No comments about The Wonderful World of Nippon Porcelain, 1891-1921.

3 comments about Spode & Copeland: Over Two Hundred Years Of Fine China And Porcelain (Schiffer Book for Collectors with Price Guide).

1. A great info. package of patterns which are unusual to this area of the USA.



2. Found this book very helpful in dating my Copeland Spode pieces. Pictures are excellent. Helpful historical account as well.



3. Steven Smith's book presents the information on his subject with all the characteristics of quality one would expect from a knowledgeable and experienced collector.
   Details, descriptions and outstanding photographs along with it's clear and sensible organization make it a valuable addition to serious collectors, dealers and appraisers who have an on-going need for specific reference materials.
   It was an easy choice to give it the highest possible mark

3 comments about Covered Animal Dishes.

1. I was disappointed that the binding of my copy of this fell apart the first time I used the book- about half of the pages fell out!
   
   The photos are nice, but they aren't consistently identified (readers want to know if glass is new or old, so manufacturers matter even to the most casual collector).
   
   Finally, if you buy this book for the great photos, be sure to visit the website of the National Milk Glass Collectors society-- they have a handy downloadable list of corrections for this book. There are a lot of factual errors in this book which you will want to be aware of.



2. This books loses stars for two reason. The first reason being the book has too many non-animal covered dishes. A book titled ANIMAL COVERED DISHES should be just that! The second reason is the lack of in-depth information regarding the makers of the various dishes displayed. Many times the examples given are not always helpful considering the wide range of reproduction on the market. One never gets the feeling Grist writes about these dishes out of interest rather than the monetary value they possess. Kudos are given for the large pictures, clearly photographed and nicely captioned. Perhaps more of the space could have been used for information? More of a coffee table book than a collector's guide.



3. Everett Grist's Covered Animal Dishes provides an excellent visual display with the nearly full-page color photos in front and the values listed in back. This makes for easy identification of styles and makers.

2 comments about Oyster Plates.

1. Although the 2 plates I have are not featured in the book, there are pages and pages of color pictures and information that are really informative. There is also a chapter or two on oyster "trivia". For the price, this book should be a hardback, but otherwise the content is relavent and beautifully laid out. I highly recommend it to anyone who is even thinking about starting a collection. I never dreamed there were so many exotic oyster plates from so many different places!



2. This book contains 150 pages of beautiful color photographs as well as an easy to use index section. It is an excellent source for identification of these very collectible plates, and even gives a rarity guide. Provides information on the manufacturers, as well. An invaluable guide to the oyster plate collector!!!!

5 comments about Franciscan: An American Dinnerware Tradition.

1. My Father was the last Dinnerware Plant Manager for Franciscan China while it was still made in California. This book included alot of Franciscan China that is usually left out. I recommeded this book to my Father, who bought it and loved it too.



2. Excellent material, but I wish the colors were more vivid and true to the real colors of the pottery. I recommend the book because it has a wealth of information for anyone who enjoys learning about all the patterns and their history. It would be a wonderful addition to the library of a collector or anyone interested in California pottery.



3. Great resource. If you're a collector, BUY THIS BOOK. The pricing guide is an amazing reference for rare and uncommon pieces.



4. The book is well written and I've learned quite a bit. However, I don't like that there isn't a photo of every piece (like the child's plate) or how to tell the difference between a casserole and a covered vegetable. I also didn't like that the price guide doesn't break down the year the item was made, just prices of American made, and made in England. Is one made in 1941 worth more than one in 1980??? The book and the guide doesn't say. I also felt as though it was CLEARLY written from a SALES perspective, complete with a photo of The Replacements headquarters on the back cover!



5. This is probably the best book on Franciscan dinnerware around. It gives a lot of information on the company, it's history etc. I would have liked to see more information and photos on the handpainted items, namely the Apple and Desert Rose varieties. There are only a few pages devoted exclusively to them. There is a price guide included that covers most of the items, although it doesn't show photos of each piece. I think it's a pretty good book though and I'm glad I bought it.

1 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Lefton China/Identification & Values.

1. I was disappointed in this book. Beautiful pictures and ok info, but not enough examples of Lefton china. I have several inherited pieces which are clearly marked. Found only 1 in this book. I guess if you can afford to buy a large library of hardback books, finally you find what you are looking for.

No comments about Goddens Guide to Ironstone, Stone and Granite Ware.

No comments about Homer Laughlin China: 1940S & 1950s (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

2 comments about Porcelain Repair and Restoration.

1. A very good and complete book covering everything for the restorer of ceramics. Would've given 4 and a half stars if possible. The half a star off is because I still had unanswered questions after reading the book and because there is some professional mumbo jumbo in there I don't understand.
   
   But on the whole, just a good book.



2. Good book, but doesn't have information about non-toxic restoration products. Healthy repair products are a serious concern. You can find the non-toxic products at www.antqrx.com or call (515) 832-2437.

2 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Noritake.

1. Joan VanPatten's book is not for the china pattern enthusiast. This book is for serious Noritake collectors who want to see the broad range of products this fantastic factory produced in its early years.

   This book only focuses on the "pre-war" years when Noritake's products were first being imported into the US and other nations. Joan's book provides excellent backstamp references so you know what you are buying as well as to know what the reproductions look like so you don't get taken.

   You will see the eye-popping best of the best you may only see available on ebay or at a Nippon show. However, once you know what to look for and are educated; you can pick up some incredible deals from antique dealers or garage sales because you know what you are looking for.

   The down sides, some of the pictures in this book are replicated in her other books. The price sheet is in the back at the book...very irritating when you are going back and forth from picture to price sheet to learn values of items.




2. Nice reference book, easy to follow with a price guide in the back. Unfortunatly, it has a limited number of patterns represented and no information on the types of pieces available for all but 4 or 5 patterns. I purchased this book hoping to learn more about the Rosemarie #6044 pattern I inherited from my father, but will have to try again with a different reference. I ended up keeping it for the information on patterns from the 1920's. It's helped me identify a Morimura Luncheon set from 1922 and other Noritake items I've purchased. The book also contains some limited information on old advertisements and some care suggestions for fine china.