A DIRECTORY OF SCOTTISH PROVINCIAL SILVERSMITHS & THEIR MARKS by Richard W Turner
A brand new and long awaited for book!
The interest in and prices of Scottish provincial silver has been growing relentlessly over recent years. Finally a book dedicated to all their marks has been produced. This is an essential addition to the library of Scottish provincial silver collectors. A time saving index and a book that can be carried in the pocket whilst out buying. Furthermore, it includes information and marks not previously found in Jackson's which is generally considered to be the number one book on the subject.
The directory begins with an interesting introduction about Scottish Provincial silver and information on the relevant towns where silver is known to have been made.
The main part of the book consists of the alphabetical listings of maker's marks. Alongside the makers mark are details of other punch marks seen with each initial, the name of the silversmith and the town of origin. This saves on the considerable amount of time previously spent looking through Jackson's and other reference sources.
In the second half of the book are the same listings but in alphabetical town order, so you can see at a glance the makers initials to be found from each centre. this is particularly useful for those hard to read marks where a "C" could be an "O" or a "G" etc - it will point you in the right direction much more quickly.
At the back of the book are 33 photographs of actual Scottish provincial marks. This leads me on to the only point of criticism towards the book i.e. the lack of illustrations. However, to maintain it's portability and inexpensive price this omission can be excused. These illustrations can be found in more voluminous sources and used in conjunction with this book.
The book will be particularly useful for buying silver in the field as it is in a concise, paperback format making it far easier to carry around than a library of books, including Jackson's! How many times have you seen a spoon with unusual marks and wondered whether or not to buy it? Well now you can carry a book with you and check on the spot! Just one piece of gleaned information is likely to repay the book's cost.
Rating ****
Paperback
93 pages 150 x 210mm
Published: 2003
PURCHASE PRICE: £18 (new copy) + £1.25 P&P (UK) or £5 shipping (international)
AVAILABLE: YES
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