Collecting Many of these early examples of the silversmith's art still remain in the churches for which they were first made. Others are held by private collectors who have no intention of selling their treasures. Most of it, however, is in the permanent collections of museums here and abroad. Fine old Sheffield plate is similarly hard to come by.

This leaves the average collector of old silver in the position of having to choose between early American silver or Victorian silver. Each of these, in its own way, is of great beauty and interest. Victorian plate is characterized by excellent craftsmanship and handsome design, and generally, individual pieces are moderately priced. There is a wide variation in the costs of American silver, The pieces of some American silversmiths, because their work is considered highly superior, are greatly in demand and the prices are correspondingly high.

Before you even think of buying old silver or silver plate, you have quite a bit of reading to do. You will find a number of highly readable books on silver in your bookstore and a great many more in your public library. One of the best books, even though it was published some years ago, is Seymour Wyler's The Book of Old Silver, published by Crown Publishers, Inc. You will see additional material from time to time in magazines devoted to antiques and in newspaper sections that feature departments on hobbies, antiques, and home decoration. And, of course, one of your best sources of information and advice on solid silver and silver plate is a responsible dealer. He is an expert; it will take a long, long time before you can become one.




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July 25, 2008