Thursday, June 30, 2005

Antique Silver

With the upcoming 4th of July holiday, many people reflect back on our country's history. Now is the perfect time to begin collecting antique silver. Abe Silverman's Antique Silver Shop can get your started on your historical antique silver collection.

We have antique silver pieces in all price ranges and in a wide variety of holloware patterns.

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Classified Ads for Silver is now LIVE!

Our new Classified Ads section for antique silver / silverplate holloware, silver / silverplate flatware and fine china for sale by individuals is now live - and a week early, too! If you'd like to advertise your silver, silverplate, fine china on our highly ranked site, visit our Classified Ads section to find out how to place YOUR advertisement today!

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Slightly off topic this evening...

In a recent discussion of the 10 do's and don'ts of email, I found one section most applicable. The section was on 'emailing a website owner'. The following is a synopsis.

Please use a reasonable effort to search Abe Silverman's Antique Silver Shop web site for the information you are seeking - "Frequently Asked Questions" (F.A.Q.) or "About Us" sections may give you the answers you're seeking before you waste the site owner's time by e-mailing for information that is readily available on the site. I receive numerous emails every day for answers that are easily found in my FAQ or in the Silver Appraisals and even in the Silver Manufacturers section - if one were to make minimal effort. Many simply don't want to take the time to read them so these visitors expect me to take the time to repeat what is already easily found on my site. I even have a search box right there - they don't use it! Talk about giving the perception of lazy and not respecting other's time! If a Web site owner takes the time to provide information, read it. No one person's time is more important than another's and common courtesy includes respecting this fact. If you do not find what you are looking for, search for the appropriate contact area for your question. Do not just click on the first e-mail link you come across and blurt out your question(s). If you do, don't be surprised if your e-mail goes unanswered when the information is easily found on the site. It is important to understand the focus of each Web site as well. Each site cannot be everything to everyone or be what you perceive it should be. Be sure to review the information provided to double check that what you seek would even be covered by the site you are visiting.

Monday, June 20, 2005

Pewter is Making a Comeback!

After many years of being ignored, pewter ware is making a slow, but steady comeback into the collectors realm and into the daily lives and homes of upscale residences. Woodbury Pewter is one of the most recognized pewter manufacturers today. Unlike some very old antique pewter which contained lead, today's pewter is made of 92% Tin, 6% Antimony & 2% Copper (No Lead).

Woodbury Pewter has a fine selection of contemporary holloware pewter pieces to begin your collection. See http://www.woodburypewter.com/

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Happy Father's Day!

I'll be taking today off to enjoy with my family.
I wish ALL fathers out there a memorable and relaxing day.
Enjoy!

Saturday, June 18, 2005

Insuring your Silver Collection

Always insure your valuable antique silver for the cost of replacing the item with a similar item, regardless of the original price paid.

Antique dealers will provide a valuation service for a fee. To obtain this service, please use the link at our Silver Appraisals page.

Remember, tomorrow is Father's Day!

Friday, June 17, 2005

"All About Silver" Seminar!

Great news! An all day seminar entitled "All About Silver" will be held at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 25th from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Shirley Sue Swaab of Melrose Park, PA will be the course instructor. Lectures in the morning will encompass identifications and hands-on demonstrations in the afternoon. Each participant will have the opportunity to personally examine more than 100 pieces of silver. In addition to American and British silver, the course will cover silver and silver marks from 26 foreign countries, including China, Egypt, Russia, Sweden and many more. Topics will also include weighing silver, photographing silver, and photocopying silver.

Beginners to advanced collectors are welcomed. Bring a magnifying glass. For more information, please call (215) 635-2260

If you are going to be in or near the Washington, D.C. area on Saturday, June 25th, THIS is a not-to-be-missed seminar!

Victorian Quadruple Silverplate Napkin Rings

We've just received a large collection of Victorian era quadruple silverplate napkin rings!

The silver plated napkin ring was at one time the standard acessory at the well-appointed dining room table, used for both special occasions and everyday meals.

Quadruple silverplate napkin rings many times had the name or initials of a household member engraved on it, so that the napkin could be reserved for that particular person and reused from meal to mail. Many napkin rings were simple cylinders, and most were unmarked.

We're excited to be able to list such a large and fine collection over the next two weeks, so be sure to check back!

We'll place a special link on our home page to direct you to these fine antique Victorian quadruple silverplate napkin rings as soon as we list them for sale.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Identifying American Silver Manufacturers' marks

Some days, I'm overwhelmed by requests to identify silver plated hollowware items by their manufacturer. A quick trip to your local library or to your local book store will reveal a wealth of informative books to use for reference. Our favorite book by far is the "Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers" by Dorothy T. Rainwater.

For a listing of all the (dog-ear) reference books we use at the shop, please see our page of recommended books about silver.