When the original edition of Scottish Gold and Silver Work was published in 1956 it was the first in its field, and today it remains the only comprehensive treatment of the subject. However, during the years that have passed, a great deal has happened in this field. Not only have researches vastly exceeded everything published prior to the date of the book's appearance, but as a subject, Scottish silverware has attained independent status, and its history is no longer even putatively covered under the title of "English Plate."

The need for a new edition, updated, corrected, and...

The oldest keys known to exist date from around 4,000 BC in Ancient Egypt. These were simple wooden cylinders that were part of a mechanism to secure doors. By the time of the Roman Empire, metal keys were in common usage and had begun to adopt the recognizable pattern of keys today. This book tells the complete story of the key, backed by numerous photos from all time periods.

Today, old keys are more than just security mechanisms. They are highly collectable artifacts that can either be artistically beautiful or coldly functional, but either way, they can help us unlock the secrets...

Although the exact form of the proposal is not yet clear, there are several reasons for Congress to critically...

This is the first comprehensive survey of the New York Historical Society's superb collection of early American silver. It features the full range of silver works, from masterpieces like the 1772 salver by New York City silversmith Lewis Fueter, to the teapot made by Albany silversmith Kiliaen Van Rensselaer in 1695--one of the earliest teapots made in New York.

The art of silversmithing dates back to centuries ago, and its history is an interesting and intricate one, but even Old Silver connoisseurs aren't familiar with all of the customs, laws, regulations, and fashions of the past. First published in 1937, The Book of Old Silver thoroughly chronicles the fascinating history of the art of this precious metal, starting in England, which produced more fine silver than any other country and ignited the craft's greatest flowering.

Did you know the word "Sterling" originates from a band of immigrant Germans, the Easterlings, who were...