New Shop Website! www.dcsilver.com

Robert Bricker Foundry: 1800 Degrees or 2,000 Years

A small element On a cold January morning, I had the distinct honor to visit the Robert Bricker foundry in Virginia. The foundry is part of a large secure industrial complex tucked away in a corner of a small town. When I arrived, Bricker came down from his sprawling perch to meet me. Though I have met him numerously, it's easy to forget how tall he is. We climb flights of stairs before entering his art complex which he has maintained for over four decades. Suddenly, entering the room and seeing the scale of his operation, Bricker seems both imposing and yet not as tall in the context of the high ceilings and sweeping open wall studios. I am endlessly fascinated to hear the story about how artists found their talents and when. At one moment, Bricker brought down a model airplane-- his first project. He had built this airplane as a boy from balsa wood, even making the detailed rivets by snapping off the heads of pins to line the wings. He demonstrated the spring-loaded machi...

An Afternoon at Trimble's Tavern Antiques with Chris and his 'Witnesses of History'

Chris Trimble Trimble's Tavern Colonial Shoe Buckles, a pewter pap boat and riding spurs To spend a few hours shopping at Trimble's Tavern is an extraordinary privilege. And if you chance to engage Chris Trimble, two things become immediately evident. Firstly, you are speaking with one of the most expert pair of eyes in the mid-Atlantic antiques business and secondly, you have come to a place that has been overtaken by an extreme passion for history. From the imposing and rare large scale furniture pieces to the smallest coin, everything here exudes a past-- and when he's able to avail himself (only because he is in such high demand), Chris Trimble will be your guide. His formal education and a lifetime of scholarly study of colonial American history is instantly accessed as he recalls the stories of how he acquired a piece and why it's so important. You will find his shop just as you enter the small town of White...

How Can I Tell if it's Silver or Silver Plated? In the world of antiques, the line between silver and silver-plated can be deceptively thin. As dealers, we’ve all seen it—the moment someone brings in a cherished piece, convinced it’s solid silver, only for a closer examination to reveal otherwise. It’s an easy mistake to make; after all, silver-plated items were crafted to mimic their solid counterparts, often with impressive skill. But understanding the difference is essential, not just for assessing value but for appreciating the craftsmanship and context of each piece. Allow me to share the most reliable methods of identification, each with its own advantages and pitfalls, to help you discern the genuine article from its plated counterpart. You can, of course, reach out to DC Silver (www.dcsilver.com) for guidance about specific items. 1. Hallmark Examination Method : Look for hallmarks or stamps. Sterling silver often bears marks like "925" or "Sterling," wh...

DC Silver

Search This Blog