Antique Marks

This dictionary aims to include all the "essential marks to be recognized when studying or collecting antiques." However, no resource this small can be comprehensive. Major parts of this title include metalwork, furniture and tapestry, and ceramics marks. Within each section, English and European marks generally are in alphabetical order according to the factory or name. A short index for silver, pewter, and ceramics, respectively, is a further aid in locating information.

Originally compiled in 1962 and revised last in 1976, this edition has been updated according to today's tastes and attitudes. Little was deleted, but additions and corrections abound in most sections in light of new research. The metalwork section was expanded to include Edwardian and provincial silversmiths. The sections on marks of English furniture and European ceramics were rewritten. Also, more detail was added to the Chinese and Japanese ceramics marks. Finally, the bibliography now lists the most recent editions of acknowledged standard works.

Antique collectors are always looking for new information to help them identify an object and place it in the context of its origin so they can form a reasonable judgment of its value. Reasonably priced, the Dictionary of Marks will provide dealers and collectors with new information in this growing area of interest.

As fake antiques become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, it is important to know how to separate the authentic pieces from the reproductions. This guide provides side-by-side pictorial comparisons as well as sound advice on how to identify fakes. The publisher of Antique & Collectors Reproduction News here covers the most commonly reproduced items, devoting entire chapters to such topics as pottery, dishes, toys, African American memorabilia, and silver. Wondering if you have a real Roseville vase? The author describes how to check the mark on the bottom and notes that if the inside of the vase is not completely glazed, it's not the real thing. You can also use a black light to see if an image is a digitized fake (new paper fluoresces). The array of examples is impressive, but the author reminds readers that it is impossible to document every possible fake. Other guides to fakes have been published, such as The Complete Guide to Fakes and Forgeries (1988), but these guides are old and the techniques of forgers have become more sophisticated. This new volume is highly recommended for public libraries with a patron interest in antiques and collectibles. Jennifer Mayer, Univ. of Wyoming Libs., Laramie
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Marsha Bemko is the executive producer of the seven-time Emmy Award-nominated Antiques Roadshow and a popular lecturer who writes regularly for the Antiques Roadshow Insider.

'As a pocket reference on 'marks' this is by far the best I have seen. It covers ALL marks, unlike most which cover either metal or porcelain'. Amazon

Mark A. Roeder is the author of two nationally syndicated columns on antiques, Successful Antiques Collecting and Spotlight on Antiques & Collectibles. His expertise comes not only from researching antiques, but from collecting, buying, and selling them for more than three decades.

This book is the first book on marks that is a pictorial reference, with actual photographs of marks alongside the pieces they appear on. Arranged alphabetically by company, this massive encyclopedia educates collectors and researchers on what the marks actually look like on a piece of pottery or porcelain. Over 7,500 photos of around 4,000 marks and items from Abingdon to Zolsnay are featured.

Peter Sutton-Smith is the editor of the Canadian Handbook of Pressed Glass, and has been a full-time antique dealer for over 25 years. He has held the position of Editorial Director of the Antique Showcase, Canada’s only national antiques magazine, now in its 36th year of continuous publication. Peter lives north of Toronto, Ontario.

Mark F. Moran is Senior Editor, Antiques and Collectibles Books, Krause Publications, Iola, Wis., and has been a contributing editor for Antique Trader magazine. He has also served as editor of Antique Review East magazine; as producer of Atlantique City, an antique show held twice a year at the Atlantic City, N.J., Convention Center; and as editorial director of F+W Publications' Antiques Group.

Whether it's a "Wonder Woman" comic book, Lalique glass or a Gustav Stickley sideboard - this guide has it all. I know my copy will take up residence in my car, keeping me armed and ready for the hunt. -- Marsha Bemko, Executive Producer, Antiques Roadshow

Mark F. Moran is Senior Editor, Antiques and Collectibles Books, for Krause Publications in Iola, Wis., and has been a contributing editor for Antique Trader magazine. He has also served as editor of Antique Review East magazine; as producer of Atlantique City, an antique show held in Atlantic City, N.J.; and as editorial director of F+W Media's Antiques Group. He is the author or co-author of more than 25 books on antiques and collectibles.