English Silver

by Judith Banister

Paul Hamlyn Cameo Art Series

Hamlyn Publishing Group, 1969, colour photographic plates throughout, hardcover, dust-jacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, previous owners stamp inside front cover, tape residue on front and back end-papers, dust-jacket minor edge and shelf wear, minor rubbing to edges and corners, (see photographs)

"Collecting antique silver is a relatively recent pursuit.  Until well into the 19th century silver was acquired for use or display, and an object in an unfashionable style could be melted down and made into something more up-to-date.  During this century, however, silver has been prized not merely for its intrinsic value, but also for its beauty, and prices in salerooms have soared
Pieces from the middle of the 17th century are rare and extremely valuable, since so much was destroyed in the Civil War.  But several early objects are illustrated in this book, the first dating from 1460.  After the Restoration in 1660 there was a great upsurge of spending, and much display and ceremonial silver, often of Dutch influence, was made."