5 comments about Antiques at Home: Cherchez's Book of Collecting and Decorating with Antiques.

1. For anyone looking for a beautiful and useful book about antiques, this is it. Barbara Milo Ohrbach has a wonderful way with words and her enthusiasm about the world of antiques is charming.

   I've owned this book for a number of years, and often refer to it when I want to know a specific terminology or when I'm checking out the care and treatment of a particular antique object. Because the author's writing style is so enjoyable, I always end up reading pages and pages of the book and learning more with each reading.

   ANTIQUES AT HOME is divided into eight chapters on the following topics: Ceramics-Wood- Silver- Textiles- Glass- Paper- A Personal View and The Collector's World. The photographs are beautiful and I've borrowed some of Ohrbach's ideas about how to display different collections. Most of us can't collect everything, but the lure of old and beautiful objects is contagious and the author communicates that love in her book. She calls it "a personal view" of antiques.




2. "It is the loveliness of little things that imparts life to a room." This quote sums up the feeling of this wonderful book. It is filled with hints and tips on finding and caring for antiques and collectible. The joy of combing through flea markets looking for the next perfect addition to your collection is reflected in both text and pictures. The chapters cover ceramics, wood, silver, textiles, glass and paper. What ever makes your heart sing is covered in this book. A nice plus is an index listing of flea market and shop locations in both the United States and Europe. This is a book I go back to and read and look through time and time again, a keeper for your personal library.



3. This book is by far the best and is my favorite of all books on antiques and decoration! And I have a lot of those books!

   It's very useful and gives you a lot of options on how to decorate with the antiques that you have on hand, makes you take stock of what you have and cherish them even more and also makes you want to have/buy the antiques beautifully illustrated here! I really recommend this book for every antique buffs!




4. This is a most wonderful book. I have enjoyed it for years and have given it as a gift to friends. It is beautiful and informative, many interesting ideas. Makes you want to go out and find the lovely things you see in this book. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed



5. This is a "must read" for all of us who love antiques. With every page there are new ideas for "old things." The photography is scrumptous and the text reads like poetry. This book envelopes you. I have been reading it for over a year.

5 comments about Restoring Classic & Collectable Cameras.

1. This is not a good first book on camera repair, a distinction which has to be noted in contrast to his first book which is far more suitable as a primer. For the somewhat experienced phototechnician working on the classics covered in this book, it's a useful title. I would start with either his first two titles (Camera Maintenance and Repair 1 and 2),the classic Ed Romney text (Trade Secrets:Basic Training in Camera Repair), or if you can find them the old National Camera correspondence materials.

   That said, given the proliferation of specific books he has produced, they are informative and useful within their scope.




2. This is an excellent repair book. Some who have reviewed this book are missing the point -- this repair knowledge transfers to many cameras other than the ones featured. So I wholeheartedly disagree that this book is for repairing only the specific cameras listed -- it provides scores of solutions for other cameras also. Ever tried to pull a viewfinder window? Ever wondered how to make spraypaint hard and tough? How to fill incised lettering with white paint? The difference between slow and fast epoxy? How to make bellows? How to refurb a resistor? How to clean aluminum? How to remove a round window without scratching it and without buying a special tool? How to mate helicals? How to prevent and repair battery acid damage? Where to obtain chemicals at low prices and when to use them? And on and on and on. Tomosy is like having an expert looking over your shoulder as you repair. I'm going to purchase the other Tomosy books after reading this one.



3. Its a great book if its talking specifically about the model of camera or shutter that you are trying to repair, and its got a surprisingly thorough section on bellows repair. Other than that the book is just OK. I would recommend buying this book if you have one of the cameras that are discussed inside it, which are covered from disassembly to reassembly. Those cameras and shutters are: Voigtlander Heliar No. 6 shutter, Bausch & Lomb Iris Diaphragm shutter, Wollensak Iris Diaphragm shutter, Packard Ideal shutter, Vest Pocket Autographic Kodak Camera (1915-1926), Kodak Folding Pocket No. 3-A, Kodak No. 3 Folding Brownie, Kodak Model A Folding Brownie, Kodak Six-20 Model C, Eastman 5x7 View Camera No. 33A, Lancaster & Son Merveilleux, Rembrandt No. 2 Portrait Camera (Burke & James Inc.), Thornton-Pickard Duplex Ruby Reflex, Graflex Speed Graphic Pacemaker, Ensign-Cupid, Kodak Premoette Jr. No. 1 (1913), Rolleicord Vb, Contax II, Exacta VX, Leica II, Nikkorex Zoom 35, Nikkorex 35, Universal (Univex) Mercury II, Zeiss Contaflex, Contaflex I, Contaflex Super and the Minox C.



4. Not complete, but a good start for mostly pre-1945 cameras and lenses. The sections on bellows restoration and construction alone probably make this book a worthwhile purchase. Tomosy illustrates restoration techniques using specific cameras and lenses that are mostly common and relatively inexpensive. A couple of different Kodak Brownie cameras are two of the cameras examined in the chapter on folding cameras, for example. The Exacta VX, Nikkorex 35, Zeiss Contaflex, and Leica II are some of the models examined in the 35mm chapter. Other chapters cover Lenses and Lens Shutters, Wooden View Cameras, Large-Format Focal-Plane Shutters, Medium Format, and the Minox C. What keeps this from being 5 stars is Tomosy's too casual treatment of wood-, metal-, and leatherworking on a couple of his projects. However, he does include an appendix about tools, lubricants, parts suppliers, and other suggested readings.



5. Great book.Well down.Thank You Mr Tomosy

1 comments about Complicated Watches and Their Repair.

1. Not a very up to date book on watch repair. There are also very few pictures/diagrams available. For those wanting to buy a book about watch repair at a beginners level, I'd suggest you look elsewhere.

2 comments about Care & Repair of Antiques & Collectables.

1. Care and repair books are practical for everyone. Although some of the materials and techniques do become obsolete there is enough lasting information to have this book in anyones library. As a restorer I look for books like this one.



2. I liked the scope of this book and the clear helpful illustrations. I found it very informative. It covers a wide range of antiques and collectibles. Good basic information for the average collector and general repairs.

5 comments about The Gold-Plated Porsche: How I Sank a Small Fortune into a Used Car, and Other Misadventures.

1. I was a bit mislead by the title of this book, particularly the part of the title: "...How I Sank a Small Fortune into a Used Car...".
   
   The Amazon review states that the author spent $60k on his car, whereas the author repeatedly states he spent $70k on his car restoration. This discrepency isn't really the issue, what I was hoping for was some description of what exactly the author bought and spent $70k on during the restoration. I am planning on restoring a vintage Porsche myself and was hoping this book would shed some light on various pitfalls I may want to avoid.
   
   Of the 20 or so chapters in this book I'd say about 15 were dedicated to personal stories about the author and his illustrious career, and only 5 chapters to stories actually related to the Porsche he restored.
   
   After reading this book I feel like I got to know the author quite well but not his Porsche. It was a delightful series of stories and I did enjoy the book, yet it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I found the cover and title of this book to be misleading.
   
   Not a bad book at all, just not what I was expecting.



2. Wilkinson is a true character and he spins his experiences in restoring a pseudo-classic Porsche 911 (okay, to a true Porsche nut they're all classics) into an entertaining tail. He's an amusing cross between Tim Allen's character from Home Improvement and that uncle your parents don't talk about much because of the nutty things he's done. Strangely these characteristics endear you to him and as a pilot and aircraft owner I enjoyed (and frequently cringed at) his diversions into his experiences as a pilot and aviation editor. Speaking of this the book is rich with diversions into other aspects of his life tangential (or not) to the car project. For some this adds a lot and in general I enjoyed these but I could see where some might find it too fragmented and distracting. Overall though his series of life experiences, including those directly related to the books primary subject matter make for a fun and interesting read.
   
   He's clearly an individual for whom there is no substitute for hands-on experience and the process is more important than the end goal. He articulates well what he's learned and, while the book is not bogged down with technical details, he discusses enough of these to keep a gear-head reasonably happy. No one would restore a car using this book as a manual but there's definitely something here for the technically inclined.
   
   All in all it's a pretty easy and light read and a lot of fun. Perfect as a weekend read for the Porsche fan but with, I think, much broader appeal than that (general car nuts, pilots, those interested in 60's civil disobedience, etc.).



3. Before I even opened the book, a question came to mind. Why buy a Porsche? I have a number of buyer's guides and when I read them I am amazed that the company is still in business. How can they survive selling a car which has a leaking sunroof for 20 years??? German engineering is good, why can't they fix that quickly? Anyway, one buys a Porsche because it is a PORSCHE! That is what I got from the book. I did wished he had talked more about the car than other stories but the man obviously has a very full life.
   Those cars have quirks and need a lot of care. If you are going to buy one, don't spend all your money on the purchase of it since you will need a lot for maintenance. Learn to be a mechanic too. If you want a reliable automobile that won't need to be the center of your attention, buy a Toyota. What is the fun in that? This book helped me see more what Porsches are about, PASSION!!!!!!!



4. I really enjoyed reading this book. There are probably a ton of readers and car-nuts out there who can sympathize with Wilkinson's view while laughing at the way it is told. The Gold-Plated Porsche is a fantastic read.



5. In reviewing a few of the other reviews, it seems evident that there are two split camps with varying degrees of appreciation for Wilkinsons 'Gold Plated Porsche'. The book centers around the purchase and subsequent restoration of a Porsche 911 and the author skillfully introduces his own memoirs with several chapters of a chequered and adventurous past. The book is a great account of the authors mechanical apptitude blended with a self-depreciating sense of humour creating a very entertaining and worthwhile read. Personally I deeply enjoyed it and 'The Gold Plated Porsche' ranks as one of my favorites in the motorhead section of my library. Intelligent, funny and a light hearted read.

No comments about Conservation of Leather and Related Materials (Conservation and Museology).

No comments about Light for Art's Sake: Lighting for Artworks and Museum Displays.

1 comments about How to Restore & Repair Practically Everything.

1. How To Restore & Repair Practically Everything by antique restoration expert Lorraine Johnson is a how-to book that expertly instructs the reader with explicit instructions and step-by-step diagrams in the skill of restoring and reparing stains, grass matting, glass, textiles, metals, paper and photographs, decorative finishes such as faux marble, and much more. A superbly efficient and practical resource, as useful for conscious homeowners as it is for those seeking to make a living by fixing up broken down appliances, furniture, and personal items. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building and Upgrading (Identification & Value Guide).

1. Brief Description of Book
   This book lives up to its name and is a great gift for someone you may know who is just getting hooked on buying vintage costume jewelry. It would make a great companion gift to a fabulous vintage piece. This book Collecting 101 is a bit basic for absolute beginners only.
   The core thesis of the book is G-U-I-D-E an acronym that stands for:
   * Is the piece in Good condition?
   * Do U Like it?
   * Is it a good investment?
   * Is the piece designer signed and is it well designed?
   * Are there extras that make it more interesting?
   These questions are posed to help the buyer select good pieces at whatever price point they are starting to collect at. The author explains her GUIDE concept quite concisely and uses it throughout the book.
   
   The author suggests four designers that beginners should collect Trifari, Coro, Kramer and Weiss. She recounts a little history about each of the companies, shows photos of their marks and recommends pieces to purchase. For example she suggests Trifari from the 50's and 60's because it is plentiful, available in excellent condition and not too expensive. The author uses a lot of photos to illustrate these sections
   
   The next portion of the book is arranged the alphabetically and cameos 130 designers. Each profile contains a little company history, marks, signature look of a designer and recommendations of pieces to buy.
   
   In the next chapter there is a section called "Marked by Style" on identifying unmarked jewelry. A little more than a beginner skill in my opinion but an interesting section to ponder nonetheless. She focuses 75% of her energy on Juliana, the remaining 25% on Eisenberg, Dorothy Bauer, Hattie Carnegie, Goldette, Haskell, Hollycraft, Sarah Coventry, Schauer, Schreiner and Weiss.
   
   The remaining chapters cover:
   * Upgrading your collection
   * Repairing and Cleaning
   * Cataloging a Collection
   * Storing and Insuring a Collection
   
   Over all the advice is quite sound, the G-U-I-D-E principle should be followed it will really help anyone avoid unfocused buying.
   
   Quantity of Illustrations:
   There are more than 750 total illustrations in Collecting Costume Jewelry 101. There are color photographs, original advertisements in color and black and white. The photos are clear and focused.
   
   
   Quality of Illustrations:
   
   Comments: The items selected are not riveting I think that they are pedestrian. Maybe that is because this book is pitched at beginners. However I feel that the selections should be inspirational and exciting. This is why the top shelf pieces in a book such as "A Tribute to America" are always fun to look at. I felt the items pictured were what the author could get permission to use. Which leads me to the inclusion of Christmas tree jewelry! There are too many Christmas trees in this book. And I like Christmas tree jewelry.
   
   I have one very pointed example that illustrates my low score on the illustrations. The author devoted 3 pages to Miriam Haskell. In my opinion these are not good representative pieces, they are what was available to include. There is one pair of beaded earrings, a necklace with gold chain and a wood pendant that looks like it was made in shop class to me, several strings of beads, a pearl necklace that is not photographed close enough to generate any excitement and a pair of gilded earrings. I may sound harsh here but the wow factor of buying Miriam Haskell is not expressed in these photos. Feel free to disagree!
   
   As a final note on the illustrations, I am reviewing the first edition of this book. According to the publisher Collector Books a second edition should be available soon. They promise 200 new photos and updates on the price guidelines that are included in the first edition.
   
   
   
   Quantity of Information
   Range of Information offered:
   For the most part this is a good concise book to check for information. If you are looking for in depth information on a particular designer you should probably look at a more specialized book. For example there are entire books on Haskell, KJL, D &E, to name only a few designers.
   
   Is the information thorough?
   The information provided seems to be thorough and remember this is a book for beginners.
   
   Values Listed (Prices) Yes
   Are they helpful or realistic? The prices are being updated for a new edition
   The prices are based on what one might hope to get in an e-bay auction.
   Comments: Based on the prices sometimes I want to be buying and other times I want to be on the selling end of the transaction.
   
   
   User Friendly:
   Is the book easy to read and follow? yes
   Is there a table of contents and index? yes
   Is information easy to find? yes
   
   
   Is this book a must have? Only for your friends who are just beginning to collect costume jewelry. I think Costume Jewelry 202 is a vastly superior book and I would recommend that (again).
   
   Overall comments
   If I had this book many years ago I would have avoided buying stuff I just didn't need. I would have made wiser purchases and would have a better collection today.



2. I actually bought her 2nd book (202) before buying this one (101) and while I treasure my 202 guide much more than this first one (because I'm not a beginner) - I think it is a fabulous book to have for those starting out. With a lot of fake WEISS and other great designers' jewelry being reproduced and sold as the real thing today (especially on eBay), it's a good guide to have that shows a fair amount and variation of these favorite popular designers' pieces. This will help the beginner collector possibly know a fake when they see it. Not all that shines and sparkles means it is the real thing or that it's collectible. I believe both her books should be bought together but the 202 Guide is definitely the very best there is (because it shows so many patents). I particularly like the fact that both of these books are done in sturdy paperback because if they were hardbound, they would be so heavy given how big they are. Lots and lots of colorful pictures! Well done!!



3. Found this book to be very helpful at my jewelry shows. Has lots of pictures and information on vintage jewelry and numerous designers. Does not go into great detail, but gives enough good information to be helpful. Because the information is listed in alpha order, my customers find it helpful when looking up specific designers or styles. This book is great for beginners and old collectors alike.



4. This book along with the "202" book by the same author are "must have"s for costume jewelry collectors, buyers and sellers. I can't rate them highly enough.



5. I learned many of the basics overtime and searching the internet. It is great to have so much information in one book. The photos are excellent and I would recommend this to anyone starting a collection. Great do's and don'ts.

No comments about A Practical Guide to Costume Mounting.