5 comments about Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions, 4th Edition.

1. This book was given as a gift but it was received enthusiastically. After the party they picked it up and started to read it carefully so have to assume it was very interesting. This may not be useful to a future buyer, but I did check a few items before I gave the book and it was right on.



2. This is the best book on the subject for the yardsaler and auction buff who wants to know what to look for in a fake vs authentic antique.
   The quality of this book is outstanding.



3. I purchased this book when I became interested in antiques and found myself scrolling the pages of Ebay for treasures. The book is invaluable in pointing out many of the creative ways con artists have ingeniously come up with to defraud the unwary buyer. The biggest flaw of the book is that it is a survey book and hits only a few examples of fakes within a number of widely diverse catagories. I happen to be interested in porcelain and the information the book provided on the few specific areas of porcelain (like RS Prussia and Delft) were first-rate. Unfortunately vast areas of porcelain like figurines in general or companies like Meissen were never even mentioned. This is understandable as the book also covers broadly furniture, bronze, scrimshaw and cast iron lawn and garden items. I would love an expanded series with books specializing in each of the areas listed. As an overview this points out areas of fraud to be on the lookout for. As a specific, unless you happen to be evaluating the exact same item, it is unlikely to be helpful in any one particular fraud question.



4. If you are a serious collector or a dealer this is a must have book! Covers all of the major catagories.



5. This brand new year 2001 super guide can protect collectors from paying good money for fakes and reproductions. The book's 304 pages covers Art glass, Cameo Glass, Depression Glass, China, Porcelain, Scientific Instruments, Art Pottery, Black Memorabilia, Bronze, Furniture, Computer-related, Lamp and, Lighting, Napkin Rings, Silver items, and Toys. There are more than 1,000 great black and white, and a 16-page full color section to help you identify reproductions. The book's 6 x 9" is a handy size to take with you while antiquing. The book can save you far more than its price by protecting you from purchasing only one reproduction. Add it to your library.

5 comments about Chris-Craft: The Essential Guide.

1. 
   This book contains information on every Chris Craft built. whith a picture and model info. It does not provide in depth information just a page of specs on each boat. Overall a great reference guide to early Chris Crafts.



2. Very few missing pictures, most are original promotion pics, some artists renderings. Very complete data, when available. A must have for buying from classifieds or ID your finds in the boatyards. I found my 1965 Challenger 36' in it. It is very popular at the marina too, every one wants to look at it to find their first Chris Craft. Does not cover the modern line of vessels.



3. Quite disappointing: just one B&W picture and a little bit of informations for every boat. Money almost wasted.



4. This is a wonderful must-have for the Chris Craft enthusiast. Mr Conrad has contributed a great asset!

   I have a well worn copy in my restoration shop for reviewing those exacting details and assisting customers determine 1) what boat they actually have and 2) how it was originally equipped. there is one page per boat, with one black/white exterior photo for each (and a few "photo not available"). details include length/model name, years built, quantity built, hull number ranges (by year), paint and upholstery colors, hull construction (ex: mahogany plank, plywood), engines offered, beam, weight, and more. you won't find interior photos and details of accessories.

   the greatest feature for me is the hull number cross-reference index: look up the length, then find the hull number series to determine on which page the boat is detailed.

   combine with the restoration books by trefethen (a great read!) and danenberg for a successful project.




5. I bought a 1963 Chris Craft Corsair and wanted to find what model the boat was. This book had my boat and also the over 700 other models produced from the beggining to the late 1970's. I was very impressed with the detail of each listing, including how many hulls built and a photo of each model.This work is a detailed and almost astounding reference work for Chris Craft and antique boat enthusiasts and will not disappoint.

4 comments about How to Identify Prints, Second Edition.

1. This book is found in the printrooms of most galleries and print collectors as it is a precise and concisely written text which explains the complex processes of printmaking. It clarifies the sometimes baffling differences between printing families and the creative techniques involved in making a print such as the subtle visual difference between an etching and an engraving. The book is illustrated throughout to assist the reader to identify printing techniques, characteristics and attribution marks used in Old Master prints through to those made in contemporary times. This reference text would appeal to anyone fascinated by prints and provides a new vocabulary for those who want to know more about the interesting visual variations possible in the world of the print.



2. I almost said "for the beginning print lover," but even the pros might want occasional reminders about obscure processes.
   
   This book displays an incredible number of processes and variations. Even within etching, there is standard intaglio process, relief etching, intaglio so deep it's amost relief, spit-biting or open-biting - well, a very long list. This gives an exacting look at the marks specific to each process, and gives good diagnostic descriptions. A special strength in this book is the differential diagnoses, the questions to ask that help distinguish two very similar kinds of marks. Every point made in the text is illustrated real samples, and that makes for a heck of a lot of illustrations.
   
   I have almost no quibbles with this text. There are just a few minor points that Gascoigne could have brought out more clearly. First is that Japanese woodcuts are under-represented. It's a rich tradition with a number of distinguishing features: gradations of ink hand-placed on a block, occasional use of mica for luster, and occasional use of un-inked "blind" impressions to impress texture into the paper. Second is a mark that I think is unique to drypoint: the line is often asymmetric, crisp on one side and blurred on the other, capturing the asymmetry of the drypoint burr. The split drypoint line is more famous but, in my experience, less common. I've seen it only in the most aggressively worked drypoints, such as some by Picasso. Third is a feature of some dust-ground aquatints: that the white marks can sometimes form a connected mesh around the black dots, where a spirit ground always has a black ocean dotted with white islands. I know these are minor points, and I hope you see how few there are.
   
   I'm a process nut. It's not the only way I enjoy prints, and not the way everyone enjoys them. For me, though, it really adds something to know how the maker's hand created each mark that I see. This isn't strictly a process book, and only accidentally a book of process history. It's a book about how a print looks, and seeing even more in the finest part of its looks. In the end, that's really the best reason to love a print.
   
   //wiredweird
   
   PS: A little while ago, I was given a very nice color print. It was done in mezzotint style, using burnishers to work from dark to light. Instead of a rocker-made ground, though, it had an aquatint ground. Color came from inking au poupee, dabbed on the plate. The giver was quite surprised that I read its story so precisely. Read this book, and you'll know just what I saw.



3. Back in print and updated in a new paperback edition is Bambar Gascoigne's classic How To Identify Prints, first published in 1986 and enjoying ongoing acclaim as an essential resource for any involved in identifying prints, whether they be woodcuts, lithos, or etchings. Some ninety techniques - manual and mechanical alike - are described to round out an accompanying history of prints. A lasting, classic work essential to any art library and many a general library reference collection.



4. Now in an updated and expanded second edition, How To Identify Prints: A Complete Guide To Manual And Mechanical Processes From Woodcut To Inkjet is a superb reference and self-teaching tool for discerning between manual prints, process prints, and screenprints/non-prints, whether the print in question is monochrome or color, and whether it is relief, intaglio, or planographic. 272 illustrations, 40 of which are in color, highlight the meticulous attention to detail in this excellent manual, which also covers essential aspects of printing history and the craft of printmaking. This new addition is revised with insights concerning how increasingly sophisticated yet inexpensive cheap printing processes such as quality inkjet and laser prints affect the process of identifying and evaluating printed images. A "must-read" for anyone collecting authentic prints or pursuing a career involving the identification of prints.

3 comments about Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More 1920s-1960s (Pocket Guide to Depression Glass & More).

1. This book was recommended to me by a dealer specializing in depression glass at a glass show, and I was not disappointed. Clear color photographs with company names, dates, color range, and prices listed in a small size book that is easy to tote around. My favorite part is the section on reproductions in the back of the book, not found in some of the other glass books I own! This is the second copy I have purchased (it comes out every two years) just to keep abreast of the reproductions, since it is sold at such a great price!



2. This book came with much needed information. Definitely great for identification purposes of almost all there is was out there!



3. This book has almost 200 different patterns of depression glass and price lists for them. The pictures are excellent and the size makes it perfect for throwing in a bag or backpack while browsing at flea markets or yard sales. The author, Gene Florence does refer to another of his books which is larger and more in depth if you need more info, but this is my first book on depression glass and I find it has what I need at this point. Of special note is his section on reproductions and how to spot them - very helpful. I highly recommend this book.

3 comments about For Packrats Only: How to Clean Up, Clear Out, and Dejunk Your Life Forever.

1. I love Don's books, particularly the decluttering books. I believe he coined that phrase, or should have. It's a joy to read, the examples of other peoples' excess make you shudder. And if these books aren't enough encouragement to get up off your duff and change your environment for the better (and cleaner) I don't know what is. Highly recommended.
   I think he's written four or five declutter books (I have them all) but I'd love to see him write another one. Five stars.



2. I love this book!! It really makes you want to jump in and start decluttering. It is funny and he knows how to relate to the reader.
   
   I try to reread this book before every spring cleaning!



3. This book is my ticket to the orderly and uncluttered life that has been eluding me. It's not only effective, but also well-organized, besides being entertaining to read, because of the way the author presents his material. I have bought an additional copy as a gift (for someone who asked to have it!), and I know she will be happy with it, too.

3 comments about Art Deco Jewelry: Jakob Gengel, Idar-Oberstein/Germany.

1. A first-class survey of Art Deco Galalith jewelry which focuses on the output of the German watch-chain and jewelry manufacturer Bengel. The first ninety-seven pages look at thirties fashion, jewelry and the art movements that created such a vibrant look to pendants, bracelets, earrings and brooches. Clearly Christine Weber-Stober has done a lot of research into European Art Deco jewelry and the items made by Bengel from Galalith (from the Greek 'gala', milk and 'lithos', stone)
   
   It was made from milk protein and formaldehyde and was one of the new synthetic products developed in the middle and latter part of the nineteenth century. The beauty of it was that it could be made cheaply, was heat resistant and easy to color, so makers of buttons, belt-buckles, knitting needles and similar small items were able to churn them out by the millions. It did have one drawback though: it couldn't be cast like later plastic but was made in slabs, tubes and rods then cut and worked into whatever simple shape was required.
   
   The various new materials developed in the early years of the twentieth century were ideally suited to designers and creative folk influenced by the new 'isms' of the age: cubism, futurism, vorticism and especially modernism via the Bauhaus. The second part of the book has 253 photos of mass produced jewelry from the Bengel company. Their expertise in metalwork combined with the simple colorful shapes of Galalith makes all of these pieces look quite stunning. Strangely, despite the author's research, there seems to be no real explanation as to why this German metal working factory made such remarkable work. None of it was stamped with the company name, their Galalith jewelry output went to wholesalers who sold it on to retailers who added their brand names.
   
   The book's production is as gorgeous as the jewelry. Printed on matt art paper with a 175 screen, the elegant layout throws up the excellent photography. The text is in German and English but the designers have avoided any potential reader confusion by splitting the text pages horizontally with German occupying the top section. In comparison the books for collectors from the main American publishers in this sector look bland and visually uninspiring (expensive, too).
   
   Art Deco Jewelry is a beautiful celebration of past jewelry style that still looks fresh and lively today.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.
   
   
   
   



2. An in-depth family bio on the Bengel family of jewelers through the Art Deco period. Includes lots of family photos, original art piece drawings, and beautifully photographed actual pictures of Bengel pieces. It is a nice slice of life in pictoral form for anyone who wants to see close up, the types of jewelry that was being worn during that era. A beautiful book for the art lover or the vintage lover, for reference or coffee table.



3. Probably the dawn of art deco fashion jewelry was the 16-28 May 1927 machine-age exposition in New York. This exposition showed how modern technology could be fused with the arts, bringing German bauhaus design to America's attention.
   
   The prior year, 1926, saw the release of the silent film "Metropolis," Fritz Lang's anxious vision of a world demanding conformity in which "the masses" are controlled by machines and their owners. This film's art direction makes use of many art deco design elements which find their way into mainstream costume jewelry design. Geometric shapes and simplicity dominate costume jewelry in which new, inexpensive materials, such as bakelite and corolite could be incorporated, adding translucent and opaque color.
   
   Fashion jewelry components in the 1930's were manufactured primarily in Bohemia so, when Jewish owners lost their factories in 1938, art deco costume jewelry also vanished from the fashion scene. This book gathers -- and preserves in photographs -- much of art deco jewelry's beauty within its pages.

5 comments about Standard Catalog of Lionel Trains 1900-1942.

1. The book was delivered very quickly. The seller took great care to protect the book during shipping as the book arrived in perfect condition.



2. David Dole has accurately researched the prewar era of Lionel Trains in detail with descriptions and great photos. If you are collector or just interested in old toy trains young or old you will enjoy this book. The pictures of the actual trains and copies of pages from the old catalogs are worth buying the book for. My grandchildren love looking at David Doyle's book on Lionel Trains.



3. This is definitely required if your are intrested in these trains or thinking about purchasing one. It is a total and complete refrence for every item released in those 42 years. It has ratings, and excellent photos. It is like have an encyclopedia for my trains, as I use it to find a particular engine or engine or car #. Hats off to David Doyle



4. Very help in determining age and type of Lionel items,and value before purchasing or selling.



5. David Doyle's new Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains 1900-1942 is the most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it. From the turn of the century until World war II, Lionel turned out toy trains for kids of all ages: over a thousand color photos blends with pricing guidelines for different conditions to accompany a history of Lionel products. Organized by type of product, from passenger cars and ballast cars to box cars, collectors will find this quite an easy reference to use.

5 comments about Guns of the New West.

1. Great book for the CAS crowd. Only problem I can find with it is that it is a bit outdated. Lots of new stuff out there now. I know the new stuff gets reviewed in monthly magazines etc. It is nice to have it all in one place though. Other than that the book is excellent. Authors usual good work.



2. If you are involved in collecting replica firearms then this book is a must.Detailed analysis of each Old West gun and rifle. I enjoyed the report on the Colt.45 SAA and Winchester type lever action. Entire book is in black and white except for four pages in color. Wish they had published more color photos. A must have for replica collectors.



3. Looking for a new gun for SASS or just to have fun in the style of the old west? This is the book you need before you run out and put down the bucks. Doesn't cover all the guns of choice but does present a good selection (It should include the new Henry Repeating Arms Big Boy but doesn't).
   This will also make a good addition to your old west library.



4. The book arrive promptly and in excellent condition. It will be very helpful when I start looking for a SA pistol.



5. For those contemplating entering the popular ever growing COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING sport, Chicoine's new book is the best I've seen too date. This reknowned gunsmith/writer gives you a wealth of facts on the popular firearms of that period and moves right into the modern offerings and clones of those original firearms with outstanding details and thoughts on each.
   
   He covers the most popular handguns, percussion & cartridge,Colts,S&W's,Remington, Starr and others,the popular and most used rifles in the same thorough style, and shotgun too. I doubt you'll have many questions left to answer if you read this one, about making personal choices.
   
   The book reeks with QUALITY,the book is filled with absolutely wonderful photographs of original firearms, clones,new offerings,leather goods for them,a color photo section that is breathtaking.
   
   He then combines all this with a bit of history on the CAS sport, ammunition available for these, tests with the new guns & ammo,lovely photos of CAS shooters right up to the latest items just coming onto the market like the Colt Lightning slide action rifle.
   
   If this great book doesn't "fire you up" to get into this wonderful sport or for your own at "home" shooting ,nothing will.
   
   Daves books always seem to "come out" of the box being "classics" before they get around, This one is no different. The best I've seen on this topic to date.

2 comments about The American Krag Rifle and Carbine.

1. THE AMERICAN KRAG RIFLE AND CARBINE by Joe Poyer is one North Cape Publication's FOR COLLECTORS ONLY series. This book is edited by Craig Riesch and is essential for those who shoot and/or collect .30-40 Krag Rifles and Carbines.
   
   It's also the only source available unless you can find a copy of Colonel William S. Brophy's classic book on the Krag. It'll set you back about $200, or so, but is worth it to dedicated collectors and shooters.
   
   I'm not quite that dedicated and am quite content with Poyer's book. Like all books in this series, it includes part-by-part descriptions of the various Krags which served our armed forces in Cuba, the Philippines and China (during the Boxer Rebellion). Despite its relatively short service life of 15 years, the Krag is an interesting and eminently shootable piece of American history.
   
   It's the first bolt-action repeater chambered for modern
   smokeless" powder and it replaced the obsolete "Trapdoor Springfield" which was a breech-loading single shot chambered for the .45-70 cartride, a black powder round.
   
   Poyer includes descriptions of the ammunition, accoutrments, etc. issued with the Krag and he has the best, most coherent discussion of the US Army's preference for cartridge cut-offs enabling the rifle to be operated as a single shot, thus preserving the five rounds in the magazine for close quarters. This tactical doctrine has always puzzled me, but Poyer's concise, coherent explanation of it finally caused the scales to fall from my eyes.
   
   This book would be even more useful if it had an index, but I guess you can't always have eggs in your beer. I was very impressed by this book and I gave it five stars.



2. If you need to know the in's and out's of the Krag firearm systems, this is the place to go. Perhaps not everything but pretty close to it. A good book for a good price.

1 comments about Madame Alexander 2008 Collector's Dolls Price Guide #33 (Madame Alexander Collector's Dolls Price Guide).

1. The 2008 price guide to Madame Alexander dolls updates information with the latest values, offering the information along with small color photos and an organization by type of doll, then maker name. While casual readers may find it doesn't hold the photo-packed identification value of other Madame Alexander doll books, it's not intended for identification but as a reference providing the latest values, which do change immensely: any serious doll collector's library needs this.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch