Reference books Personal recommendations

[rarecollector7]

Hello everyone,

I am a collector of vintage watches and silver jewelry/silverware. I'm excited to learn more about my items and future collectible pieces, and I will surely contribute when I am capable!

Now on to the questions:
I'm interested in adding more books to my reference collection, I understand there is a list on the site but I would like personal opinions. My interests are in silverware / jewelry from the 1800s-1950s. American, European, Mexican & Native American.

What books for general identification would you all recommend?
Hallmark / makers guides?
History on silversmiths?

[dognose]

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum.

I guess it's difficult to answer your question without adding an endless list of books, but as far as English silver is concerned, anything by John Culme is well worth acquiring.

Trev.

[rarecollector7]

Thank you again Trev for your assistance & advice!

-Alex

[MCB]

Hello Alex

Most of the books on UK silversmiths etc are expensive and it seems to me some background to their usefulness is vital before deciding to purchase a personal copy. My collection includes:
Jackson's Silver & Gold Marks of England, Scotland & Ireland edited by Ian Pickford. Good for all of the hallmarks of the various Assay Offices and has a reasonable coverage of makers' marks;
The Compendium of Chester Gold & Silver Marks 1570-1962 by Maurice Ridgway and Philip Priestley. Covers all you need to know about the makers' marks registered there and consequently contains the marks of many watch case makers;
The Directory of Gold & Silversmiths Jewellers & Allied Traders 1838-1914 by John Culme already mentioned by Trev. Covers all of the London makers' marks and consequently many watch case makers;
London Goldsmiths 1697-1837 Their Marks and Lives by Arthur G Grimwade. Covers much of what you need to know about the makers' marks registered there: especially useful when read in conjunction with the absolutely free Forum's Updates of the biographies which also give more detail of the watch case makers!

Best Wishes,
Mike

[rarecollector7]

Thank you very much for taking your time on that list Mike!
I'm writing all that down for future purchases, and cherry picking in Goodwill stores haha.

Does anyone have any preferences for books in the general identification and history of Native American silversmiths? (I have Mr. Bills little book for mexican jewelry.)
-Alex