posted 04-18-2002 02:51 PM              

quote:

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Originally posted by Paul Lemieux:
Well there isn't really a book like Rainwater's for international marks. There are books that include sections or appendices showing marks. What marks in particular are you interested in? British? Continental? Something else? Also, I assume you want to research maker's marks, not quality marks?

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posted 04-18-2002 09:26 PM            

European Designer Jewelry by Ginger Moro; book isn't with me right now, but I think it is divided by country, with appropriate marks pictured or described within each section (I don't recall a separate appendix of marks). (Germany, France, Italy, Scandinavia)

Art Nouveau and Art Deco Silver by Annelis Krekel-Aalberse. Has an appendix showing marks of silver makers, who often produced jewelry too; mark appendix only identifies the name of who used the mark, but further details (e.g., dates & location) can be extracted from the book's biographical section. (France, Germany, U.S., U.K., Scandinavia, Russia)

Bestecke des Jugendstils [Art Nouveau Knifes, Forks and Spoons] by B. Grotkamp-Schepers and R. W. Sanger. Shows Art Nouveau period flatware (mostly all German) with pattern names, designer, and date of introduction, if known. Appendix has marks illustrated-- but the above text covers most of these marks and others as well. (Mostly German, a few other European marks)

Art Nouveau Jewelry by Vivienne Becker. Nice text on the subject, illustrating several different marks. This book is also not with me--it probably has many of the same silver maker marks as the second text, but also has goldsmiths' marks. (European, U.S.)

Warman's Jewelry by Christie Romero. Probably the best general jewelry price guide--nice range of styles, dates, and prices. Also has a few illustrated marks. Well worth the money.

American & European Jewelry by Charlotte Gere. Few illustrations, but a nice biographical section describing many makers.

Those are some of the books I have and find useful; I may be able to list a couple more in a few weeks. But those should be a good start...even if the marks you seek aren't listed therein, they are all good books to have.

There is also a book on Danish silver jewelry--haven't been able to find a copy for myself, but I suspect it has marks listed for several, or perhaps many, Danish makers, including some of the early skonvirke artisans.

And if a mark ever stumps you, feel free to post it here to see if any of us can identify it.