Antiques at a Glance: Silver - Tapa dura

It's the next best thing to having your own appraiser from the popular Antiques Roadshow TV series! Collectors of antique silver know that even a simple soup tureen can be worth a fortune (if it's a hard-to-find example of a special kind of Victorian excess, and if nobody has tried to "clean it up"). Get to know the great silversmiths of the last four centuries, so you can tell the difference between their original work and later copies. Study the expertly arranged photos that show how many objects you need to complete a particular collection (and watch its value skyrocket). Become a specialist in certain areas, such as tableware, plates, bowls, tureens, tea and coffee service, tankards, candlesticks, or even small articles such as belt and shoe buckles, thimbles, or snuff boxes. Don't miss the latest trends in silvermaking, to make your investments even more valuable.