5 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass.

1. I have really enjoyed this book. I work in a consignment shop and we get a lot of antique glass - It has helped us a lot with pricing it too!



2. VERY HAPPY WITH THE DETAILS AND INFORMATION ABOUT DEPRESSION GLASS. I HAVE ABOUT 300 PIECES AND AM NOW ABLE TO IDENTIFY MORE OF MY COLLECTION.



3. anyone interested in finding out what they have or what to look for, as far as depression glass or collectible glass, Gene Florance is the person to look for. I've got most editions of his books. and my parents also swore by his books. every edition has a little something extra, different or new. easy to follow and excellent pictures!



4. A must have book for begining collectors of depression glass -- good pricing - if you don't buy on e-bay - if you go to the glass shows gives you fair prices for most items -- e-bay buyers - GOOD LUCK, most everything is WAY, way over the value of the item you want.



5. Best book out there for dealers of depression glass, but they forgot a usable index or table of contents. To make matters worse, some patterns are alphabetized as No. ###. No index of alternate names (some patterns have 3 or 4 commonly used names). The table of contents is the same as the alphabetical listing by page, totally useless. The official company name is the pattern name it is ordered under, regardless of the popularity of other names.
   
   Pictures are great. Many prices have been reduced in this 2007 version, bringing pricing into line with what you should pay/charge. Common pieces (cups, small plates, etc.) can be got on eBay for about 1/2, but more in demand pieces (cereal bowls, dinner plates, serving pieces, tumblers) go for just about what is in the book. Verbiage for patterns normally indicates the marketability of the pattern, but wish there was a prominent "popularity score" above each color the pattern comes in. Some colors in some patterns have absolutely no buyers, which is an extremely valuable piece of information. Would recommend using --,-,+,++.
   
   They use a purist definition of depression, so you'll have to also buy the 40s 50s 60s book to complete your reference of what is commonly known as depression glass. There are pictures for about 1/2 of the pieces available, and generally a larger closeup for pattern identification. Success of pattern identification is probably 95% (best we've seen).

5 comments about The Official Overstreet Identification and Price Guide to Indian Arrowheads 10th Edition (Official Overstreet Indian Arrowhead Identification and Price Guide).

1. I am not a professional arrowhead collector by any means but I enjoy learning about them and have been fortunate once in awhile to come across one. This book is excellent for the purpose of learning about the different kinds of arrowheads, lance points, knives, hand axes etc. It includes history of points. There is a choronological gallery of color points in the front, the rest of the photos are in black & white and the book is sectioned into regions to make it easier to learn what is most likely to be found in your area. For those inclined, it also includes what to look for as a collector and the estimated value of your point/s etc. I like this book!



2. A new update from the 7th, 8th, and 9th Editions about Native North American Points which I have in my library. By having the most recent edition (the 10th) you can compare how items have increased in value.
   A host of new material, including new points, geographic area renaming, etc.
   A must for the beginning and advanced collector.



3. Year after year these books are published with the same poor quality binding and paper. Even more disappointing is the same pictures and descriptions are reprinted in each volume. It appears that a variant point or two are added to "justify" a new printing. Don't waste your money. It's 98 percent old and 2 percent "new".



4. 10th edition is like the last 9 editions. But it does have an array of every type variant, albeit many, many variants that really are subjective at best. But as many collectors know. the book has ridiculous price estimates. And as a long time collector/dealer my biggest beef about many of the editions, and I can personally 100% say/witnessed that many of the points are not authentic and only make it into the book to increase their "provenance" and individual value. But that said, the book is on type variations for you and not whether the specimens are actually authentic or not. So its really a catch 22. Many people have made it a popular arrowhead book, unfortunately are the same people that think they have a dozen authentic Clovis points(a rare Paleo, high valued arrowhead) they bought at their local flea market.



5. Outstanding book for those (like me) who do not authenticate points but want to learn about the various types. Includes informative articles on the archaeology of certain points. Lots of beautiful color panels of points arranged by age, in addition to the B&W photos in the identification pages.

5 comments about Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List 2008: The Bestselling Price Guide in America- 40th Anniversary Edition (Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List).

1. Thick book, good intro to antiques presenting a smattering of what's considered collectable but spreads itself too thin with some categories and is short on depth. Lots of pics but not the ones I was looking for.



2. Really enjoyed thumbing through this book. Helped answer questions I've had for years regarding potential "treasures". Easy to use with lots of pictures.



3. This is a nice reference book. Not as complete as I wished. Sometimes difficult to find specific items. However, it is solid and full of information. A nice reference to add to your collection.



4. For information on a wide variety of antiques or collectibles, it's almost as good as Warman's. But, really, I like having both books available for use. I've found, however, that if I know what I'm interested in, I'm better off spending the money and getting a book specific to that antique or collectible (if there's one available.) Nevertheless, a good reference book to get someone started in collecting. Prices listed vary greatly from what one finds on internet market; you need to be aware of this with some antiques or collectibles.



5. The Kovel's book is by far the most detailed, entertaining and informative price book I have ever owned. It helps us sellers and buyers and on line shoppers understand real-time market values. I like that it is based on ACTUAL prices. ( after all things are really only worth what someone will pay). It helped me identify things that I was unsure of with some really clear four-color photographs.
   The book is packed with TONS of pictures! It also is easy to find things and the Kovel's seem to have a knack to know how to organize such a large group of potential categories. Overall, this book was worth every penny in terms of showing me what things are worth and what they are. No other place I have found that can do both so well.

5 comments about It's a Wonderful Christmas: The Best of the Holidays 1940-1965.

1. I bought this book for my mom (81 years old), and it brought back amazing memories for her from her teenage years through the first 20 years of her marriage. The package of ornaments shown on page 11 is the identical one my parents had bought (which we still have - most of them, anyway!). She (and I) enjoyed it so much, I also got copies for my aunt and a family friend of the same age as my mom. They both loved the book, and talked of all the memories it brought back for them, as well. It's a fun book that wil bring back memories for anyone who lived through those years.



2. I bought this book last year and again this year sat down to enjoy the wonderful photos. It brought back wonderful memories of a time before consumer advocacy when we used lead and fiber glass all over our homes, and especially during the holidays when we pulled out the painted ornaments (and ashtrays and candy dishes and ceramic figurines of Santa and the Baby Jesus) and angel hair for the tree. I can still feel the itching as I write this :-)
   
   I highly recommend this book for anyone who remembers Christmas anywhere between 1940 and 1965. It brought back some lovely memories (aside from the itching).



3. This is a great book!! The stories are a wonderful collection for anyone who was a child OR adult during this time frame. If not read it anyway, it's very enjoyable to read. I took this book on a flight to Denver and had many people as me where I got it.



4. This book brings back memories of Christmas past. It is informative and entertaining. I gave this as a gift to four different people and got a copy for myself.



5. This book was an incredible walk down Memory Lane! I couldn't put it down. For all those reminiscing and hungry for "how it used to be" I highly recommend this book!

5 comments about Secrets of the Gem Trade: The Connoisseur's Guide to Precious Gemstones.

1. If his book Secrets of the Gem Trade has made Richard a rock star, it is because he has accomplished the notable feat of making the nuances of fine gems accessible, not only in his rich text but also with extraordinary images of extraordinary gemstones; many as seen through the lens of famed gem and mineral photographer Jeffrey Scovil. Richard has literally defined "connoisseurship," guiding the reader into the world of colored stone appreciation, enriching the journey with his passion for history and travel.
   
   This book has earned its place in classic gemological literature and no library collection is complete without it. Secrets of the Gem Trade serves not only as an invaluable reference, but also as inspiration to many wishing to enter the world of colored stones.
   
   E. Skalwold, F.G.A, G.G.



2. I highly recommend this book. Although it doesn't cover a wide specter of colored gemstones, it does focus on the ones worth investing in and it goes into detail about what to specifically look for when investing in these particular gems. The fact that it is peppered with stories of the author's adventures is a plus. A very satisfying read!



3. This made for a fascinating read and the pictures are fantastic. Is it worth the sticker price? Yes.



4. This book is packed with useful information. Anyone interested in gemstones will learn a lot of things you don't typically find in other books on this topic. I'm glad I got it.



5. With wonderfully good information and great images, the writer introduces a wide reaching and vast amount of valuable information through a fascinating, personalized journey. However this otherwise excellent treatise could be made infinitely better by a more professional publishing house. The typography, layout, and copy editing are awful, albeit I absolutely love the riveting cover.

5 comments about Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide 2008 (Beckett Baseball Card Price Guide).

1. My son and the neighbors boys have not stopped looking up the
   value of their precious collectibles. It is easy to use. Some of their cards are worth 7 cents and some several hundred dollars. They are having a blast with it. My husband is enjoying it too. He is now lamenting losing one of his old Mickey Mantle cards.
   I highly recommend it for your baseball card collectors, young or old.



2. I collected baseball cards in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a kid, mostly Topps. I re-opened my card collection in March 2008 after 35 years in the attic. The book doesn't doesn't have any logic or organization to it, and makes no sense. For example, if you're looking to price your Topps cards (as I suspect most people are), 1973, for example, you have to look under "1951 Topps Blue Backs" in the table of contents - bizarre. And good luck finding the table of contents sandwiched between more than 10 pages of advertisements. in the "How to Use this Book" section it starts "isn't this great" then continues, "every year this book gets better." Almost nothing on how to use the book.



3. This is a good product for the collector or dealer that that is interested in mainstream issues and the more widely known limited distribution sets.However if your interests are more ecclectic and you like the more obscure and less traded or sold products....forget it. For those people I suggest Sports Collectors Digest Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards.This is equally true of Becketts Price Guides for Football and Basketball.In short if you stick with Topps and the other nationally distributed sets Beckett is OK.If you are looking for regional or otherwise limited production products your wasting your time; SCD is MY choice.



4. I have bought Becket Guides before and this has information that you get for free. There is no pricing for Classic, Collectors or another words 1/2 the companies out there. Then in the companies that they show 1/2 the subset are missing A GREAT BIG RIP OFF!!!!!!!!!!!



5. This book essentially is a Beckett PLUS (which comes out every 2 months) with more details (such as every card in each set is listed). There aren't really any oddball sets priced, which I guess is what the Beckett Baseball Almanac is for. Overall the book is very useful since it gives complete checklists and some extra details about each set. I just wish more oddball sets were listed so I wouldn't have to buy the Almanac book as well.

5 comments about Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900 (Standard Catalog of World Coins 19th Century Edition 1801-1900).

1. If you collect Modern Foreign this book is a MUST HAVE, I have looked up 100 or more coins and have yet not to locate the coin I am looking for. It is comprehensive, has good pictures most of the Obverse and Reverse some just of the Obverse.
   I highly recommend this book, its great.
   David Jackson



2. This is a book that every collector whose interests exceed his backyard and go beyond his birthdate must have at home. There is no better help to start expanding your collection beyond 1901.
   There is no better does not mean that there cannot be a better one. Some remarks must be taken into consideration
   - this is an American catalog so prices in your country (if you're not American that is) are most certainly different and there is no point to waste your time to prove Krause wrong. E.g. prices of German states' coins in Germany are 50 to 100% higher than in Krause. They are which means that if you are looking for them you move to eBay and look for them elsewhere but not in Germany. Foreign dealers treat Krause prices of foreign coins seriously.
   - this is an American catalog which has a soft spot for American coins. Most foreign readers will be mildly amused by eighteen pages of remarkably uninspired designs of the US patterns (fortunately most of them are not shown) or twelve pages of "territorial gold".
   - this is an American catalog so you may find some of coins from your country missing completely or missing a picture.
   If you can accept all this, you will be happy with your purchase. If you can't, you should think if you won't be much happier with a more specific coin catalog but be sure that no other can give the kind of general view you find in this one.



3. This publication is essential for anyone buying, selling or evaluating coins.



4. This is the most comprehensive coin catalogue and when put together with Catalogue of World Coins 1901 - 2006, it really gives you an accurate picture and value report of what you have in your collection or are thinking about adding to it.



5. Material is horribly dated. Publication date apparently 2004, using 2001-2003 price date. Effectively useless.
   
   You MUST show date of publication in description of item.
   
   Not likely to buy again.

5 comments about Florence's Glassware Pattern Identification Guide: Easy Identification for Glassware from the 1920s Through the 1960s.

1. I have many pieces of depression glass and didn't know any of the pattern names. i ordered the book to help identify them. it is helping with that but i thought the book also contained info on estimated value.



2. Was a good book, but if you already have guide 1,2, or 3 it was mostly repeats with different picture views. If this is your first guide it is a great one!!



3. For a collector, this book lacks many of the patterns, needed to know, in pricing a product. Some of the patterns pictured are not defined enough. A
   magnifying glass may be needed for a closer look. For beginners, it is a respected book, written by two experts.



4. I was a bit disappointed in this book mainly because of the way in which it was set up. I am used to their other books such as: "Collectible Glassware from the 40s, 50, 60s". I didn't find it as easy to navigate. The pictures are great though.



5. The book was very helpful, great photos, nicely laid out. Buyers should definately know, however, that it is a book of more rare pieces.

5 comments about Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values.

1. I have an old Flayderman's from the 1980s that has been a great source of information over the years on antique firearms. The sheer amount of information gathered in it is incredible and the latest edition is, believe it or not, even better! More information on many of the firearms and more entries makes this edition the best yet. Flayderman's in an invaluable resource for those interested in antique firearms and I highly recommend it!



2. Ever since the first edition, Norm's book has been the standard reference for antique American firearms. No other reference comes close to the breadth of content. Unless someone takes over, this is likely to be the last edition as Norm is getting up there in years.
   
   The index is still difficult to use as it has been since the first edition. It can be frustrating to locate information on a specific, less common, firearm. The prices listed for most items tend to be several years out of date.



3. I have ll the previous books, I have been waiting for this to come out. A must have for anyone who collects antique gun's.



4. As always, Flayderman presents the best in his guides. Well written and explanations are very accurate. A must for gun collectors and dealers.



5. I have bought 5 prior editions of this book. It is the best antique firearms valuation tool out there and full of interesting information.

3 comments about Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop, Revised.

1. If you want to FORGE a knife this is the book for you....If you want to BUILD a knife===>There are others more suited for that



2. Wayne's first version of this book was the first knifemaking book i purchased. Wayne has guided me and been my mentor and friend from the first (approx 4 yrs ). This latest version is one of the best books a beginner could get. All the fotos and diagrams are in color which greatly helps in understanding the lessons. It has new fotos and diagrams all in color. Although this book has approx same number of pages as the original, it seems to contain 50% more info in it. I would reccommend this book to all knifemakers...beginner and experienced. Definitely a 5 star book.



3. I own both editions of this book. Wayne is a personal friend, and my mentor in knifemaking. It can be intimidating to read some publications and see all the high-tech machinery that some makers use. This book shows that people can develope their passion for making knives without spending a fortune. It is clear and concise, and takes alot of the guesswork out of being a beginner. Wayne learned knifemaking by trial and error, before there were books, magazines and videos on the subject. This book is a must have in the library of any knifemaker. I read mine constantly for reference and inspiration.
   
   Craig "MADKAT"