This book provides a comprehensive guide to the history and identification of silver objects produced between 1600 and 1940. Authored by Vanessa Brett, a recognized expert in the field, the directory draws upon extensive research and visual examples to catalog the evolution of silver craftsmanship. It aims to equip collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts with the knowledge to understand the stylistic changes, manufacturing techniques, and provenance of antique silver pieces.

This directory is regarded as a foundational reference work for collectors and scholars of antique silver. Its detailed cataloging and expert analysis provide an invaluable resource for identifying and understanding pieces from a significant period of silversmithing. The book is praised for its thoroughness and the clarity with which it presents complex information on hallmarks and stylistic evolution.