How were page turners used?

Readers used page turners to glide between the uncut or bound pages of large volumes, protecting the paper from oils on human skin. They rested flat upon the desk when not inserted into a book. Their elongated blades allowed a gentle sweep across heavy paper stocks common in late nineteenth-century publishing.

What materials are most common?

Sterling silver provides the primary structure for the majority of bookmarks and desk items. It frequently pairs with organic elements like mother-of-pearl, tortoiseshell, and horn. Hardstones such as agate and marble also appear regularly as decorative handles and inset panels.

How do I date a silver bookmark?

Assay office marks and date letters stamped directly onto the sterling silver reveal the exact year of manufacture. Birmingham, Chester, and Glasgow offices recorded these details. Stylistic cues such as Edwardian proportions or Victorian engraving styles offer further confirmation of the period.

Why are some markers shaped like trowels?

The garden trowel motif became a popular design choice for silversmiths during the Victorian era, translating a familiar domestic tool into a miniature reading accessory. Makers often engraved these flat silver blades with floral patterns or fitted them with hardstone handles. They served as functional bookmarks that slid easily between book pages.