John Bly worked for four years at Sotheby's before joining the family firm in Tring, one of the oldest established antique dealers in Britain. John appears regularly as an expert on BBC Antiques Roadshow and has had his own ITV series, Heirloom. He lectures extensively in Britain and North America and has contributed to Antique Dealer and other specialist magazines. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.

'For the complete beginner (this book) can be wholeheartedly recommended. The author... has crammed into a booklet that can easily be slipped into the pocket a text notable for its practical advice and most helpful illustrations. The latter include details of hallmarks which will make their interpretation clear to the amateur'. Terence Mullaly, 'Daily Telegraph'.

• The development of hallmarks Domestic silver and church plates Collecting silver Fakes and alterations Famous makers A guide to silver styles Sheffield Plate Tables of Hallmarks - London- Birmingham - Chester - Exeter - Newcastle - Sheffield - York