1 comments about Schroeder's Collectible Toys, Antique to Modern Price Guide - 2008: Identification & Values of over 20,000 Collectible Toys (Schroeder's Collectible Toys).

1. I have found this book to be very helpful in my study of toys. I am a novice and have learned what to look for in buying a modern or antique toy. This book has saved me from buying reproductions and how to guage a price for the real thing. I also just like looking thourgh it, takes me back to my childhood and revist Christmas past. Nice reference or just fun reading. Recommend.

5 comments about Identifying American Brilliant Cut Glass (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Being an Avid Dorflinger Cut glass collector..This book has helped me more than once when at a show or estate sale. Recommend highly...Only have one small problem...Lack of index makes it tougher to find patterns...but all in all..great book



2. Book was well written. price was reasonable. It is a good book for beginning collectors and general information on Brilliant Cut Glass.



3. The book is in great shape and exactly what I was looking for to help e identify different items of cut glass in my store.
   
   Thank you
   Tom



4. This is a must-have book for ABP cut glass collectors. This revision corrects many errors, mis-identifications from the earlier versions. It has exactly the same photos as the previous versions but the print IDs and captions seem to incorporate most of the corrections listed earlier by ACGA and glass researchers in other publications.



5. Bill and Louise Boggess provide the revised 5th edition of Identifying American Brilliant Cut Glass, updating prices and adding even more photos to this glass history and reference. Take it to auctions and antique shops, or along to garage sales, but also read it for leisure: tips include how to analyze a pattern and match it to a catalog or book picture. Invaluable reference information.

5 comments about Warman's Bottles Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides Bottles: Values & Identification).

1. The book came within a certain time period as stated and was in great shape . I would recommend by from this individual again in the future .



2. I know bottles...I dig them and I sell them at all the bottle shows in NY,NJ,PA,CT area. I am a professional and am very knowlegable on bottle collecting and appraisals of all kinds. DON'T be fooled by the fancy pictures and the fact it is endorced by Antique Trader. They trusted that he knew what he was talking about when they printed 15,000 copies. They were wrong!
   THERE ARE SO MANY MISTAKEs IN THIS BOOK ON IDENTIFICATION AND PRICING THAT ANYONE IN THE BOTTLE COLLECTING SELLING BUSINESS WILL NOT BUY THE BOOK. I spoke with the author at a recent bottle show where he was selling his book and he refused to acknowlege his own blatent and foolist mistakes through the ENTIRE BOOK which is down right embarassing if you ask me. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!



3. Good general info about bottle basics & collecting. Lots of pics of bottles you will never see at fleas or garage sales & probably very rarely at antique shows or stores. Could do with more pricing examples and fewer full page pics.



4. This book was missing pages 65 to 96. Just noticed this when using it. Book itself was okay but the pages missing were of beer bottles of which I have a few and wanted to check know that I am retired and have the time to devote to this hobby.



5. Not very useful with superficial info. Not much value for the price.

3 comments about O'Brien's Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks 4th Edition (Paperback) (Collecting Toy Cars & Trucks).

1. For Matchboxes, very difficult to find and reasearch based on a proprietary numbering system. Numbering system not clearly articulated in overview. I had to purchase a new "Matchbox specific" guide from another publisher.



2. Information seems to be well organized and spelled out, but was disappointed that there were so few color pictures.



3. I've found most everything I was looking for all in one source! If you like collecting cars and trucks, you must have this book!

3 comments about American Pattern Glass Table Sets: Identification & Value Guide (Collector's Guide).

1. I own a lot of identification and value guides. I found this one to be laid out very well and easy to use. Great photos.



2. Gene and Cathy Florence's AMERICAN PATTERN GLASS TABLE SETS is a fine recommendation for avid collectors of American pattern glass. Excellent, good-sized color photos of glass sets are accompanied by the latest values and by notes on makers, patterns and reproductions, making for an excellent reference.



3. After seeing a preview of this book at a glass show a few months ago, I anxiously awaited the publication. It exceeded my expectations when it arrived in the mail today!
   
   The pictures are fabulous (by FAR the best photos in any reference book on EAPG). Patterns and colors are well defined in the photos where previous EAPG guides did not quite hit the mark. Pricing is up-to-date and accurate. Pattern information is concise yet informative(and I am learning more every time I flip through it).
   
   You can tell that the author and coordinators poured their hearts (and glass collection!) into publishing this book. You get a little more "collecting fever" just by looking at this book.
   
   While this book focuses mainly on table sets it in my mind is now the essential reference guide on EAPG.

3 comments about Passion for Detail, A.

1. Studying Charlotte Moss' technique is a must for those who are designers and also for those who are developing their own design style. It is foreseeable that not everyone would covet EVERY Moss design, but it is admirable how her philosophy seems to center on a way of living, and showcasing your life, rather than merely decorating.
   
   In her first book, A Passion For Detail, the theme is obviously denoted by the title. The book provides a great introduction and insight into Moss' technique and design style - heavy on the accessories and patterns (some might call it cluttered), but the decor is nonetheless tasteful and very calculated. Moss aims to surround herself, and those for whom she designs, with the things they love. Even if this technique amounts to a lot of "things."
   
   The book is thematic and conveniently divided into five sections, but at times, the chapters themselves are a bit disjointed and the chapter themes, while vaguely associated with the pictures, do not seem very cohesive as the pictures jump around from house to house.
   
   If you are looking for a how-to decorate book, this is not the book for you. Chapter Five briefly touches on Moss' technique, but it is more a study the pictures and learn type of book. You could reproduce the design strategy, but most of Moss' accessories are a bit out of the average price range and the style of decor is a bit impractical for most of us. But, even if you are scared by Moss' designs, this is still an important read for design fanatics, as you can still learn from her technique. The most prevalent lesson from the book is this: design is about style and taste, but it is also about surrounding yourself with the things you love.



2. Ever heard the phrase "it's all in the details?" Ever wonder just how homes that grace the pages of the best shelter magazines ever get chosen in the first place? What's right, what's wrong, how can I get my home to put on its best face? What style is really me? Former Wall-Streeter Charlotte Moss, now a well published interior decorator, builds a great argument for discovering then developing a personal interior vision. Her stylishly decorated images ooze of self-confidence and clarity of thought. Well chosen fabrics and accessories, complete with understanding and ideas behind their choices reveal insight and a good sense of humor too. Moss notes that everyone has a passion for something, and that these passions are forms of self-expression. Comfort, style, values and personality are telling signals of the quality of lives we lead. In our daily frenzied routines, Moss advocates looking at your own home from a different perspective. The book's mission promises that a more relaxed and confident home will emerge. Mission accomplished!



3. I have read Charlotte's book, "Creating A Room", and prefer it while re-decorating. "A Passion for Detail" is a "look book" and sometimes a little too precious for the average household. But it is nice escapism

5 comments about Bolt Action Rifles.

1. Let me say that i have had the 3rd edition of this book for 10 years or so and that it is one of my most treasured reference books.
   When i ordered this one, i was expecting an expanded edition in its true sense: Reviews and detailed analysis of bolt actions that had in the meanwhile come to the market, NAMELY the ones on the front cover,the Blaser R93 and the Sauer 200-202 ! Also updates on the CZ-Brno section including the 550 series.
   
   The core content is basically the same, the excellent work done by the late Frank de Haas, already present in past editions.But the title is loosing its place as a major reference work due to the lack of new entries.
   
   Its like when you buy the latest edition of "cartridges of the world" when you had an older edition. you expect most of the newcomer cartridges to be featured. The short magnums, the .17HMR, and so on.



2. I have always been interested in rifles and have collected and shot many different types of rifles ranging from muzzle-loaders to assault rifles. My abiding favorites for hunting and shooting are bolt-action repeaters and Frank de Haas' excellent book is a treasure trove of information.
   
   There are probably some bolt action repeaters that de Haas has omitted, but I am not aware of them. I should explain that he does not include straight-pull bolt actions, just turn-bolt repeaters.
   
   That might be a problem for some Swiss or Austrian shooters and collectors, but they can get SWISS MAGAZINE LOADING RIFLES 1869 TO 1958 by Joe Poyer or MANNLICHER MODEL 95 translated by Terence W. Lapin for those rifles.
   
   The book is well written, well illustrated with black & white photographs and line drawings. I gave it five stars and have always found it to be a great reference for bolt action rifles.



3. I have taken my guns apart and looked at the design, but now I am learning more about my guns with this book.
   
   De Haas can take guns apart, see more, and write more than I can for myself.
   
   If you have a zillion bolt action rifles, get this book and read about what you have got.
   
   De Haas lists advantages and disadvantages of each rifle design. This is not light reading from some stupid gun writer, this is like engineering, and may be too much for some readers.
   
   700 pages, and he shows drawings of the threads and shanks of the barrels, for those into re barreling.



4. I have the older 2nd edition of this book, and it is one of the most dog-eared volumes in my library.

   Sometimes the author is not quite as technical as I might like. For example, he frequently asserts that this or that old military action "must have been" made out of high-grade steel without having done any actual analysis or even hardness testing of the material in question. But, his descriptions do convey at least as much information about the many designs covered as I would have gotten if I had the chance to disassemble and study them all myself. I don't have a hardness tester either.

   The book is generally well written and fun to read.

   If you're thinking about buying a modern sporting rifle, you might want to read this and compare the various designs before you lay down your money. If you enjoy sporterizing old military junkers, collecting old military classics, or just lurking around gun shows, you need this book.




5. This is one of the frequently-quoted "classics" in the field of firearms literature (first edition was in 1971). But even a classic deserves a critical review, such as to determine its (remaining) usefulness, and its strengthes and weaknesses.

   This book is not a true encyclopedia of rifles; for such a purpose, a work like John Walter's "Rifles of the World" (or, formerly, W.H.B. Smith's now outdated "Book of Rifles") would be more comprehensive. It is mainly a thorough (528 pp.) technical treatise on most of the major military (17) and civilian (56) rifle actions. Its strength lies in the very good and very thorough technical descriptions, instructions for disassembly, hints for reworking and sporterizing. Nevertheless, the book also contains a remarkable amount of historical and general information; it is therefore suitable not only for the professional and amateur gunsmith, but also for any hunter or collector who wishes to gain a more thorough understanding of his gun, and who contemplates acquiring a new one.

   De Haas' language is clear and simple, not without an occasional touch of humour. The author's modesty and willingness to acknowledge some limits of knowledge in such a vast field are remarkable and greatly underline his general credibility and experience.

   Small drawbacks of the book are the generally mediocre quality of illustrations (while often okay, they are sometimes dark, sometimes downright blotchy). The bibliography is limited to articles in the "American Rifleman" and "Gun Digest", and an expanded edition would be appreciated. And some commercial German rifle actions might be added.

4 comments about Collecting Victorian Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide.

1. The 'historical' background is at elementary school level. Many of the photos are in poor quality, with no zoom in whatsoever. The index is basic and lacking and as the book is chronologically arranged, that's unhelpful.
   It can give a very basic and limited idea about the subject but nothing more.



2. Yet another book by prolific jewellery writer C. Jeanenne Bell. In this book, Bell deals exclusively with Victorian jewellery, that is jewellery produced in England, America and France during the period from 1837 to 1901. This book is primarily a catalogue of Victorian jewellery, with full color photos and prices at the time of publication, interspersed with text that attempts to place the jewellery in a historical context with respect to events and fashions. Unlike some books, which only show the jewelley of royalty, this book shows items which would suit a range of budgets.
   
   This book is primarily aimed at dealers and those wishing to collect jewellery from the Victorian era. However, with over 700 full colour photos (according to the back cover), this is also a great coffee table book for those wanting to look at beautiful things and dream.



3. It was intersting reading. More on style, than on collecting. Interesting if you like history. Lots to learn. And a true collector neds to learn alot.



4. Gemologist C. Jeanenne Bell presents Collecting Victorian Jewelry: Identification And Price Guide, a full-color showcase of the distinctive jewelry of the Victorian era. Vintage photographs and artwork as well as close-up detailed of pieces, extensive price information, tips on discerning real pieces from imitation and general background information on gemstones and fashion of the time fill this lavish volume. A "must-have" for antique jewelry collectors, and recommended for anyone interested in seeing these wondrous works of art and adornment up close.

3 comments about Automobiles of the Chrome Age: 1946-1960.

1. Have autos looked any better than Michael Furman's stunning photos, I doubt it. These vehicles look just perfect with liquid looking bodywork and perfect chrome, in fact they probably look better than ones just off the assembly line. This is fine art photography and if you wonder how the 'Furman look' is achieved there is a clue on his website. Click on BIO and you'll see a shot of his studio with an amazing looking light panel hovering over what looks like a very small car. It seems to me that his controlled lighting source is the key and when digital images are printed on quality paper with a 200dpi screen you'll see the perfect picture as on these pages.
   
   The choice of cars seems rather arbitrary, classics like the 56 Austin-Healy, the 58 Ferrari Testa Rosa or the 59 Cadillac Eldorado are a few page turns from possibly the ugliest chrome grill ever of the 51 Hudson Hornet or the bubblegum styling and color scheme of the 56 Ford Crown Skyliner. As well as whole cars there are plenty of lovely close-ups of logos and styling features, the fins of the 48 and 59 Cadillacs, a Buick 49 Dyna-Flow trunk handle or the hood ornament of a 57 Oldsmobile Super 88. Furman's photography can make any vehicle sparkle.
   
   Awe-inspiring as all these photos are I was very disappointed with the book because it is the wrong shape. There are seventy-one side shots of cars and they clearly don't fit an upright page. They rightly have generous margins left and right which means they are even smaller still on the page. If the book had been turned sideways into a landscape format it would perfectly complement these profile photos so instead of being small and surrounded by too much white space the existing ones would be three or four times larger. Another advantage would be to avoid the middle of the book splitting those shots that do extend over a spread. Also, for a lavish photobook it has the usual conceit of placing all the captions on back pages but because of the wrong shape there is plenty of white space on each page for the captions to be set in some elegant typography.
   
   Michael Furman takes beautiful auto photographs and it is unfortunate that this book does not give them the exposure they rightly deserve.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.
   
   
   
   
   
   



2. This book is another loving tribute to those classic autos that can send shivers up your spine sometimes, they're so cool. I simply cannot see how Mike's photography can be improved upon in any way, shape or form. Buy this; you won't regreat it, promise.



3. Micheal Furman created an amazing collection of car photography. You're taken by the beauty of the different design of the era. Excellent gift for any car enthusiast.

5 comments about Collectible Cups and Saucers: Identification and Values (Book 3, Collectible Cups and Saucers).

1. The layoutis fantastic. A person is able to find and see the information they are looking for. Being in color is an absolute necessity. I have read thru the book several times. It is a valuable tool in collection. Thank you very much. Kay Brashers.



2. Too bad someone didn't bother to edit this book - especially as it is a SECOND EDITION! It not only is missing 20 pgs (in the early 100s from what I recall - I sent book back and hope for a refund), it also had 20 duplicate pages! I can't believe NO ONE here who raved about this book noticed this! It's one thing to buy it and get pleaure looking at pictures of someone's pretty cups, but quite another when you are doing research and spending money on books! Checking for brands in the index and not finding a page listed is how I found this gross error! A lot of cups would have been covered on those 20 missing pages. The seller I purchased book from said "it was publishing error and not picked up on reprint" and had the nerve to ask ME to "let him know if I find one that was corrected" as he said all books are like this. Unless the seller is misrepresenting...I say "BOO" to the editors/publishers - no excuse on 2nd edition!)



3. This book is fantastic, beautiful pictures. A pleasure to just look through. Very happy with this purchase!!



4. This book is great for finding different cup and saucer types.
   I would like to have had more information on pottery markings included in the book. Wish the authors had a web-site for questions.



5. The first book I've purchased on tea cup collecting. The gorgeous photos alone taught me a great deal about the art and fun of collecting tea cups. I've enjoyed every page. When the world is so frustrating during the day I can't quite concentrate on reading weightier matters, I pick up this book and lose myself in the gracious and lovely world of tea cup collecting. A big thanks to the authors!