Essential Vintage Reference: Frederick Bradbury's Guide to British & Irish Silver Marks (1968)

Up for grabs is a truly invaluable piece of reference literature: the "Guide to Marks of Origin on British and Irish Silver Plate from Mid 16th Century to the Year 1968 and Old Sheffield Plate Makers' Marks 1743-1860" by Frederick Bradbury, Twelfth Edition, published in 1968. This comprehensive softcover guide is an indispensable tool for identifying and dating British and Irish silver and Old Sheffield Plate through their unique hallmarking systems and maker's marks. It's packed with illustrations of assay office marks from various cities and spans centuries of detailed historical data.

This particular copy is in very good vintage condition. While there's some light shelf wear to the cover, as one might expect from a book of its age, the internal pages are remarkably clean and entirely free of any yellowing, which is a rare find for a 1968 publication. Apart from a very old, small 5p price written neatly in the front, there is absolutely no other writing or markings within the book, making it an exceptionally well-preserved example.

Frederick Bradbury's work remains a foundational text in the field, making this guide essential for serious collectors, dealers, valuers, and enthusiasts of antique silver and plate. It offers a fascinating deep dive into a complex subject, providing accurate and clearly presented information. This well-maintained reference is a must-have for anyone looking to authenticate or research historical silver pieces and is sure to be of great interest.