Best Sterling Pattern Identification Book

[larrywseale]

Way too often I find an American sterling pattern I can't identify and spend hours trying to identify it. Opinions on the best pattern identification book available? Thanks.

[silverly]

I'm afraid I can't really answer your question. I use American Sterling Silver Flatware 1830s-1990s: An Identification and Value Guide [Book] by Maryanne Dolan in Books. I know many others use Sterling flatware: an identification and value guide [Book] by Tere Hagan. The trouble is I can't tell you which one is better, or if there may be another altogether different book that tops both of these.
I can say for myself that I am reasonably satisfied with the Dolan book.

If I were taking my time buying a new identification guide, I think one area that I would concentrate on would be a book that has good clear pictures and stays away from line drawings.

[larrywseale]

Thank you