A remarkable private collection formed over the last thirty years is the focus of this richly illustrated book that introduces the reader to English silver spanning a century and a half from a little before the Tudor age (1485-1603) to the threshold of the Civil War (1642-51). This was a period when England changed out of all recognition. At the beginning it was still essentially a medieval country dominated by an autocratic king and a rich and powerful Church; by the end of the period the Church had lost virtually all of its power and, with the execution of Charles I in 1649, the monarchy itself was abolished. To a degree, this changing world is mirrored in the styles represented by the silver featuring in the collection. Besides setting the silver against its social and historical background the book examines the wide range of techniques used by silversmiths at the time to shape and adorn silver objects.

Dunham Massey, near Altrincham in Cheshire, is home to one of the most outstanding collections of silver in Britain. Largely collected by the 2nd Earl of Warrington, the silver collection is remarkable in terms of scale and quality of craftsmanship and decoration. Dunham Massey, near Altrincham in Cheshire, is home to one of the most outstanding collections of silver in Britain. Largely collected by the 2nd Earl of Warrington, the silver collection is remarkable in terms of scale and quality of craftsmanship and decoration. This handsome volume constitutes a comprehensive catalogue of this extraordinary collection which contains over one thousand individual objects, many of which date from the period regarded as the Great Age of Country House Silver, 1680-1750. It is probably the largest collection of plate to have survived in the house for which it was originally made, with over weighing 26,000 ounces in total. Ranging from magnificent tureens to exquisite salt cellars, the range and quality of pieces in this magnificent collection are examined in detail for the first time in this lavishly illustrated catalogue. Specially commissioned photography and detailed catalogue entries provide information about the specification, manufacture, provenance and significance of the various pieces. Illustrated essays provide valuable background on the life of Lord Warrington at Dunham Massey, and a series of appendices include a transcript of the celebrated 1750 inventory, as well as information about other relevant collections of plate and the Huguenot goldsmiths who produced these superb works.

THE ULTIMATE A-TO-Z GUIDE REVEALING EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BECOME A METAL DETECTING EXPERT Nothing is as thrilling as finding cool (and often valuable) stuff right under your feet. So grab this guide and get ready to dig up more and more finds. Packed with helpful information on making your search successful and exciting, The Metal Detecting Bible serves up step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and useful photos that can turn you into a professional treasure hunter. From quick-start tips for novices to insider secrets for the most experienced hobbyists, this hands-on guide is the ultimate resource on all aspects of metal detecting. * Choose the best metal detector * Learn where to search and why * Practice appropriate swing techniques * Integrate advanced GPS technology *Scout out beaches, parks and historic sites * Gain permission to hunt on private property *Identify antique coins, relics and jewelry * Use handy target recovery tools * Clean and safely preserve your finds * Sell your finds for a profit

This is an account of the unique assemblage of silver and silver-mounted artefacts belonging to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, some of them dating back to the College’s foundation 650 years ago. They include extraordinary objects such as a thirteenth-century drinking vessel made of the horn of an extinct animal, as well as the everyday tools and utensils of past centuries. Although some of them are well known to art historians, they have never been published in detail. The objects are especially significant for being documented in the College’s archives from the fourteenth century onwards. The book investigates the objects’ construction, how the College came by them, their original meaning and context, how they came to survive the depredations of the Civil War, what happened to those that do not survive, evidence of wear and repair, and what they were (and still are) used for.

Reading like a dictionary of horse brass designs and their meanings, this book also contains some detailed diagrams and photographic plates. 'The usual reason for using brasses or amulets was, and still is, either to bring good luck, or to ward off the effects of the 'evil eye, ' as it was at one time thought that sickness, calamity and even death could be brought about those who possessed the awful power of "overlooking." Contents Include: The Power of the "Evil Eye" Sun Worship and The Horse Ancient Records of Amulets for Horses The Earliest English Horse Amulet History of Amulets and Horse Brasses in Great Britain Victorian and Later History A Set of Brasses for a Cart Horse The Origin and Meaning of Various Designs Conclusion Methods of Manufacture

Arkansas Made is the culmination of the Historic Arkansas Museum's exhaustive investigations into the history of the state's material culture past. Decades of meticulous research have resulted in this exciting two-volume set portraying the work of a multitude of artisan cabinetmakers, silversmiths, potters, fine artists, quilters, and more working in communities all over the sate. The work of these artisan groups documented and collected here has been the driving force of the Historic Arkansas Museum's mission to collect and preserve Arkansas's creative legacy and rich artistic traditions.Arkansas Made demonstrates that Arkansas artists, artisans, and their works not only existed, but are worthy of study, admiration, and reflection.

With Impulses, the Gold and Silversmith's Craft Trust in Schwabisch Gmund celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. The book documents the Trust's extensive achievements and shows highlights from publications, workshops and exhibitions. The main focus lies on the detailed presentation of the sixteen goldsmiths in residence. In 1989 the Trust was the very first German institution to appoint a City Goldsmith and continued to do so every two years. Famous artists like Max Froehlich, Norman Weber and Deganit Stern Shocken are among the award winners. The outstanding setup of the exemplary works allows new perspectives on the diverse artistic expressions in gold and silver. Text in English and German.

This superbly illustrated book accompanies an exhibition of thirty objects from the exceptional collection of English silver in the Moscow Kremlin Museums, where the world's greatest surviving group of English sixteenth- and seventeenth-century silver is housed. Much of the silver from this period was melted down during the English Civil War, making the pieces at the Kremlin exceedingly rare and historically important. The silver items-a large water pot with snake-shaped handle and spout, a flat drinking cup, a magnificent flagon shaped like a leopard, and more-exemplify the developing ties between England and Russia. Some pieces were brought to Russia as diplomatic gifts, some were presented by English trading agents, while others were purchased for the Tsar's Treasury. Setting these silver treasures in fuller context, the catalogue also features precious objects made by Russian craftsmen, a group of English firearms from the Kremlin collection, and portraits, engravings, books, and maps that illuminate the important diplomatic and commercial exchanges that were taking place between the two countries. In addition to essays by Kremlin curators Natalya Abramova, Elena Yablonskaya, and Irina Zagarodnaya, the catalogue will include writings by Paul Bushkovitch, Olga Dmitrieva, Philippa Glanville, Maija Jansson, and Edward Kasinec. Published in association with the Yale Center for British Art Exhibition Schedule: The Gilbert Collection, London (mid-October, 2006 - January 2007) Yale Center for British Art (May 25 - September 10, 2006)