Topic: request for book titles for flatware.

[Paul S.]

having spent 20 years collecting miscellaneous pieces of flatware from boot sales, now need a few books to help with id etc.   Material is either Sheffield plate or Electroplate, and period wise these range from late C18 to mid C20.    Books covering Sterling (silver) flatware seem prolific, but I'm having trouble in finding anything on the plated and EP flatware.      Looking at marks on my pieces these appear almost endless in variety and should prove very interesting, if I can decipher them, so if anyone is able to suggest one or two suitable books (mostly for British ware I guess), I'd be very grateful, and thanks in advance.

[Anne]

There are some really good pages online for plated ware, Paul.
http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate__OSP1.html
http://www.925-1000.com/silverplate__menu.html
are good for starters.

Miller's Silver & Silver Plate Marks by John Bly
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1857320964

and the Dealer Guides
EPNS: Electroplated Nickel Silver Old Sheffield Plate and Close Plate Makers' Marks from 1784 http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0572031904
and
English Silver Hallmarks: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0572029993
are all handy to have on your reference shelf.

Hope this helps for a start.

[user9318]

This site has an extensive section on silver plate marks: http://www.silvercollection.it/SILVERPLATEHALLMARKS.html

As well as silver, whether English, US and continental.

[Paul S.]

many thanks to both of you     Looks like I'll have enough reading for a while
The variation of marks seems endless, obviously very many makers no doubt, especially in the C19, and notice that one of my many spoons does in fact carry a diamond registration lozenge, although only one out of hundreds of pieces makes me think it's rare to find the lozenge on flatware.       I wonder if this ever occurs on Sterling cutlery?         I have perhaps several stamped with the actual Rd No. so, as with glass, this will make it easier to run down a manufacturer.        thanks again.