3 comments about New Handbook of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks.

1. This is the essential book if you collect English pottery. I have found it useful as both a collector and dealer. In fact, my old hardbound copy is falling to pieces from use. I am so glad to have this paperback edition for day to day reference. Dr. Godden has tapped sources for mark information that no one else has used. Everyone copies from him.



2. I have several books on pottery. This is the worst. I almost never find the marks I need to find, while the other reference books I have DO have them. I do not recommend this book!



3. Geoffrey A. Godden did it again! A book highly recommended for collectors of pottery. Very informative & from a legend of marks. Plus its in a handy paperback form. If you collect, own your own shop, or write collector's books this is a must have for you! Thank you for writing this wonderful book!

1 comments about Lefton China: Old and New.

1. I'm an amatuer collector of animal figurines and planters. just getting started and with the aid of this book I am able to identify my purchases. It helps me tremendously in satisfying my curiosity about each piece. This is the second book I own by the same author, and I plan on getting the others. Of course, there are way too many items out there to all be decribed in just a few books.

3 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Nippon Porcelain w/ Price Guide : Updated, Series 5 (of 5 Series Set).

1. The pictures are exquisite, but as a new collector, I was somewhat lost. I guess the idea is to buy all 5 books. I really don't like the question and answer format. So much of the information there and elsewhere is irrelevant.



2. This is a wonderfully informative book on the popular collecting field of Nippon Porcelain. More than half the book is brilliant color photos of a wide variety of pieces with dimensions & estimated retail prices.

   What sets this book apart though is the wealth of information for collectors. There is a history of Nippon Porcelain & an insightful section of frequently asked questions. Themes including baseball, dogs & dolls are highlighted.

   I especially enjoyed the original documents reproduced here including early ads with items selling for pennies, design patents, beautiful hand painted salesman sample pages and complete selection of back-stamp marks.

   There is a well illustrated section on the dangerous reproductions now entering the market and many more tips to aid the new or experienced collector. This is a truly indispensable reference on Nippon.




3. The 5th series highlights moriage swans and enameling. Reproduction section is more extensive and updated. There is also a section depicting the style evolution of nippon to further help identify and date items. A MUST for all nippon collectors and dealers.

2 comments about French Faience: Fantaisie Et Populaire of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries.

1. FRENCH FAIENCE covers many of the major factories in France and gives brief histories, descriptions of wares, photos, and a guide to the maker's marks. If you're collecting any of these potteries - Quimper, Malicorne, Desvres, etc., you should have this book in your reference library.



2. This is a very well rounded book on french faience. It covers several faience companies and has an index with identification marks. I would definately recommend this book to any french faience collector.

1 comments about Royal Delft: A Guide to De Porceleyne Fles (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Royal Delft: A Guide to De Porceleyne Fles (Schiffer Book for Collectors)An excellent book for anyone interested in collecting ortiginal delft plates, etc.

5 comments about Mustache Cups: Timeless Victorian Treasures.

1. If you collect mustache cups--you need this valuable collector's guide. Written in an enjoyable format, the book gives hundreds of colorful pictures of mustache cups and saucers from around the world. There are pages of valuable potters marks to check your own with. There is even a section on quadruple plate mustache cups and marks. The history of the cups is great. And, best of all, there is a price/value guide for each cup. Now I know what my collection is worth! I'm so glad that this book has finally been written. Thank you, thank you, thank you!



2. A great place for both new and old collectors a like to find information! The detailed photo's are as much of a pleasure to look at as the text is to read. I only wish the Young family would send their collection on tour!



3. Not since Dorothy Hammond's 1972 book on Mustache Cups has anyone written on this subject. Pauline and Glenn are to be congratulated for producing this fine publication which, in my opinion, is long overdue.

   The book is split into chapters dealing with the different types of cups and saucers and it is well illustrated with detailed photographs. No matter how many pictures the book has, though, there never seems to be enough of them and they leave you wanting more. One chapter that I particularly found useful deals with manufacturer's marks. This is an excellent reference section that should help date most marked pieces in any collection.

   The authors have included valuations on most pieces which they explained should act as only a guide to real market prices. The problem with listing valuations, which Dorothy Hammond also acknowledged, is that prices may soon become out of date or not be truly reflective of the actual market prices when one considers the multitude of styles, types and condition of pieces that exist.

   I know that the authors are considering a second edition: I hope they succeed.




4. AS A COLLECTOR AND SON OF A COLLECTOR I CAN SAY WITHOUT THIS BOOK YOU WILL BE LOST. THE SECTION ON THE MARKS COULD STAND ALONE. FOR US COLLECTORS THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN SEEING WHAT ITEM COME "OUT OF THE CLOSET" AND INTO THE MARKET!COMPLAINT, THE SECTION ON SILVER CUPS IS TO SMALL.



5. This is the most comprehensive book ever written about mustache cups, their history, age, and value. The photography is excellent. Not since 1972, when Dorothy Hammond published her book, has a book shown the pictures, dates, descriptions,condition, the backstamp and the value. Their book includes wonderful sets and groupings; silver cups/saucers and their marks; reproductions and fakes; and a wonderful chapter on available accessories.

   Paula & Glenn should win an award for this one!

2 comments about The Collector's Encyclopedia of Noritake (Second Series).

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.

No comments about Lund's Bristol and Early Worcester Porcelain 1750-: The A.J. Smith Collection.

2 comments about Warman's English & Continental Pottery & Porcelain (Warman's English and Continental Pottery and Porcelain).

1. This is a great book! A must have!! All the books by authors Susan and Al Bagdade are excellent.



2. This is an excellent reference book! It is in black and white with some pictures and a decent price list. The best thing about this book is the broad range of porcelain manufacturers listed and the histories, other references and collecting hints. Items are listed with good descriptions and price list. It also contains marks. It lists individual manufacturers and also gives histories on manufactureing areas. Altogether a very good book and valuable to porcelain collectors!

5 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of R.S. Prussia: Fourth Series.

1. This is an excellent book! I teach an antique porcelain class and found it useful to gain expertise quickly. This book is successfully used by appraisers, dealers, collectors and teachers. I have read many porcelain books, and this one was one of the easiest to read and understand. It was well organized and contained a good variety of the styles and characteristics of RS Prussia.

   All four volumes are needed to identify pieces, although Ms. Gaston provides a shape guide to help date pieces not pictured.

   What I'd like to see in the next book is 1) clarification on how the marks were made, i.e., printed over or under glaze, 2) the types of glazes used (and were pieces refired) 3)repeat of history with changes incorporated, verses the new and updated info section. The history only appears fully in the ist volume.




2. Okay- I admit it. I did not have a room full of R.S.Prussia china to reference when I bought this book. I just loved the pictures and had to have it! I can dream a little dream and imagine finding a portrait bowl or vase at a small town flea market for next to nothing...and then I can look up its worth and smile as I place my prize in the china cabinet ( a coveted possession NOT for resale!).



3. Wonderful book with full color pictures. Also pictures of the marks. Great price guide! Will use this over & over.



4. As a new collector of R.S. Prussia I found this book to be an excellent reference. It's detailed description and beautiful pictures of the different molds, decorations and marks was very helpful. I know there are a lot of "fake" pieces on the market and this book is proving to be an invaluable guide for me. The history was very interesting also. Thank you Ms. Gaston! A really beautiful book and very informative.



5. This book was very insightful for me. I was searching for a particular "mark" on a piece that I own. This was the only book that was of help.