Silver Art A Comprehensive Guide To American Silver Marks And History

Silver Art: A Comprehensive Guide to American Silver Marks and History

In this comprehensive guide to American silver, readers will embark on a captivating journey through history, artistry, and craftsmanship. Discover the stories behind the marks, the makers, and the masterpieces that have shaped the legacy of American silver. From its humble beginnings as a medium of exchange to its transformation into exquisite works of art, silver has played an integral role in American history and culture. This book delves into the rich tapestry of American silver, exploring the evolution of styles and techniques that have shaped its unique identity. From the earliest colonial pieces to the Art Deco masterpieces of the 20th century, readers will gain an appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that have made American silver a symbol of excellence and refinement. The intricate marks found on American silver serve as a gateway to understanding its history and provenance. This book deciphers the language of these marks, unraveling the mysteries of makers' marks, hallmarks, date marks, and assay marks. These symbols hold clues to the origins, quality, and authenticity of each piece, adding layers of intrigue to the collector's pursuit. Beyond the marks, readers will encounter the fascinating stories of the silversmiths who brought American silver to life. From renowned masters like Paul Revere and Tiffany & Co. to lesser-known artisans who left their imprint on history, this book explores the lives and contributions of these talented individuals. Their dedication and artistry have left us with a legacy of silver treasures that continue to inspire and captivate. With chapters dedicated to identifying and appraising American silver, understanding the significance of silver patterns, coin silver, sterling silver, flatware, hollowware, and jewelry, this book provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the world of American silver. Readers will gain insights into the role of silver in American history, its cultural significance, and the factors that determine its value and rarity. This book is an essential resource for collectors, dealers, historians, and anyone with an appreciation for the beauty and craftsmanship of American silver. Join us on this captivating journey as we uncover the secrets of this timeless treasure. If you like this book, write a review!

Art Market Research

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.

Antique Collector's Guide and Reference Handbook