5 comments about Anchor Hocking's Fire-King & More: Identification & Value Guide, Including Early American Prescut And Wexford (Anchor Hocking's Fire-King and More).

1. The book has a lot of beautiful pictures.It is a good book to know about Fire King items, however I found the price on the book is lower than the one that I see at antique stores these days.



2. This book was very informative. It has wonderful pictures and is a must for any Fire King collector.



3. I recently started collecting Jadite. I found this book to be a valuable resource. Great photos. Good price guide and full of valuable information.



4. This is a great resource for any new collector of Anchor Hocking. I find myself fasinated with this book and it's contents.



5. I HAVE FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE VERY HELPFUL IN IDENTIFING DIFFERENT PIECES OF GLASS.

5 comments about PYREX: The Unauthorized Collector's Guide.

1. Very nice book on Pyrex ware. It is a nice guidebook to have for collectors.



2. First, I want to point out that except for one other of the 7 reviews before mine, all were written previous to 2008--the copyright date of this book. So those reviews DO NOT pertain to this edition; they pertain to earlier editions. I have been using the previous (2002) edition of this book, so I was delighted when I discovered that a 2008 edition was coming out. It has a nice, new updated cover--very appealing. But it looks like that's about all that's changed. From what I can tell, the inside of the book is exactly the same--same pictured items, with no changes that I can see. I assume the prices are updated, although I can't really tell because I can't compare them with the old edition (which was from the library). Even though I got the book on sale, it was a big disappointment and not worth my money--I can go back to the library and get the same old thing!



3. With every book on collectibles people will say or write they couldn't find what they were looking for. This is true with antique and collectibles books but we need to determine if a book of this type is relevant to our needs.
   
   As a seller of antiques and glass collectibles I find the Pyrex "Unauthorized Collector's Guide" has a wealth of information, if you will, a cornucopia of Pyrex history, excellent pictures, descriptions and range of valuation, which should serve the most discerning individual.
   
   I would prefer a hardcover book and that is my only complaint but that's being too snobbish. The glossy pages fill your eyes with cookware, flameware, ovenware, Pyrex colors, glassware and even takes on some unknown patterns. I discovered so much more about Pyrex than I ever expected.
   
   Identification of merchandise is of utmost importance for my online store and the customer should expect that. I am a stickler for accuracy and in a very short time this book has help me merchandise my Pyrex inventory for sale and has encouraged me to look for much more and not be afraid to make future Pyrex investments for my store.
   
   This book will now accompany me on my antiquing journeys and will come in handy when it's time to identify, value, and purchase. It should serve you well in your library for collecting your favorite Pyrex. Indeed!



4. Big fat glossy softcovered waste of my money. Way too many pages on boring items like glass pie plates etc. Soooooo glad I didn't buy book on ebay though--that seller wanted 27 + shipping. The corning ware & vision cookware book is much better then this Pyrex book.



5. The book I ordered arrived in excellent condition and was delivered in a timely fashion.

1 comments about Warman's Fiesta: Identification and Price Guide.

1. THIS BOOK IS A MUST HAVE FOR ALL COLLECTORS OF FIESTA. THE PICTURES ARE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST AND CLEAREST I HAVE EVER COME ACROSS. I HAVE READ ALMOST EVERY BOOK OUT THERE AND THIS ONE IS THE MOST PRECISE. SEE ONE OF THE LARGEST COLLECTIONS IN THE US. EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF BEING ABLE TO IDENTIFY AND PRICE ANY FIESTA WARE YOU COULD EVER FIND. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS BOOK

5 comments about Kitchen Glassware of the Depression Years: Identification & Values (Kitchen Glassware of the Depression Years).

1. I love this book. It's colorful and informative. It was much cheaper than the book store. It arrived in excellent condition.



2. This book goes everywhere with me! I've bought a lot of reference books, and it's definitely one of the best.



3. THIS BOOK IS NOT ONLY A NECESSITY TO USE TO KNOW THE VALUE OF ANTIQUE GLASSWARE, IT SO INTERESTING JUST TO BROWSE THROUGH WITH ALL THE COLORFUL GLASSWARE AND ITEMS YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IN YEARS AND SOME I'VE NEVER SEEN. I'VE REALLY ENJOYED LOOKING AT THIS BOOK OVER AND OVER AGAIN.



4. An excellent resource superior to their book on Oven Ware. I would highly recommend. Lots of pictures and values.



5. I have been using Florence's books for research and pricing. What a world of help and knowledge!!!I recommend this book for those, like me, who are new and need a helping hand and guidance as well as for those who have been in the business for years. My thanks!!!

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!

5 comments about The Fostoria Value Guide.

1. Quiz: What is the size difference between a cookie, cracker, pickle, and a pretzel jar?
   
   Don't know? This book won't help. Many of the listings lack physical measurements, cutting the value of the book in half. This is particularly crucial when looking at stemware and bowls. Unless you carry a measuring cup with you, the capacity in liquid ounces in some listings won't help either. Means you'll have to lug around the other books, defeating the purpose of having a separate Value Guide.
   
   The book seems quite complete otherwise, and has clear pictures/drawings of most patterns so you can verify price tag accuracy. No substitute for a pattern identification book, since that is not the purpose of this book.



2. I found this book very confusing and difficult to use. There are very few colored pictures, and what there are, are not labelled. I would not recommend this book. There has to be a better Fostoria book than this. It also does not have everything that was made in a pattern. You would have a real hard time identifying many Fostoria patterns using this book.



3. There are those who impulsively and passionately buy books on antique and collectible glassware, those who systematically purchase such books for their usefulness, and those who wait for that rare wonderful book to add to their collection. Milbra and Emily, Mother and Daughter, have written a book for ALL of you. Grab your purse, your wallet, your checkbook, your credit card. We're going shopping!

   Why this book, you ask. The shelves are full of reference books. True enough. There are bigger books, books that have more pictures, books that are hard bound and updated every year. You already have those books. Buying THIS book is like buying a piece of Fostoria- crystal, colorful, wonderful to touch, full of history, something from which you must tear your eyes, something you don't want to put down, something valuable.

   Each of the 206 numbered pages has a treasure for you to find. No where will you find more information on the value of your Fostoria pieces. No where can you find references to the 4 previous books so lovingly and gorgeously produced by this team. With this book you have a way to access all 4 previous books in any way you choose.

   From Acanthus, Etching 282 to York, Cutting 707 (almost A to Z), The Fostoria Value Guide is where you find what you are looking for. One hundred years of production by the greatest glass company this country will ever see. What are you waiting for? Need more information? Okay.

   Worried that THE Guide is organized just by etchings or cuttings? Leave your worries behind you. Categories (alphabetically) are imbedded in the treasures, so if you want to look up "Jugs and Tankards", you'll find them after Jubilee and before Juliet. Got a collection of "Figurals"? Find them after Fifth Avenue and before Finger Bowls. Starting a collection of Centerpieces? You'll find an entry just before Century, which kindly redirects you to "Bowls, Centerpieces, and Console Bowls". Have an unnamed blank? Look under "Blank". Collecting an unnamed etch? Look under "Etch". It doesn't get any better than that.

   Still not satisfied? Okay, you've got a beautiful pitcher, which your Aunt Wilma left you. She called it Meadow Flower, you're sure. But there is no listing. What to do? Meadow Rose is close, look there, is that it? Page 109 in THE Guide. You know she got it in 1937, when she was married. That's right, it was made then according to THE Guide. Not sure? THE Guide tells you to look closer in Stemware, page 87. Convinced? Now call your insurance man. That pitcher is worth a lot more than what your Aunt paid for it. How about $350.00 today?

   Still need more? Hard to please or just a discriminating book shopper? How about 16 pages of photographs, advertising, and catalogue pages you haven't seen before. How about an alphabetical guide word at the top of each page, just like a dictionary, so you can move around quickly and easily through the pages? Milbra and Emily aim to please, and they've hit the bull's eye.

   I know you're convinced now. You've seen plenty of other value guides- lifeless, cryptic, colorless, limp, incomplete, poorly bound, an after thought. Who needs them? With this choice you'll enjoy a beautiful, friendly book.

   See you at the store. Or if they are sold out (likely), see you online. You won't go wrong. Have Milbra and Emily let you down thus far? Not even close. Love their books, love them, love Fostoria.




4. This beautiful new book is a worthy companion to the other 4 books in the Crystal for America series by Milbra Long and Emily Seate! It is artfully designed and cleverly organized, so you can quickly find updated values for any Fostoria glassware covered in the four preceding books. Colorful page borders and plenty of illustrations, many in color, make this book easy to use, despite all the numerical information it offers. There is even a section of new information on Fostoria tumblers! This book does not replace the other 4 books -- you need them for indepth information on pieces and patterns, but it is a masterful presentation of updated value information.



5. This is the book I've been waiting for. It puts all the patterns into one book I can carry with me. Since it's in ABC order, patterns are easy to find, and there's picture of a piece or design to jog my memory with each pattern. Lot's of good data packed into one book, plus all the color makes it fun. A must have for Fostoria collectors!

5 comments about Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

1. I've rated this book good, but I've got mixed feelings about it. On one hand it's wonderful! Lots of good info and interesting items featured. It really is a fun read with lots of cool items photographed. But my main concern is the execution of the book. The lighting on many of the photos is very poor for example. They look like they were taken with nothing but regular room lighting, not special lighting I would assume a professional photog would use. So, I'm sort of split down the middle. But I would definately say I'm glad I bought it, even with the split decision!



2. Love, love , love this book. It was exactly what I wanted and so much cheaper than the book store. It arrived very quickly and was in excellent condition.



3. A+++ A must for any collector! Beautifully written, photographed, and illustrated. I can't wait for Ms. Zweig's next book!



4. This is a wonderful book written and illustrated fabulously - dealing in Vintage Kitchenware and Home Collectilbes with our own online web shop, it was a joy to read and savor every page - made us love the eras talked about even more!!
   
   linda
   Evelynne's Oldies But Goodies
   http://www.evelynnesoldiesbutgoodies.com



5. It's a great book but the first time we looked thru it the pages were falling out. Very poor quality binding.

4 comments about Warman's Sterling Silver Flatware: Value & Identification Guide (Encyclopedia of Antiques and Collectibles).

1. This book is a very useful resource if you deal in sterling silver flatware as it provides actual photographs, not drawings of the handles of each patter. The other benefit this book provides is that you can identify the pieces based on size -- and accurately call a piece by the proper name. Each pattern has a list of many available pieces and their value. I use this book alot and bought one for by business partner -- anyone who deals in sterling flatware should have a copy!



2. easy to follow and while this does not have hallmarks or much history, does carry clear pictures of standard patterns and makers. Good for a start and considering how little is out there, not bad.



3. I wish I had read the above review before I spent my money on this book. I think if someone is going to sell an identification "guide" for a specific category of goods and they are only going to cover a representative selection of that category, they should at least be honest about it on the cover. The cover of this one should say "If you only need a few photos from each manufacturer and you don't need makers' marks to help you IDENTIFY your silver, then this book is for you!!!"



4. As an avid collector of sterling silver flatware I am grateful for any new publication relating to pattern identification. Unfortunately, this guide is somewhat disappointing. The pattern illustrations and photographs range in quality from fairly good to down right poor. There is no section on hallmarks, an essential element in the identification of flatware patterns. Warman's guide is primarily a price list. As Moran correctly points out in his introductory remarks, merely a "ballpark" valuation. Nevertheless, while not a definative work, one should consider adding this guide to their sterling flatware reference library.

5 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia Of Fiesta: Other Colored Dinnerware, Post86 Fiesta, Laughlin Art China (Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta).

1. I am brand new at collecting Fiesta Ware. I really enjoyed this book. Great pics. It has been a wealth of info for someone new like me.



2. This is the third book in this series I have purchased by these authors. I like the book a lot.



3. One of worst of the newer "collector" books out there. There isn't even a color chart with the names, you need to deduce them by flipping through all the pages and guessing at collections of variuos colors and doing a process of elimination. Fakes are mentioned, and the author says "you'll know them when you see them". Thanks alot! All the marks aren't even listed. What about newer peices versus old?
   
   Some Encyclopedia, more like ramblings of a collector. The medium green issue is already covered by others, the book mentions it everywhere but gives very little evidence of it (maybe the author has medium green envy?).
   
   Not worth the bargain price spent on it. Certainly not a reference book.
   
   p.s. I give other collector books 5 stars, so I'm not just a grump.



4. I just received the 10th edition copy of Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta, and other related items. The new layout and design are exactly what this edition needed to set it out above the previous ones. It seems the forward is a bit lengthy. Each page is framed in the turquoise color. The new pictures are numerous!! And for those who collect New Fiesta (produced since 1986, the pages for this are expanded to include up thru Scarlet and quite a few of the pieces produced thus far in color pictures. I rate this book at 4 stars for one reason. I feel the prices are inflated and out of line. Yes, there will always be some "rare" items at high prices. There are a fair share of pictures that are the same as previous books as well.



5. The title of this book "Fiesta" can be a little misleading to the novice or seasoned collector. Beyond actual Fiesta and Fiestaware by Homer Laughlin the author's detail company history by delving into Harhequin, Riviera, Mexican lines, Kitchen Kraft, even promotional items and advertising.
   
   For Fiesta identification pieces the pictures and Plate descriptions are very good. Pictures, specifically are very clear and concise while the page quality is excellent. In particular, this book will provide a very wide range of history and the wide variety of products offered by Homer Laughlin Co. over many years. Although the title suggests a book on Fiesta, this portion is limited.
   
   If your looking for price comparisons or rule of thumb the book is weak in this department, it does not effectively handle all colors preferring to provide information strictly on the "hot" collector pieces such as 'medium green.' Of course, prices quoted in books are strictly "guides" as the internet, antique malls and live auctions mix up values on a weekly basis. Current research and personal perspective will be the true guides for market value at any given time.
   
   Fiesta is covered in the first 73 pages of this book (pre/post 1986) and then moves on other topics or products produced. This book would be a fine starter for the novice but additional resources will need to be added for a complete library on Fiesta and Fiestaware.

5 comments about Silverplated Flatware.

1. Please see my review of "Sterling Flatware Identification & Value Guide". This is a good companion guide, but for silverplated flatware. It's just a little more complicated to navigate, as there are so many silverplated patterns, and so many manufacturers. However, once you become familiar with the way it is set up, and with a lot of patience, you can ID silverplated flatware very nicely. I keep both right at hand..can't do without them.



2. This is a great book for collectors of silverplate flatware!! I have worn out one and found another one here on Amazon. Highly reccommend the book and Amazon. Claudia Cope



3. This book helped in the identification and listing the ages of different flatware I have found at yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores. I have shared it with several friends.
   Thank you
   Tom



4. I found many of the patterns I collect covered in Hagan's book. The drawings are large and easy to use to identify your pieces. I also bought Hagan's Sterling Flatware which is set up in a similar manner. You can also use both books to note which patterns you want to search for. The dates given in the books allowed me to note which patterns were contemporary with the china I collect.
   I've looked at other silver identification books and I liked these best.



5. I have owned this book for at least 3 years, it is the most used book I own. If you are interested in identifying many pieces of silver plate, this is the book for you. Very easy to use. I was just on Amazon to see if there was an updated version yet, or I am trying to decide if I should buy a new one. Mine looks ragged, I have used it so much.