Miller S Silver Plate Buyer S Guide

A price guide for silver items from the 16th to the 20th century.

Thanks to the unique hallmarking system, it is possible to tell when, where, by whom, and with what quality of metal most pieces of silver and Sheffield plate were made. This compact, pocket-sized guide from Miller’s shows how to decipher this system, and to read the history behind the marks. A full introduction explains how to understand the marks and distinguish between silver, plate, and electroplate, followed by a look at all the marks of the major British, Irish, and American assay guilds. The pages are packed with lists of key manufacturers, designers, and patterns, and are supported by detailed glossaries. Full color photographs throughout of sample silverware and marks help to date and authenticate pieces.

This book is for art market researchers at all levels. A brief overview of the global art market and its major stakeholders precedes an analysis of the various sales venues (auction, commercial gallery, etc.). Library research skills are reviewed, and advanced methods are explored in a chapter devoted to basic market research. Because the monetary value of artwork cannot be established without reference to the aesthetic qualities and art historical significance of our subject works, two substantial chapters detail the processes involved in researching and documenting the fine and decorative arts, respectively, and provide annotated bibliographies. Methods for assigning values for art objects are explored, and sources of price data, both in print and online, are identified and described in detail. In recent years, art historical scholarship increasingly has addressed issues related to the history of art and its markets: a chapter on resources for the historian of the art market offers a wide range of sources. Finally, provenance and art law are discussed, with particular reference to their relevance to dealers, collectors, artists and other art market stakeholders.

Miller's Field Guides are an invaluable resource for collectors when out buying items at antiques shops, auctions or car boot fairs. They provide a fast and accurate way to recognize, identify and date antiques. In each book a simple question-and-answer checklist is provided for a wide range of key items, teaching you what to look for as well how to spot a fake or a copy. There are price codes throughout, plus concise information on makers, factories, identifying marks and the factors that affect the value of the piece. In Silver, antiques expert and bestselling author Judith Miller guides the collector through key silver antique items, be it a teapot, pepper caster, candlestick or serving tray.