History of Hall Marks - Softcover

Wilkinson, Wynyard R.T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0362002312 ISBN 13: 9780362002317

Publisher: Queen Anne Press, 1975

Synopsis

The dissolution of the monasteries in 1538 and the English Civil War in the seventeenth century may not appear to have much to do with silversmiths. But these and other events in English history were to be major landmarks for smiths and their craft. The book traces the change in status of the silversmith from a powerful and rich member of the community soon after the Norman conquest to his present position as a specialised artisan. Among many other interesting facts, it reveals how the smiths became involved in the start of the modern banking system and why the coinage was first devalued. The history of hallmarks and the laws which govern them are charted back over seven hundred years. The legislation for hallmarking of the latest 1973 Act is also explained. For the collector, the book gives detailed advice on how to recognise individual hallmarks by maker and town. It suggests types of collections which are feasible and it gives valuable advice on cleaning, insurance, where to get information and how to spot fakes. The individual histories of the major assay towns apart from London - Chester, York, Exeter, Newcastle, Sheffield, Birmingham, Bristol and Norwich - are covered in detail. There is a special section on the history of the craft in Scotland and Ireland.

Edition details

• Publisher: Queen Anne Press
• Publication date: 1975
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0362002312
• ISBN 13: 9780362002317
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 160