Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers by Dorothy T. Rainwater (1986, Paperback, Revised)

Indispensable reference book for sellers of silverplate, collectors, or those interested in the history of American silver manufacture. Since purchasing the book a month ago, I've already identified or dated four or five silverplate pieces. I think buyers appreciate knowing if their silver bowl was made in 1898 or 1933, and a little bit about the (perhaps long-closed) company that made it. From a personal point of view, I find some of the early mergers, spin-offs, and collaborations fascinating.

This is not a book of patterns, but rather a compilation of American silver manufacturers, listing information about who formed them, dates of operation, a little history of methods, and marks.

Haven't you always wondered, for instance, about all the various "Rogers" - Wm. A. Rogers, F. B. Rogers Silver Co., Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co., Rogers Bros., Rogers & Bro., Simeon L. & Geo. H. Rogers Co., just to name a few? Or perhaps you own a fabulous Victorian teapot designed by Thomas Pairpoint. Haven't you wondered what was behind its design and manufacture? This is the definitive book to answer those and many more questions about the history of silver making in America.

This book is best for those with more than a casual interest in silver, but it's inexpensive enough that it's not prohibitive to buy, even if you do have only a casual interest or an occasional question.