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Author Topic:   Best books?
jersey

Posts: 1203
Registered: Feb 2005

iconnumber posted 08-01-2007 07:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jersey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hello All!
Of the IDing sterling silver flatware books by Turner, Dolan, Warman's & Hagan is there any one that is the most comprehensive & informative? If you had to choose just one, which would it be and why. If there are others too, what are they?
Thank you!
Jersey

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IJP

Posts: 326
Registered: Oct 2004

iconnumber posted 08-02-2007 05:28 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for IJP     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
jersey:

After much discussion and deliberation, the Silver Salon Library Project settled at last on Hagan's Sterling Flatware: An Identification and Value Guide as the one flatware-pattern identification book most useful as a basic reference. Each of the references considered, however, have their own strengths, and it's difficult to make a single blanket verdict on which is "best". I believe Hagan was selected primarily as a compromise, as it offered a good balance of positive qualities despite a few shortcomings. Truly, it's best, if one is serious about it, to have every available reference. I have found numerous times that information that I needed was not included in what I would call my "favorite" flatware ID guide, and later discovered it in my second- or third-choice book. There's no cut-and-dry answer here.

However, if you really would like someone to point you to one single book, it would probably be helpful for you to explain in what context you would be using it. Tell us what you want from a flatware pattern guide, what would you like the guide to tell you, what dates would you like the guide to span, do you wish to have any more information than simply the pattern name and patent date? These factors can make a big difference in what a person may recommend to you.

As for me, I used the Jewelers' Circular/Keystone Sterling Flatware Pattern Index more than any other pattern guide. I found that the clear black & white photographs of flatware handles were easy to distinguish (in comparison, for example, to the ink drawings found in other guides). Also, it was neatly organized by manufacturer and by patent date, so with some knowledge of manufacturers' marks and familiarity with prevalent styles (for dating purposes), it was very simple and convenient to use. It is, however, nothing more than essentially a long illustrated list of patterns and dates. Nonetheless, for all of the major manufacturers and a few of the lesser ones, it proved "comprehensive" enough for me. Other references (Turner, Hagan, etc.) were only consulted as stand-bys, as for example, when trying to identify a piece in an obscure pattern, or by a little-known maker.

Here is the SSF Library Project review of Hagan:

quote:
Hagan, Tere. Sterling Flatware: An Identification and Value Guide (Rev. 2nd Ed.). Gas City, IN: L-W Book Sales, 1999. 312 pp., ill. Composed primarily of tables featuring handle images for pattern identification, this is a must-have book for any silver pattern matcher or anyone interested in American sterling flatware. Also included is an excerpt of Towle Mfg. Co.'s catalog for its Old Colonial pattern, illustrating typical place and serving pieces to be found in most full-line patterns. The patterns are organized first by manufacturer, and by year of introduction. Indices allow searches by manufacturers, marks, and patterns. Although the book tends to fall apart after minor use, this can be remedied by putting the pages into plastic sleeves and then into a 3-ring binder. Another disadvantage is that line drawings are used instead of photographs. This often makes it a little more difficult to identify a pattern. The author gives no sources or references, but still this is the book of choice for any collector or professional in this field; the second edition is a significant improvement over the first.

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jersey

Posts: 1203
Registered: Feb 2005

iconnumber posted 08-02-2007 08:17 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jersey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hello IJP!
From someone who is from one of my & my sons favorite cities, I am most appreciative of your (and the other members collaborating ) to have taking the time to respond.
I agree that Hagan was my choice as well, but I am so limited in my knowledge. Funny, I thought it was our use that made the pages fall out. I have it, but share it with a friend (she has it most of the time). I need to get my own copy! The others I do have, or my library does, which is just down the road a piece. Must now look for the one you use Jewelers' Circular/Keystone Sterling Flatware Pattern Index that is a new one for me.
I want it all, color photos, patterns, makers marks, history etc. I want it all in one reference so my kids can ID all my mish-mosh when I leave this world.
Maybe Schiffer would publish it, they have great books, I think!
Thank you again so very much.
Hope you & the Big Easy are doing well!
Love to the Blue Dog & Georg!
Stay Safe!
Enjoy the Day!
Jersey

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doc

Posts: 728
Registered: Jul 2003

iconnumber posted 08-03-2007 06:45 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for doc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I second IJP's discussion of the Jeweler's Circular as the source I use most frequently for pattern identification. The photos are very helpful, and because they are organized in by maker and by patent date, it makes it easy to search. For example, I just recently purchased a serving spoon in Towle's Norwood pattern. This piece did not have a Towle mark on it, but had the patent date, so I was able to go through the book quickly and look at the patterns from the year for each maker and find it quickly.

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FWG

Posts: 845
Registered: Aug 2005

iconnumber posted 08-03-2007 12:59 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FWG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm as guilty as anyone in putting off this purchase, but I believe the absolute best reference is Scott and June's The Book of Silver - they're probably too modest to suggest this. I'm ordering mine this week, after considerable procrastination. See the link at the bottom of each page here for details. I avoided getting into pattern sterling for a long time, but have now been drawn in and I want to have this. Although not cheap, I've certainly paid more for books I'll probably use less....

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jersey

Posts: 1203
Registered: Feb 2005

iconnumber posted 08-06-2007 10:36 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for jersey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
FWG!
Thanks for reminding me, I agree with you regarding Scott & June's book but for now it is out of my price range. Maybe I could do it on a monthly payment plan........kidding! Hope you enjoy your copy.
Enjoy the day!
Jersey

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jersey

Posts: 1203
Registered: Feb 2005

iconnumber posted 08-20-2007 02:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for jersey     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
IJP & doc
My son is sending me the Jewelers' circular keystone sterling flatware pattern index 2nd edition 1983 by Chilton
company. Is the the one, do I need to have the 1st editon?
Thank you all for your time.
Jersey

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doc

Posts: 728
Registered: Jul 2003

iconnumber posted 08-20-2007 09:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for doc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have the 2nd Edition, but it is the 1977 revised edition. I have not seen the 1983 version, but my thought is that it is either the same or better, possibly with additions or corrections. And I certainly did not mean any slight on Scott and June's book-I too must end my procrastination and order it!

[This message has been edited by doc (edited 08-20-2007).]

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