The Encyclopedia of Early American Silversmiths and Their Marks with a concise Glossary of Terms

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It's a signature piece, finely detailed, a valued addition to any serious collection. It is a jewel indeed, but you may not find it at the jewelers. Not a dry tome, crackling with boredom, this book offers an at once scholarly treatise on Jensen and a readable reference as well. Drucker sets up the volume by putting Jensen's ascendency into prospective.

She grounds him in his time period and explains the forces which created his work and appeal. Not settling for another long line of picture strewn collection catalogs, she introduces the reader to Jensen's life story in a well written and very readable text. Next the collector's delight: Chapters are devoted to his jewelry, his hollowware and his flatware.

Then Drucker offers the benediction with a look at Jensen's worldwide legacy. But don't stop there, because the appendix offers the museum collections of the master and a listing of the artists whose work built the Jensen line. Now, lest you think this book is a must for scholars only, rest assured the exquisite photography and the easy to read captioning will make this gem a perfect adornment for your home library.

Putnam's Sons, , LOC: The Gorham Design Library: Publication One My Review: Sam and Penny Hough began cataloging the Gorham design library in At that time, they had no idea of the magnitude and scope of the collection that would come to be the most comprehensive industrial archive of any company in the United States. I have admired their tenacity in organizing the Gorham records, catalogs, and other objects since its beginnings. This includes the famous photo file and cost cards of almost every product the company made. With these cards and corresponding product numbers of the photographs, one is able to easily access company records to see the processes used, the cost of each process, and the final finished item price.

This is very rare since most companies of this type discard such records after a period of time and don't see the value they represent for future reference within the company. Publication One will give you an appreciation of the incredible artistry generated from the Gorham design department during their most creative period: The CD-ROM eight-disk set is user friendly, even for those with limited knowledge of working with a computer.

If you install the catalog on your hard drive you will avoid having to shuffle through the eight disks to see the full-size image of each piece. The catalog uses your Web browser to access images from the CDs. On the first CD there is a tree-style index of all the thumbnails and larger images. There is also a valuable search function, like using Google or other Web search engines.

I have found that by clicking on the thumbnail, the larger image that appears in a new window is sufficient. You only need to swap CDs if you are interested in viewing the full-size scan and investigating the minutest detail on a piece. Since the pages of the catalogs were scanned at a high resolution, even these larger images show great detail. This is especially helpful for a restorer if a piece comes in and an area must be reworked or a part reproduced. There are a few criticisms I must mention. First, all the catalog pages were scanned as produced in a vertical format. Normally, a salesman would present the catalog to a retailer who would then turn it horizontally to view a tea set.

Unfortunately, all three sizes of that type of image must be read vertically. If you have image manipulating software, such as Photoshop, you can rotate the largest image to a horizontal position. Also, it would have been beneficial to have a clickable link under each thumbnail that would instruct you to swap disks, immediately revealing the largest image. As mentioned earlier, the middle-size image produced when clicking on the thumbnail will be sufficient for most pieces.

For those not familiar with Gorham, a short history and high points of the company would have given the viewer a greater appreciation of this company. Anyone interested in learning more about Gorham should purchase Charles H. Carpenter's Gorham Silver available from the Houghs. The Houghs must be commended for their countless hours in producing and developing this enormous compilation of images. From tantalus stands to chatelaine bags, alms basins to cheese knobs, you won't believe what was being produced during Gorham's most prolific period.

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The specs for the CDs are: Volume 1 the index CD has smaller versions of all the images, and contains all the index and HTML files used to create the user interface. It contains about MB of data in 17, files. Gorham Silver, Charles H. Gorham manufacturing in Providence, Rhode Island, was one of those rare companies that maintained a continuous archive of what they made and the processes used.

In fact, Gorham is known to have the most complete archive of any company in the United States. This has enabled scholars to thoroughly research a given subject and produce an accurate accounting of Gorham's production. One of those subjects has just been published: Illustrated are over 1, match safes produced from through They were found on product cards in the Gorham archives at Brown University and private collections and museums. The book shows the incredible depth of creativity in Gorham's design department, with no other company in the world coming close to their output.

So prolific was Gorham that in the company produced an astounding designs! All color and black and white images are arranged by design number. The book details when the individual safes came to market, the materials used, such as sterling, gold, mixed metals, iron, and precious stones, plus techniques and processes.

There is a section on the service records for many of the creative individuals including designers, silversmiths, engravers, and chasers. The final two pages are devoted to reproductions of actual cost cards found at the Gorham archives. For a silversmith like me, this is perhaps the most interesting area, for every process used in a particular match safe is accounted for. From the amount of silver used, cost of engraving, chasing, and various types of finishing, to the total cost of the completed piece, these cards offer an amazing report detailing the creation these little gems.

A CD with searchable database utilizing Microsoft Access is available offering larger images, larger glossary of terms, and the ability to sort the match safes by production number, motif, and material. It also displays information gleaned from the production cards, showing you the cost of materials and every operation. This is truly a fascinating and scholarly work which will make a great addition to any library.

If you would like to purchase the book or CD, please contact Neil Shapiro at nshapir1 nycap. As a silversmith, any reference that will make me more knowledgeable about my field, is essential reading. This book offers what others don't: Even a metallurgist will find this book useful.

Martin appraises, researches, lectures and writes about antique silver. His perspective provides the reader with a refreshing and practical approach on the subject of how to best evaluate objects made of gold and silver. In this guide, Mr. Martin shows us that there are many ways for readers to make a precious metal determination. He begins with non-invasive methods and then presents variations on the most commonly used invasive acid tests and proceeds to the new advanced scientific methods. His approach is very practical, such that the reader will be able to accomplish most of the testing methods themselves.

He has also simply and clearly laid out his personal philosophy: I keep this page laminated cover spiral-bound reference close at hand. It is full of useful information, techniques and guidance. The Guide to Evaluating Gold and Silver Objects is a "must" for anyone involved in collecting, making, and identifying gold and silver. The following summarizes this book: Chapter one give us an understanding of gold and silver in historical as well as scientific and mythological terms.

You will find some interesting facts and information about gold and silver which can be use to dazzle your friends and clients. Chapter two deals with how to visually inspect the most often appraised objects: This is obviously the most non-invasive method of determining an object's composition, and when used in conjunction with the extensive list of reference books in the appendix and the information in chapter three, the reader may be able to eliminate the need for any sort of invasive testing i.

Chapter three discusses marks of standard, referring to the marks generally found on an object signifying its metal composition, such as "sterling" The foreign quality marks section is also very useful, for not all countries use the same terminology or alloys as the United States. Chapter four, the longest in the book, deals with gold and silver testing. The chapter starts by introducing us to the most simple and common empirical tests such as "feel", "flex", "heft", "ring-ping" and even "smell.

Also included is the often overlooked but very informative specific gravity test. Most of these tests can be performed by or arranged by the reader. Chapter five discuses the various reasons for evaluating a precious metal object, such as for curiosity's sake, selling or acquiring a piece, insurance replacement, collectability, etc.

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The appendix discusses the U. There are also appendixes which present recommended references, books, associations, and an extensive glossary. Henry Petzal, Silversmith Robert M. How I love pocket references. The book covers English, Scottish, and Irish silver and gold date marks from to , and the most notable maker's marks for the same period.

Britannia silver, gold, and platinum marks are also covered. Alongside the maker's marks shows the maker's name the period in which the smith practiced, and a comment column that tells you what the individual specialized in creating and how noteworthy and collectable they are.

I'm sure Jackson, who died April 23, , would be pleased to see that his extensive research continues to be improved and revised, giving the reader a clearer understanding as to how marks were used. This reference lists London's better-known silversmiths and silversmithing firms in a handy carry-around format. Over 1, marks are shown, covering some manufacturers and retailers. All the illustrations were drawn directly from photographs taken of the original marks in the London Assay Office registers, making this a very accurate guide for identification purposes.

The main body of the book is comprised of makers and firms listed alphabetically, together with their respective marks. You will find every variation of mark used by each firm, since they sometimes moved or changed hands over the years.

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There is also a wealth of biographical information in this section noting the various changes of company ownership and growth. Next comes a section on the meanings of the various mandatory marks used to stamp all pieces passing through the London Assay Office. This section is followed by date marks spanning from to Probably the most valuable section is the index of maker's marks. Have you ever been frustrated in identifying a maker, spending what seems an eternity thumbing through reference pages.

It's certainly happened to me on more than one occasion! The author has taken the guesswork out of this cumbersome task by alphabetizing the marks by their first letter on the left or top of the stamp. The corresponding company name will hurry you to the biographical section for further information.

Though there were 15, marks registered in London during this time, Marks of London Goldsmiths and Silversmiths is recommended for ease of use and accuracy. Packed with over color and black and white photographs and illustrations, this study shows the development of handwrough silver and jewelry from the turn of the 's to the present. A small, insignificant glossary educates the reader to some of the Mexican silversmithing nomenclature found throughout the book. The "Revolutionary Culture" chapter discusses the sudden explosion of creativity after , initiated by a community of Mexican and North American intellectuals.

The father of silver revival in Mexico, William Spratling, founded a silver workshop which quickly spawned talented artisans who in turn set up their own studios and prospered from the booming tourist industry that sprouted. The following 27 chapters in this page book, reveal the personalities and products produced by such notable silversmiths as Hector Aguilar Antonio Castillo, Antonio Pineda, and Spratling--the "fearsome foursome.

Berk, collector and decoration arts gallery owner, have given a wonderful overview of the goings-on in Mexican silversmithing over a year period. The chapter on "Hallmarks" assists in identifying makers using letter markings, and throughout the book, the actual stamp marks are featured. An appendix gives a chronology of the life of Spratling, unquestionably the guiding force behind Mexican silversmithing.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF EARLY AMERICAN SILVERSMITHS

A helpful valuation chapter gives rough estimates as to the value of the work produced by the featured artists. From my own silversmithing background, I found a kinship and attachment to these artisans after reading about their lives, not just their products. Though the craftsmanship of the work of these silversmiths is rarely brought up to the level of their design talents, there has been an increasing following of their style. You will find the photography to be of good quality and the text an easy read, especially with a new personality to discover in each chapter.

After reading Mexican Silver , it is hoped that you will have a greater understanding of the life of a silversmith. Penzer, Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd. Sheffield Silver Plate G.

This is finally the reference we have been waiting for! Charles Vunable, Curator of Decorative Arts at the Dallas Museum of Art, thoroughly researched this period--a time when the American silver industry was at its most productive and imaginative. This was a time in world silver manufacturing history that America was unparalleled. The nine chapters are sub-chapters within three major parts. Foundations Laid , discusses how silver's cottage trade was transformed from one-man shops to larger businesses employing many specialized workers.

Glory Achieved , illustrates how America's silver industry quickly became the world's powerhouse. This period saw Gorham's production soar to where it dwarfed the entire output of the combined manufacturers of Great Britain. America had earned worldwide respect for its design and craftsmanship, in part to attracting some of Europe's top silversmiths and designers. Restructure and Reform , studies the many mergers and liquidation's within the industry. The photographs are consistently good throughout. I never tire of seeing objects in silver, some combined with other metals and enamels, from the Nouveau, aesthetic movement, and Arts and Crafts periods.

During these eras, the American silver industry and cottage businesses showed the rest of the world, especially England and France, that they could compete with these style origins.

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