5 comments about Matchbox Toys 1947-2003: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys).

1. i can track my collectible item from this catalogue.
   this book help me a lot
   
   thanks
   
   
   ari



2. I collect superfast Matchbox from 1969-present. This book only lists 1-75 (1/64th scale) Matchbox cars which is fine for my use. It is good becasue it lists all models in alphabetical order so you can cross-reference the number (1-75) of the model - most model numbers are not imprinted on late model cars so it is helpful in that respect. However, I found it lacking in the number of variations it listed. There is no consistent differentiation between wheel type (other than RW and SF), interior color, stickers/decals or other minor variations. This guide does not use the same numbering system as Charlie Mack's Encyclopedia (e.g. 14 A 3) making it difficult to have the references compliment each other. This guide does list more recent models where as Charlie Mack's guide is typically long overdue when a new edition comes out. But again, this one is not as complete regarding model variation so you may not know if you are collecting all the variations of a particular model you want in your collection. Another positive point of this book though is that not all pictures are of perfect cars -- the cars in the photos have a little play wear and is more reflective a practical collectors cars rather than some ideal collection most of us will never have. Lastly, in comparison to Charlie Mack's guide, I find it nice becasue most of this book does dedicate it's picture space to the 1-75 models. One of the dissappointments I have found with Mr. Mack's guide is that it lists a lot of subtle variation (i.e. light blue, mid blue and dark blue Soopa Coopa) but does not show pictures on how to tell the difference (neither does this one -- it doesn't even try to differentiate). Also, much of the picture space in Mr. Mack's guide is with models that no one I know really collects (i.e. NOT 1-75 series, super kings and models of yesteryear). I'm still not sure where 1/2 of the pics in Charlie Macks book come from (I've been collecting MB superfast for 20 years) -- perhaps thats why it is called an encyclopedia. Dana Johnson's book simplifies things but does not take it to the next level by any means.
   
   Basically, I use Dana Johnson's book as a supplement to find model numbers so I can look up varaitions in late model cars in Charlie Mack's guide. I do think Mr. Macks guide can be too complete, in that it lists more model variations than most people can possibly collect. However, Dana Johnson's guide is too incomplete. I prefer Mr. Macks guide becasue it lists all known variations and allows me to decide which variations I think are significant to collect.



3. It is amazing to see every single matchbox diecast ever made into production grouped under one title. You can easily assess the value of your cars and hit the road to find precious collectables with this very usefull guide.



4. Interesting book with a bias in its pictures towards Matchbox models released in the last 10 years. Great that it concentrates almost wholly on the 1-75 series Matchbox models which is all I collect. Very useful if combined with other books as a model identification guide, especially as this one is in alphabetical order and up to 2003 year. I would rate it as less than useful in terms its value to me as a price guide. There are better and more accurate books around reflecting international prices especially of the 1953 to 1969 series issues.



5. The benefit of this book is in its arrangement. For the first time in any toy car price guide, models are listed alphabetically by model name, making this the easiest-to-use Matchbox toy collector's guide ever published.

   The only compromise, due to time constraints by the publisher, is that the book only lists three-inch models, which leaves out Major Pack, Kingsize, Models of Yesteryear, Skybusters, and larger Matchbox Collectibles, hence the 4-star rating. This will thankfully be remedied with the release of Volume 2 in 2005.

5 comments about 2008 Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001 to Date (Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date).

1. This animal is good for pointing out many coins that may be missed in the smaller magazines and at trade shows. However it is a catalog, about the size of a phone book and with so few advertisers that they are negligible.
   
   There are no fancy color pictures just coins and lots of them divided into countries; so many coins that it can make your head spin if you are not searching for a particular theme. The shallow part of the book is the depth of time.
   
   This version came out before the Euro however I am collecting Notgeld and trade dollars.
   
   When I write reviews I look for a stumper or two. Well this book passed. I looked up the "Wailbligen 100". Sure as shoot'n there it was with an explanation and references to Porcelain coins.



2. Standard Catalog of World Coins 1901-2000 (Standard Catalog of World Coins)This is a generic catalog. The price was competitive and the shipping reasonable.



3. So here we go again... The second edition of a largely unnecessary book (if Krause could drop the "patterns, pieforts etc." sections in the 20th century volume, the two volumes would fit perfectly in one) which seems quite dated the very moment it is published - only in case of some countries you get issues up to 2005. The policy of dating the catalogue "for the coming year" makes the gap even more painfully visible.
   At the same time the second edition does not fill blank spaces left in the first one. Let me give you just one example - Belarus, a country which issues only commemorative coins in moderate mintages but an impressive number. Let's look up the most popular denomination - copper-nickel 1 rouble. 2001 - 2 out of 4 are missing, 2002 - 4 out of 5, 2003 - listing complete, 2004 - 5 out of 10 missing, 2005 - 1 out of 10, and that is the end. Nothing from 2006 and 2007. You don't believe me? Don't take my word for it, check the website of the National Bank of Belarus. It is in English. The editors apparently did not.
   That's the catch - most of the information this catalog is missing is readily available on the Internet. Updating the catalogue would take a week at most and that would include looking up current coin prices on eBay. Because the prices are just as dated as the rest, they don't take into consideration the rise of silver and gold and the fall of the dollar in relation to other currencies.
   However, so far no one has done it better and that is the saddest part. So if you don't have the week to browse the Internet, and want information on recently issued coins in a reasonably handy volume, go ahead and buy it. Just remember that the editors did not have the week as well, and you, at some point, will have to do their research anyway.



4. If there is a coin started from 1980 until 2006 (this book will not mention that this coin has minted from 1980, it will show this coin's mint from 2001) so from my point view this is confusing - at least should give a note for this.
   so if I don't have books for previous years, 100% I will not know that a particular coin have previous mints.
   
   regards



5. I got two books and shipment was very good. Books arrived in good condition. Thanks.
   Cem Barlok

No comments about Bowers Series: A Guide Book of Peace Dollars.

No comments about HOW TO HUNT TREASURE - Dig It, Dive for It, or Buy It: A Guide to Adventure and Profit.

5 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls 1900-1950: Identification and Values (Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls).

1. Very informative on what composition dolls are all about. The list of doll makers was also very descriptive with excellent photography to help determine the type of doll you are looking up.



2. This book is excellent for all doll collector's Filled with pictures to help identify faces. This is book will stay in your library and pass on to the next generation.
   You will be glad you bought it
   Julie Nye



3. Excellent book-Well organized by years, showing top quality photos of American compo. dolls. Highly recommend!



4. I have the other Ursula R. Mertz book on compo dolls and both are just great! I would recommend both books!
   
   1) Photos: Large, bright, highly detailed!
   
   2) Descriptions: Very accurate. Ursula is probably one of the most knowledgeable people on this subject around today!
   
   3) Well written. Well researched.



5. The photographs in this book are outstanding and very helpful when trying to identify a doll. Ms. Mertz has outdone herself in the information she provides in this book. I especially like the closeup photos of the dolls' heads because it is so helpful when trying to identify unmarked dolls without original clothing. This book is a joy to read, and I have kept it on my chair side table in close reach so that I can enjoy it every time I sit down for a break.

3 comments about Antique Trader Limoges Price Guide.

1. Two hundred and forty pages of color photographs illustrate why the Limoges porcelain has been a favorite of collectors for more than two centuries. The many kinds of Limoges pieces are grouped in their own chapters--brooches, charges, cider pitchers, fish sets inkwells, punch bowls, and others; for thirty chapters in all. Many readers will be surprised at the great variety of Limoges pieces. There is wide decorative variety within each type too. Although each piece is distinguished by detail and rich coloration. Captions for each piece include identification, a note on the coloration (mostly underglaze or overglaze), factory marking, and in most cases a current value. The 26-page appendix Limoges Factory Markings or Backstamps groups hundreds by periods of years with pictures of each one. The author Debby Dubay is a widely recognized expert on Limoges porcelain who has written previous studies and price guides.



2. Antique Trader Limoges Price Guide by Debby DuBay is fantastic! The only price guide in paper back form on Limoges porcelain. A beautiful book with hundreds of colored photographs of unique pieces of antique Limoges porcelain. The quality of this paper back book is outstanding. A wonderful price guide. Each piece has a current value - DuBay is a member of the Appraisers Assoc of America and is a USPAP appraiser - found by using the comparative market data approach. Each piece has a complete description that correlates with the marks section in the back of the book. Each factory has been researched and their actual marks are photographed and the dates of their use are annotated. Using this easy to read Price Guide a collector can research their pieces; identify which factory produced the piece, date the piece, find the back stamp and marks, know the exact use of the piece, determine if a piece is handpainted piece or transferware or decal and determine the exact value of the piece. I have attended several seminars by Debby DuBay and her enthusiasm is contagious and she is always available to assist and appraise. I recommend the Antique Trader Limoges Price Guide and if you have further questions on your piece I recommend you contact Debby DuBay at 20 Post Office Avenue, Andover, MA 01810 or call her (978) 470-8773.



3. Antique Trader Limoges Price Guide by Debby DuBay is a wonderful field price guide with over EIGHT HUNDRED photographs of Limoges pieces with prices and complete descriptions. A complete marks section covers all of the Limoges factory marks and backstamps including common reproduction marks. This book has a great chapter on valuation and another on identifying your pieces. In addtion - new documented research by DuBay and her researcher geneologist - on the American artist - specifically E. Miler.
   
   I love Debby DuBay's books on Limoges! This one is just as beautiful, in an easy to carry format with new information and completely different colored photographs of unique pieces of Limoges (and at this price is a must!)

2 comments about Table Decor: Festive Occasions, Weddings, & Other Special Events.

1. through table decor land. Rooney makes it all look so easy. I had never thought of using my collections of things before -- my frogs, candlestocks, or even my snowmen--to make dazzing centerpieces. I've discovered how to save a fortune on flowers and make my tables look much more fascinating. Thoroughly recommend this book. Great pics, great background info, anyone who entertains should own it!



2. I have ordered this book for several of my nieces and nephews -- it is packed with information and great tips about taking what you have and using it imaginatively. I especially loved the baby shower using the Hummel figures. So many people just keep them on a shelf covered with dust. Here, they are used with panache! Lovely ideas for weddings, dinner parties, holidays -- and some fun tips and great history . I never knew that the Queen of France may have been the inspiration for champagne glasses! Now I won't have to order flowers each time we entertain

5 comments about Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide.

1. If you are going to buy only one price guide on antiques, buy this one...and buy a new one every year. I use this constantly ~ it is well written, well documented and has numerous references. It covers a daunting array of items thoroughly and interestingly. The background information at the beginning of each heading is worth the price of admission alone.



2. While the book is huge and covers a vast number of items, I have yet to find an item in it that I need to identify/value. It's a good resource for a general feel of how to price items/what items should cost. I tend to rely on more specialized/collector's books instead of this one. In fact, I don't believe that I have opened this book in a year.



3. Good book but a lot left out, Mostly rare or hard to find items are covered and from not all makers. Still a good book for the more advanced collector.



4. We have used Schroeder's Antique Price guide for many years. We always look forward to the newest issue as we use it on a very frequent basis. It is written in concise and clear terms, well documented with many reference sites also listed in clear, easy directories. Amazon offered this guide at the best value we could locate online or offline. Thank you Amazon.
   
   Thank you,
   Mary & Les



5. This is a fabulous guide, especially for the beginner. I have found it to be one of the most helpful price guides which I have purchased and I have a lot of them.

5 comments about American Character Dolls: Identification & Value Guide.

1. This is a great detailed book featuring many of the beloved American Character dolls! It has helped me tremendously with my doll collection.



2. Very nice book & lots of information i have been looking for these past few years.



3. You can order an autographed copy directly from Judith by going to: www.americancharacterdolls.com
   
   You cannot buy an autographed copy through Amazon.



4. A most comprehensive and well-researched book! Having contributed to the Tressy section of the book (look for pics from my collection!), I must say that this guide is a must have for Tressy collectors as well as for those who collect other American character dolls.



5. Judith Izen has written another wonderful book! For collectors of American Character dolls, it's a book that needs to be on your bookshelf. It's well written and researched with great photographs. We can only hope that Ms. Izen will continue to share her love and knowledge of dolls with more books.

5 comments about Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide (Antique Trader Book Collectors Price Guide).

1. The expanded new edition of a classic book collector's market guide provides full color and plenty of detail, updating prices for over 5,000 books and using charts to help identify first editions --which can be a tricky process, as publisher's marks vary from publisher to publisher. A new chapter on children's books has been added, while Top Ten lists of rarities and an alpha listing by author makes it quick and easy to use this as a take-along tote for flea market ventures.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. I bought, then returned this book. It may be a fine book for some but the word "Antique" in the title is deceptive. I am interested in antique books. Considering the fact that books have been published for centuries, a shotgun listing of books of relatively recent vintage may serve some well but was useless to me. Sorry, Mr. Russell. Better lose the "Antique Trader" title if you have another printing.



3. Lighten up a little, guys. The book is THREE years old, fer chrissakes! NO book, even Ahreans, is going to cover everything AND continually be up-to-date on the fluctuations of the market (and market values), but each reference book you purchase adds a little something to your knowledge based, and this one does as well. The chapter on pseud.s adds yet another dimension to the book seller's (and/or collector's) knowledge.



4. This book is very helpful to me as I buy and sell used books.



5. So many times I have purchased books that promise the information I will need to be knowledgable about a subject. And so many times it is an empty promise.

   Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide makes no empty promises. It's filled with accessible information that informs the reader on this complex subject. I've not found one easier to use.

   If you are interested in collecting or selling books, this guide belongs in your library.