Engraving style to help date a piece?
Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2012 1:33 pm
I asked this question in another post but figured it belonged here instead, so I'll reask it.
Can anyone point to a reference that talks about the different engraving styles used on silver and how the "fonts" changed over time? I'm primarily referring to the owner's initials that are commonly added, primarily at the time of sale. I have read on this forum and elsewhere that the engraving style can be helpful with dating, but I personally have no idea what to look for.
Of course it would only help to date the time that the engraving was added (not necessarily the time the piece was made), and even then it could be copying an older engraving to complete a set. But it could nevertheless be useful in some cases, especially where hallmarks are obscure or missing.
Can anyone point to a reference that talks about the different engraving styles used on silver and how the "fonts" changed over time? I'm primarily referring to the owner's initials that are commonly added, primarily at the time of sale. I have read on this forum and elsewhere that the engraving style can be helpful with dating, but I personally have no idea what to look for.
Of course it would only help to date the time that the engraving was added (not necessarily the time the piece was made), and even then it could be copying an older engraving to complete a set. But it could nevertheless be useful in some cases, especially where hallmarks are obscure or missing.