Knopf Collector's Guides: Silver & Pewter (The Knopf Collectors' Guides to American Antiques)

From the jacket's flap: From simple Colonial pewter candlesticks and porringers, made for everyday use, to elaborate silver-plated Victorian serving dishes, to the lean elegance of modern silver coffeepots and flatware - here is American silver, silver plate, and pewter in all its beauty and variety - pictured, discussed, appraised, and categorized specifically for the collector. Included here are more than 450 objects of every important kind, produced by America's foremost makers. The objects are shown in brilliant full-color photographs, along with information on each article's origin, date, maker, and rarity, as well as hints for collectors. The range is from the relatively common to the rare, with emphasis on types and styles available to the average collector. A special visual key makes it possible to identify mystery objects easily, while the introductions and appendixes furnish even more information - the history of silversmithing and pewter making, a list of makers and illustrations of their identifying marks, tips on where to look for choice pieces, advice on caring for your collection, a glossary, and an up-to-date price guide. The Knopf Collectors' Guide to American Silver & Pewter is without doubt the most comprehensive and beautiful guide ever published on the subject.