Silverware of the 20th Century: The Top 250 Patterns [Paperback]

Harry L. Rinker (Author)

Book Description

Series: Silverware of the 20th Century | Publication Date: November 25, 1997

A LAVISH FIRST-EVER PICTORIAL TOUR OF THE TOP 250 SILVERWARE PATTERNS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Lovers of fine flatware look no further! From elegant Tiffany to the affordable International Silver, this sumptuous volume highlights a vast selection of sterling, silver-plated, and stainless designs. Beautifully illustrated throughout with digitally reproduced photographs, Silverware of the 20th Century is arranged alphabetically--first by silverware manufacturer and then by pattern name. Combined with short histories of each manufacturer, listings of every known piece with current suggested retail market price, date information on when the piece was introduced and/or discontinued, and an appendix that ranks the top 250 patterns, this cherished volume will earn a place at any setting!

Highlights include feature stories on manufacturers and decorating, expert advice on displaying and caring for your collection, behind-the-style looks at particular patterns, and much more!

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This book, the third in a series that included books on dinnerware and stemware, got the biggest reaction -- looking over the pattern photographs, we all found patterns we remembered. Either our mothers or our grandmothers, an aunt or a cousin, had used this pattern or that one -- I found my mother's pattern in the book! I'll bet the pattern photos will generate similar reactions for readers. I guess we spend more time looking at our knives and forks and spoons than we realize.

-- Randy Ladenheim-Gil, Editor, House of Collectibles

From the Inside Flap

A LAVISH FIRST-EVER PICTORIAL TOUR OF THE TOP 250 SILVERWARE PATTERNS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

Lovers of fine flatware look no further! From elegant Tiffany to the affordable International Silver, this sumptuous volume highlights a vast selection of sterling, silver-plated, and stainless designs. Beautifully illustrated throughout with digitally reproduced photographs, Silverware of the 20th Century is arranged alphabetically--first by silverware manufacturer and then by pattern name. Combined with short histories of each manufacturer, listings of every known piece with current suggested retail market price, date information on when the piece was introduced and/or discontinued, and an appendix that ranks the top 250 patterns, this cherished volume will earn a place at any setting!

Highlights include feature stories on manufacturers and decorating, expert advice on displaying and caring for your collection, behind-the-style looks at particular patterns, and much more!

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: House of Collectibles (November 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0676600867
• ISBN-13: 978-0676600865
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,056,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #87 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Precious Metals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting for some, useless for others, January 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Silverware of the 20th Century: The Top 250 Patterns (Paperback)

I have read several books pertaining to flatware, and many of them have a few strengths, and more weaknesses. This book does not break that trend.

The best feature in this book is that the measurements of many flatware pieces are listed. The introductory section is also informative for those not familiar with flatware. Histories of today's manufacturers are also comprehensive.

However, the book is so poorly organized that it makes for a difficult read, and very difficult to use as a reference book.

Also, the photographs are so small, you will need a magnifying glass to distinguish between even barely similar patterns. There are much better books on silverware available.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for quick reference, April 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Silverware of the 20th Century: The Top 250 Patterns (Paperback)

While it might not be the most complete reference on silverware, it does serve a purpose - and is economically priced. It lists the most popular patterns, and their most popular pieces. Measurements are given, and are very helpful. I have several silverware reference books, and use this one for quick look-ups, other reference books for more detail.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Get what you pay for...., January 22, 2005

By 

Pomms7 (Gerber, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Silverware of the 20th Century: The Top 250 Patterns (Paperback)

The old saying "you get what you pay for" definitely describes this book...Although very reasonably priced - there is little or no information in it as far as identification...It does however, give 250 patterns and breakdowns of pieces and prices that are now 8 years old - so not very accurate...If you're looking for strictly identification, this isn't the book for you...It barely scratches the surface, and you find yourself spending alot of time trying to find the pattern - only to find out its not in here....