Many aspects of metalware are studied, including the history and methods of production, styles and uses, with the main focus on objects of European origin intended for domestic, institutional or craft purposes. Interests also extend to regions where European traditions have been influential, such as the United States, and to cultures that have influenced European metalworking.
Although we are flexible about the period covered by our members interests, they generally range from the medieval to the First World War, and we study predominantly pieces that were hand-made rather than mass-produced.
Society members include leading experts in their fields who have published authoritative books on such topics as bronze cooking pots, rush lights, paktong, firebacks, candlesticks and marks on brassware.
Current Committee Members
Chairman – Simon Oxley
Vice-Chairman – David Pearsall
Treasurer – Vacant
Secretary – Catherine Slater
Journal Editor – Jeremy Hodgkinson
Programme Officer – Charles Ormrod
Website Manager – Lawrence Trask
Committee Members – Neil Bollen and Kevin Rose
AMS Authors
- Ashley, R (dec’d)., 2001. The Rushlight and Related Holders: a Regional View. ISBN 0954009002 Marlborough, Ashley Publications
- Bangs, C., 1995. The Lear Collection: a study of copper-alloy candlesticks A.D. 200 – 1700. ISBN 096422240X Easton, PA, King’s Hill Publications
- Butler, R., Butler, V., Bollen, N. & Green, C., 2001. A Study Collection of Marked Domestic Brass and other Base Metalware c.1600 – c.1900 Honiton
- Butler, R., & Green, C., 2003. English Bronze Cooking Vessels and their Founders 1350 – 1830. ISBN 0954605004. Honiton
- Crawforth, A. J., 2011 in Deeley 2011 (op cit)
- Deeley, R., 2011. The Cauldron, the Spit and the Fire. ISBN 9780947870737 . Gold Cockerel Books
- Finlay, M., 1990. Western Writing Implements in the Age of the Quill Pen. ISBN 1872477003. Plains Books
- Finlay, M., 2006. The Mining and Related Tokens of West Cumberland. ISBN 9781872477015. Plains Books
- Finlay, M., 2010. English Decorated Bronze Mortars and their Makers. ISBN 13 9781872477022. Plains Books
- Finlay, M., 2014. Pastry Jiggers and Pastry Prints. ISBN 13 9781872477039. Plains Books
- Grant, A,. & Patterson, A., 2018. The Museum and the Factory: The V&A, Elkington and the Electrical Revolution. ISBN 9781848222915. London, Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd
- Hodgkinson, J., 2010. British Cast Iron Fire Backs of the 16th to mid-18th Centuries. ISBN 9780956672605. Crawley, Hodgers Books
- Koldeweij, E., 2001. The English Candlestick: 500 years in the development of base metal candlesticks. ISBN 0903432587 London, Christies Books
- Pearsall, D., 2011 in Deeley 2011 (op cit)
- Pearsall, D., 2022. Collecting English Brass and Bronze Mortars. ISBN 978-1-80352-129-9. Independent Publishing Network
- Pinn, K., 1999. Paktong. The Chinese Alloy in Europe 1680 – 1820. ISBN 13 9781851493241. Woodbridge, Antique Collectors’ Club
- Rosack, L., 2004. The A-Z Guide to Collecting Trivets. Identification & Value Guide. ISBN 13 9781574323993. Collector Books
- Rosack, L., 2010. The Expanded A to Z Guide to Collecting Trivets. Identification and Values. ISBN 9781574326413. Collector Books
- Wallace, W., 2016. The Lure of the Key. ISBN 13 9781910787250. Unicorn Publishing
- Scroop, Garry., 2019. The Art of the Doorknocker. ISBN 0648689956, 9780648689959. Openbook Howden Design & Print