Collecting Silver Education

[RAB3Group]

Does anyone know of any classes, online/physical, that specializes in teaching about sterling silver? The most that I have found is just reading and the actual handling of the items. So, I have been picking up books for my reference library (Fales, Martha Gandy. Early American Silver and Hood, Graham. American Silver: A History of Style, 1650-1900, Diana Sanders Cinamon. All About Antique Silver with International Hallmarks). I haven't invested in a good hallmark guide yet, so if anyone has a good recomendation, that would be great. I am specializing in American and English silver, but if its a nice piece, I would branch out. Living in Las Vegas, I have not found a museum that carries silver and most of the antique stores does not carry a lot or a variety of items. Also, what kind of education will you have to have to be able to walk into a museum to see their "not on display" collection or get to handle it? Any information in helping me get more educated would be appreciated.

[JayT]

You have asked a complex question. My suggestion for ways to learn about silver — other than self-study by building a personal reference library and participating in specialized forums — is to follow auctions, including purchase of auction catalogues, talk with knowledgeable dealers, visit museum collections, and join silver collectors groups or silver societies. Since you are interested in English silver, The Silver Society might be a good one for you. Some auction houses, museums and silver societies offer seminars, courses or study trips where you have an opportunity to interact with experts and fellow collectors and handle museum-quality silver. As for studying objects owned by a museum but not on display, it all depends on the museum. Some are more open to the public than others. Generally speaking you have to write a request saying which object you want to study and why. As long as you can make a good case for why you wish to handle a specific object, your academic credentials are not a consideration. Your request is reviewed by museum staff, and if they approve you will be able to study the object for a pre-determined amount of time under their supervision (you won’t be able to borrow it for a few days!) This is usually a fee-based service. Best wishes in pursuing your hobby.

[doc]

You have made a good start by joining this forum! For hallmarks, the pocket edition of Jackson's Hallmarks is a good inexpensive starting point for English hallmarks; the larger edition is a good investment, and for London hallmarks, the out of publication Grimwade's London Goldsmiths is pricey but a must have for serious collectors. For American silver, the Kovel's guide is a good basic resource, as is Rainwater's Guide to American Silvermakers. If you are interested in earlier makers, Stephen Ensko's book is a good starting point; there are a number of good resource books on specific regions or specific pieces as well.

I also recommend going to shows and shops; serious silver dealers love to share their interest, and I have learned so much from spending time with them. And holding pieces is much easier than in museums!