After an introduction to the full background of silver as a precious metal, Ian Pickford's guide offers a lively, authoritative survey of the diverse uses to which it has been put in decorative and practical objects throughout history. He examines the makers, their techniques, and the types of decoration used, and also gives clear coverage of marks and assay offices, an understanding of which is vital to the collector. There is coverage of fakes and altered silver, as well as advice on caring for silver. This is an ideal book for the novice collector who wishes to avoid pitfalls and ill-advised purchases. Existing collectors will find all titles in the series act as a handy and portable references, and beginners will welcome a reliable, accessible starting point from which their interests can develop.
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"This fascinating book describes, in an easy to read manner, the many problems and pitfalls which face the novice... It would be impossible for a beginner to read this book without learning" The Independent "An ideal book for the novice collector who wishes to avoid pitfalls and ill advised purchases" Antiques Info
About the Author
Ian Pickford is the editor of the Antique Collectors' Club's standard reference work Jackson's Silver & Gold Marks of England, Scotland & Ireland, and the author of Silver Flatware: English, Irish & Scottish. He lectures and broadcasts extensively. He is one of the key experts who appears regularly on the BBC Television programme Antiques Roadshow.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By sea
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Very good book.plenty of information for the beginer.easy to follow regarding understanding hallmarks.
I would highly recomend this book to anybody thinking of collecting silver
I would highly recomend this book to anybody thinking of collecting silver
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars
5 reviews
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The BEST Book for New Collectors of Silver!
25 Aug 2000
By A Customer
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Ian Pickford is my kind of writer! He approaches the stuffiest of subjects with a down-to-earth style that fascinates his reader with neat silver facts beginning on Page 1! For example, did you know that pure silver is self-sterilizing (bacteria cannot live on its surface) or that silver is so malleable that one Troy Ounce can be made into a wire 40 miles long? The book also contains a clear and concise explanation of hallmarking systems and how silver is made as well as good examples of the types of items a new collector is likely to encounter. Unlike some other books on the subject, his explanations are not limited to a specific piece but cover things to look for within a category, such as candlesticks, coffee pots, or cigarette boxes, to name just a few. Other chapters cover the subjects of silver plate, fakes & forgeries, and how to care for fine silver. This is my favorite book on facts about silver (not just the antique variety) and I'd highly recommend it to anyone interested in the subject.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A splendid book!
21 April 2005
By Nathaniel R. Brown
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Pickford's Starting to Collect Antique Silver is splendidly innlustrated, clearly and entertainly, not to say gracefuly, written (with just a touch of irony in a few spots!), well laid-out, and very useful and informative.
Pickford includes short chapters on the history of silver and its production, the history of hallmarks, a discusion of how silveware is made, and one of the most useful and well-presented tables of date and place marks I have seen. There are generous color and B&W plates illustrating different kinds of silverware and the evolution of each type. Pickford gives valuable hints as to how to begin collecting (and what is collectable) as well as very useful information about the care and cleaning of old silver.
The book does not include a list of silversmiths and their marks, for which the interested reader must go elsewhere, but these are perhaps beyond the intended scope of the book. Make no mistake, this is a splendid achievement and a very valuable book, and no one with an interest in the subject should hesitate to buy it.
Highly recommended.
Pickford includes short chapters on the history of silver and its production, the history of hallmarks, a discusion of how silveware is made, and one of the most useful and well-presented tables of date and place marks I have seen. There are generous color and B&W plates illustrating different kinds of silverware and the evolution of each type. Pickford gives valuable hints as to how to begin collecting (and what is collectable) as well as very useful information about the care and cleaning of old silver.
The book does not include a list of silversmiths and their marks, for which the interested reader must go elsewhere, but these are perhaps beyond the intended scope of the book. Make no mistake, this is a splendid achievement and a very valuable book, and no one with an interest in the subject should hesitate to buy it.
Highly recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
15 May 2013
By Bill Warren
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Great Book. It has a lot of nice color photo's which makes it great for seeing what the author is talking about.
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