED BAGS FOR. IF YOU HAVE ONE, YOU CAN FIND THE TYPE IT IS AND DETERMINE THE AGE, CONDITION AND THE VALUE. IT IS EASY TO READ, WITH LOTS OF PHOTOS. THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT PURSES PICTURED, THE PHOTOS ARE ENOUGH TO ENTERTAIN ME FOR HOURS-WISHING I COULD FIND ALL OF THE ITEMS I SEE.



2. I am the founder of the Antique Purse Collectors Society and am so glad I found this book!



3. I continually sit and just look through this book, I love the pictures and the variety.