Books on French Silversmiths?
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cgonzalez100
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Books on French Silversmiths?
I am interested in learning more about French silversmiths of the 19th and early 20th century and being able to identifying their maker's makers. Are there any good books or directories that can help in identifying silversmiths marks, including images of symbols and initials such as in this picture? Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thank you!
Re: Books on French Silversmiths?
For post-Revolutionary makers' marks there is no single source for all of France, but rather regional compilations. For Paris the authoritative book is:
Arminjon, Catherine and others. DIctionnaire des poinçons de fabricants d'ouvrages d'or et d'argent de Paris et de la Seine. Paris, Imprimerie Nationale, 1991. 2 volumes, 1798-1838; 1838-1875. This reference is out of print, but can be found on the secondary market. It is expensive (€€€-€€€€).
For Paris maker's marks after 1878, the French Ministry of Culture website picks up where Arminjon leaves off.
Good luck in your research!
Arminjon, Catherine and others. DIctionnaire des poinçons de fabricants d'ouvrages d'or et d'argent de Paris et de la Seine. Paris, Imprimerie Nationale, 1991. 2 volumes, 1798-1838; 1838-1875. This reference is out of print, but can be found on the secondary market. It is expensive (€€€-€€€€).
For Paris maker's marks after 1878, the French Ministry of Culture website picks up where Arminjon leaves off.
Good luck in your research!