Coffee was introduced to England from the Middle East and Turkey. Records show that coffee was consumed as a beverage in England as early as 1637, but the earliest surviving silver coffee pot dates to 1681.

Before 1800, coffee pots had stand-away hinges like the piece shown right. This is just one way to help you date your hollowware and flatware pieces.

All About Antique Silver with International Hallmarks gives the reader all of sorts clues for dating coffee pots, teapots, creamers, wine coasters, decanter stands, flatware pieces and other types of hollowware.

The book provides early American patent diagrams and 19th century catalog engravings to help in the identification process.

The book also features up-to-date silver hallmarks for 24 countries including England, France, Germany, Italy and many more.

With 268 pages, you are sure to find the information you want. This book is generously illustrated with 146 pictures in addition to the silver hallmarks.

The chapter on silver styles features examples from Renaissance to Art Deco with pictures of many types of decorative art and architecture.

The appendix includes the British Design Registry System, United States Utility and Design Patent Numbers, and a table of conversions. You will want to carry this book around with you as a quick reference guide.