A Dictionary of Marks: Ceramics, Metalwork, Furniture, Tapestry (Antique Collector's Guides) [Paperback]

Margaret Macdonald-Taylor (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Antique Collector's Guides | Publication Date: September 27, 1992

First published in 1962, this book covers not only silver, gold, and pewter, but furniture, tapestry, and ceramics. The book includes the marks of American and British metalwork, with a selective list of metalworkers and their marks. Coverage of the ceramics includes not only English and European marks, but also Japanese date marks and Chinese reign marks. In the field of furniture and tapestry, English, French, and other European marks are given.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This dictionary aims to include all the "essential marks to be recognized when studying or collecting antiques." However, no resource this small can be comprehensive. Major parts of this title include metalwork, furniture and tapestry, and ceramics marks. Within each section, English and European marks generally are in alphabetical order according to the factory or name. A short index for silver, pewter, and ceramics, respectively, is a further aid in locating information.

Originally compiled in 1962 and revised last in 1976, this edition has been updated according to today's tastes and attitudes. Little was deleted, but additions and corrections abound in most sections in light of new research. The metalwork section was expanded to include Edwardian and provincial silversmiths. The sections on marks of English furniture and European ceramics were rewritten. Also, more detail was added to the Chinese and Japanese ceramics marks. Finally, the bibliography now lists the most recent editions of acknowledged standard works.

Antique collectors are always looking for new information to help them identify an object and place it in the context of its origin so they can form a reasonable judgment of its value. Reasonably priced, the Dictionary of Marks will provide dealers and collectors with new information in this growing area of interest.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Random House UK; 4th edition (September 27, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0712653031
• ISBN-13: 978-0712653039
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.1 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #883,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Do you have the right information?, June 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: A Dictionary of Marks: Ceramics, Metalwork, Furniture, Tapestry (Antique Collector's Guides) (Paperback)

Although this is a handy book in that it includes marks for ceramics, metalwork (American and U.K.), furniture and tapestry all in one book, finding the marks is a bit of a chore: you need to know where an item is made, or who made it to find the mark easily. If you know that, you probably wouldn't need the book. Also, few marks after the mid 1800's are included. Still fun to browse as it includes some good information and tips.