Makers marks late 19th early 20th C - Is there a book ???

[collecting.dust]

Hi all

I have the large Jacksons Silver and Gold hallmarks book which is good for identifying the makers of early british silver but hopeless for marks that are anything later than mid 19th century.

Just wondered if anyone could recommend a book that lists makers from mid 19th century to present day ??

Many thanks

Debbie

[nigel le sueur]

Fallon, John P.
Marks of London Goldsmiths & Silversmiths1837-1914

might be out of print, but plenty of out of print dealers on the net or try amazon

nigel

[collecting.dust]

Thank you Nigel

I will certainly do a book search for that one - it sounds like it may be useful one to have on the shelf.

Is anyone aware of a book that covers the period post 1914 ?

Debbie

[Gerryl]

Debbie

To a certain extent you are searching for the “Holy Grail.” Unfortunately Data Protection regulations have made it difficult for the assay offices to produce literature relating to modern sponsors marks as it infringes the privacy of the sponsors.

A few books are available but tend to be expensive and/or out of print.

1. The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, Jewellers & Allied Trades 1838-1914 volumes 1 & 2 by John Culme, published by the antique Collectors Club. This may be out of print now and VERY expensive secondhand.

2 Chester Gold & Silver Marks 1570-1962 by Maurice Ridgway & Philip Priestley published by the antique Collectors Club. Still available at £65.00 . A very useful book as many sponsors marked in London, Sheffield, Birmingham and Chester at the same time.

3. The Silversmiths of Birmingham and their Marks: 1750-1962 General Editor Kenneth Crisp Jones, published by NAG Press — sadly out of print and VERY expensive to get secondhand. Good on the major sponsors but deficient on lesser known and smaller sponsors.

Regards

Gerryl

[collecting.dust]

Hello Geryl

I had a feeling my query may not be straight foreward as it sounded but I thought it was worth asking the question.

In theory Makers marks should'nt be difficult to track down as I figured all the info must be held by the assay offices
Isnt it a rather odd state of affairs that manufacturers should on the one hand want to stamp items with their individual mark and yet on the other hand for privavcy reasons prevent people from finding out who they are !!!!!!!!!!!!

Anway I really appreciate your input with those books - I will certainly make a note of them and run a check on the prices - I think you have prepared me well for the gasp of horror when I see how much !!!.
I live pretty local to Birmingham and hence a lot of the silver I pick up tends to be Birmingham so I think it may be a good idea to try and find the one that relates to Birmingham first.

Thank you

Debbie