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Is this book worth looking at...

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 11:02 am
by Tedim2
Russian-Silversmiths-Hallmarks-1700-to-1917-by-Geoffrey-Watts

It's pricey I have a large library already, so hoping for someone who's familiar with it to share their impression.

Re: Is this book worth looking at...

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 11:37 am
by Goldstein
Hi Tedim -

most of the better books are out of print since dekades and only sourced sometimes in antiquariats for a lot of money. Russian-Silversmiths-Hallmarks-1700-to-1917-by-Geoffrey-Watts is an unexpensive book for the beginner (mostly a rip off of Postnikova-Loseva) - better this than nothing. As in all publications there are mistakes, discrepancies and controverse opinions. But the essentials are OK. As always: learning by doing! It takes some years to understand Russian silver. It is up to you to deepen your knowledge - books can help - but your interest, diligence and inquiring skills are very important.

Regards
Goldstein

Re: Is this book worth looking at...

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 1:38 pm
by Tedim2
Goldstein wrote:Hi Tedim -

most of the better books are out of print since dekades and only sourced sometimes in antiquariats for a lot of money. Russian-Silversmiths-Hallmarks-1700-to-1917-by-Geoffrey-Watts is an unexpensive book for the beginner (mostly a rip off of Postnikova-Loseva) - better this than nothing. As in all publications there are mistakes, discrepancies and controverse opinions. But the essentials are OK. As always: learning by doing! It takes some years to understand Russian silver. It is up to you to deepen your knowledge - books can help - but your interest, diligence and inquiring skills are very important.

Regards
Goldstein
Thank you!

I have Postnikova-Losev, so I guess this book I'll pass on.

Re: Is this book worth looking at...

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 1:55 pm
by Qrt.S
Too much faults, misspellings etc, you will gain nothing.

Re: Is this book worth looking at...

Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 6:58 am
by Goldstein
Hi Tedim2 -
Qrt.S wrote:Too much faults, misspellings etc, you will gain nothing.
I am sure Qrt.S will follow up with a list of helpful books - and where you get them! Wait and see...

Regards
Goldstein

Re: Is this book worth looking at...

Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 6:53 am
by Tedim2
That would be appreciated.

Re: Is this book worth looking at...

Posted: Thu Nov 09, 2017 10:34 pm
by Tedim2
Someone said something about a book list?

Re: Is this book worth looking at...

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2017 3:50 pm
by Goldstein
Hi -
if he did not send a list he probably has none.