Customer Reviews

Sterling Flatware Identification & Value Guide

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4 star:		(7)
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2 star:		(1)
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I tend to immerse myself in as much information as I can whenever I take on a new interest. Several years ago I became fascinated with sterling silver flatware, so I bought books on the subject. This book is affordable and fairly complete--The quality of the line drawings is somewhat uneven. Some of them are QUITE good, but others are fairly simply drawn, and silver is kind of about detail--the shading and depth of the patterns. However, for what it is--an identification guide, I consider it essential to my library. I usually keep it and the Maryanne Dolan book together--using them both to find what I want. The Dolan book has better pictures/drawings. This book has more patterns and notes the collectibility of the pattern. This book ALSO has an alphabetical listing of patterns at the end--which has been quite useful in determining WHICH Josephine pattern, WHICH Kings pattern, etc. And there is a simple, two page listing of silver manufacturer's marks to let one quickly spot a maker, but these marks have changed somewhat through the years, and I am still looking for a more comprehensive listing of marks that would reflect dates of manufacture, silver weights, etc. At the end of the book are pages listing all the pieces available in the Towle Old Colonial pattern--useful for identifying various forks, spoons, and serving pieces. But I like to use the Osterberg book 'Sterling Silver Flatware for Dining Elegance'for looking at pieces--it offers more variety. However, this book IS a basic reference tool, and probably should be in anyone's library of flatware books.

I bought this book along with another (Book of Old Silver by Wyler) for my mom. She was been collecting old silver pieces at antique shows/flea markets etc (getting some incredible deals) buut didn't know all the hallmarks or history. She LOVES this book. Every hallmark that you could imagine is listed in here. At first its a little difficult to navigate but once you figure out how its set up you're on your way - you can determine the year it was made, the county etc. There is also pricing information in terms but what I liked is that it indicates if the piece/pattern is rare, common etc, too. Terrific book. She raves about it and I've had fun looking up some of my pieces too, finding out that they're 100 yrs old is fun! Excellent reference book!

This is a very useful book. It's not fabulous, but very helpful, especially when trying to identify a particular pattern. The bulk of the book is made up of line drawings of the handle of the spoon in a particular pattern, showing only one side (front) and no detail of the bowl. That being said, the drawings are very detailed and allow for good identification of a piece. The patterns are sorted by manufacturer, and give dates as well as pattern names. There is also a code which designated whether the pattern is older or newer, popular or not sought after, and whether it is handwrought.

At the end there is a two page diagram of marks, (wish it were larger), as well as an extensive index. All in all this book is worth the price, and if you need to identify a piece, don't hesitate to buy it.

Extensively reviewed many patterns using this book. I was able to find the estimated values of a lot of patterns. I wish that the values for some of the patterns was more specific. I find the guide gives you a good ballpark on the value though. Very extensive listing. Very easy to use reference guide. Felt it was very accurate in terms of identification. Good drawings of flatware - sometimes wish the bottom of the flatware was also drawn (ie, the spoon itself with detailing - as relevant). Very user friendly. Nice large pages, font, and pictures. Wish the list of markings was a bit more extensive and differentiated between old/newer marks. Would love more history/info on companies. Good general paragraphs though. Appreciate the actual pictures of the Old Colonial sterling. Overall, I think it's a great guide and I've been able to learn a lot. I'd like a supplement of manufacturers marks and more history/info on companies. Also, info on non-American sterling and difference to American.

This is an excellant basic reference work for the collector or dealer. There are several indexes: for patterns, manufacturers, and manufacturers marks. Manufacturers are presented alphabetically, and the patterns are presented in the order in which they were first introduced/produced. The drawings of each pattern are clear and easy to use for identifying a piece. And best of all, instead of naming specific prices (which change every few years) Tere Hagan tells you which patterns are the most popular, and gives a range of prices for replacement and/or insurance purposes. This is the first book I turn to to identify a new piece. Well worth the price to anyone who enjoys collecting beautiful table silver.

this book is a must. For the hundreds of sterling flatware patterns and makers that pass through my hands, this volume is the first resource book I open. Even though the patterns are line drawings, it is fairly easy to find and identify a particular pattern. First find the maker by identifying the mark on the back. Then flip to the section for that maker to find the specific pattern. This book is as invaluable to me as Rainwater and Redfield's "Encyclopia of American Silver Manufacturers".

After MANY frustrating experiences with sterling flatware dealers who did not even know the NAME of the manufacturer of my "Mystery sterling", I purchased this book out of frustration. It arrived today, and I discovered not only the maker, but the pattern name as well! Yipee! Under 5 minutes, I'm not kidding, it was great. NOW I can find the missing teaspoon to make the complete service. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in sterling flatware. The line drawings are very precise and well rendered. This is an A-plus pick for anyone wanting to know, collect or identify flatware. Has a great section in the back with obscure serving pieces identified.

Superb resource book, very well written and laid out. Pictures are excellent. It was so easy to use that my nine (9) year old nephew identified several obscure patterns by himself.

A MUST have for the collector or dealer!

This is truly my most useful identification guide. Very easy to use.

This is an excellent book. I buy and sell sterling flatware and wish I had had this book years ago. The author does a superb job. The illustrations are great. I highly recommend this book!