2 comments about American Pottery & Porcelain (Antique Hunter's Guides).

1. This book provides beautiful photos, and a large amount of information and history for antique American pottery but if you are looking for a reference book that covers mid-20th-century/vintage American pottery this is not it. It covers some Fiesta ware and that is about it. I gave it only 4 stars because the title and description does not state that the subject is primarily older American pottery.
   
   This is however a great book for 19th century pottery. It is lovely, very well organized, and easy to use. Its starts with a section on dating pottery by shape and then describes how different types of wares are made. There is a visual key showing the shapes of most types of American pottery. Following is 367 plates showing different pieces organized by the the preceding visual key. Each plate gives not only a lovely color photo but also a description, material, locality, period, comments and hints for collectors. The appendices include a brief list of marks, an extensive list of manufactures which includes dates of operation, location and major products. There is also glossary, bibliography, a list of public collections, a pottery buying guide and a price list.



2. Fold your standard sheet of paper in half and that's about the size of this book. -So, when I first saw it I thought I'd be disappointed... BUT I was pleasantly surprised! -It starts off with a brief intro to the different types of pottery (redware, stoneware, yellowware, ironstone,) and porcelain and a history of how they were/are made. It goes on to a visual key which has silhouette figures of items and is helpful to identify what item it is that you have. ...was that a coffeepot or a teapot? :o) After you've id'd your object, you can find the section in the book that corresponds and there you will find a color photo of one example and all sorts of helpful info. on your item. -A short description of what the typical physical size and shape would be, areas where the items were made, comments on typical uses, and hints on what you should avoid/look for. The price guide in the back gives you a ballpark figure of value.
   this book does not focus on any specific brands, rather highlights some of the big name makers and brands that you may want to watch for. For being a general guide, I think this is as good as it gets. I found it superior to any of the Millers, Kovels series. -It actually teaches you what to look for, as opposed to other books which just inform you of what you already have. It is a great reference for collectors and resellers. Small enough to take with you to every auction and yard sale!

No comments about Blanc De Chine: Divine Images in Porcelain.

2 comments about Teapots: Makers & Collectors.

1. Dona Z. Meilach's Teapots: Makers & Collectors covers all the new teapots from whimsical and non-functional works of art to practical and collectible teapots. Much more than a price guide alone, however, Teapots: Makers & Collectors packs in hundreds of full-page color photos and discussions of unique designs, materials, crafts. Artists in 14 countries are represented in a review which produces both a history and a guide for contemporary collectors.



2. Dona Z. Meilach has done it again! This prolific author has created a spectacular book on a very hot topic...a must-have for teapot makers and collectors. The variety and creativity of the artists creating these exquisite designs are inspiration for those in any medium. Teapots of ceramics, metals, mixed mediums, fibers, fabric and beads! Terrific photos...beautiful book!

1 comments about Art Deco Noritake & More: A Photographic And Historical Record (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. David Spain's new book, Art Deco Noritake & More, is filled to the brim with stunning photographs that bring to life more of the work of the artisans of Noritake...to savor slowly and deliciously. WOW!
   
   In addition, to my delight, Spain has written a fascinating history of Noritake, highlighted with rare, early 20th century photographs..most never before published. I loved seeing the founders, the artists, the workers and their workplaces, the people of Noritake who created the magnificent porcelain fancyware and dinnerware avidly sought by today's collectors.
   
   Spain's easy to master, revolutionary system for numbering Noritake backstamps is still a gem. Best of all, he's added more backstamps to the collection and has included documentation for some previously only thought to have been used by the Noritake Company.
   
   New or old to Noritake collecting, or just looking for a gorgeous coffee table book or a special gift, you'll love this one.

3 comments about Forgotten Elegance: The Art, Artifacts, and Peculiar History of Victorian and Edwardian Entertaining in America.

1. I've never read a better resource for historians, historical fiction writers and Victorian/Edwardian enthusiasts. Forgotten Elegance is replete with photographs, diagrams and text culled from primary resources on the art of dining and entertaining. Though this book is fairly pricey it is a TOP resource and owning a copy of this book will supplement any and every other book on the Victorian and Edwardian eras.



2. This book is very detailed and informative.The bibliography is very extensive and I have found several more books that I find useful for my own collecting. However, considering the price of $62.95, I was a expecting more photos and a larger format.



3. This is a great book for anyone interested in the use of china and silverware in the Victorian Era and the functions of each piece. It is also a great guide for antique shopping or junking. I know I have seen some of those odd pieces of china and silver and never knew what they were used for. Now that I do, I can add to my collection with confidence.

1 comments about Pacific Coast Ship China.

1. Shipboard travel of any distance usually involved a voyage of several to many days. And on those days the passengers had to be fed. In the heyday of travel, say from the mid 1800 until the airlines took over passenger travel in the mid 1900's passengers enjoyed a sit down dinner served with china marked by the shipping company.
   
   Until now this has been a neglected area of study. This book is the first I've found on china used on board. It is a fairly all encompassing book, it has:
   o coverage of some 280 china patterns including hundreds of color photographs
   o a short description of some 75 companies that provided passenger travel in the Pacific
   o identification of some two dozen US Navy china patterns
   o listings of the major china manufacturers, often identifying their customers.
   
   As a first volume on the subject, this is an excellent effort and will probably become the standard reference work on the subject.

2 comments about Ceramic Coin Banks: Identification & Value Guide.

1. This 200 page softbound book contains over 1,000 full color, large, sharp photos of every type of ceramic coin bank. Each entry includes the description, size, dates and value (1997). Although essentially an I.D. and value guide, there is a considerable amount of information of value and interest to the collector. Included are: Ceramic Manufacturing Processes, Dating, Condition, Rarity Ratings, Geographical Ceramic Manufacturing Centers, and Photo Notes. Chapters range from Human heads, Humans, Cats, Dogs and Elephants, to Squirrel, Fish, Monkeys, Lions, Vegetables, Pots, Books, Vehicles and Ships and Purses. A complete glossary and bibliography are provided. Very useful for collectors of this popular topic.



2. This is a great book for the established or beginning coin bank collector! It really has a great variety for any type of specialized ceramic bank afficianado. As a long time collector & seller I recommend this book to any one!

1 comments about Hungarian Ceramics from the Zsolnay Manufactory, 1853-2001.

1. Having just enjoyed my first visit to Hungary, I became aware for the first time of this wonderful pottery. I first saw it at the flea market near the airport; then bought some at an antique shop near the Budapest Opera House. What I was told about the work of this factory fascinated me so I am glad to now have this beautiful reference book.

No comments about Porcelain from the Vung Tau Wreck: The Hallstrom Excavation.

5 comments about The Collectible Teapot & Tea Calendar 2007.

1. I've been buying these calendars for around four years now. They are just absolutely gorgeous. The pictures are bright and clear. Also I love how much work was put into each picture with the addition of certain desserts (that are just so pretty) and other miscellaneous things - such as books, glasses, paint brushes, and etc - just to give the picture that extra realistic touch.
   
   Each month has a different style teapot, so you're not just going to see the same thing over and over again. The teapot selection is unique, too. Also there are interesting tidbits of information about the teapot and quotes about tea.
   
   I'd highly recommend this calendar to anyone who is a collector of teapots or enjoys tea parties.



2. It's a shame there is only ONE teapot calendar this year but it's great that this is the one!!! Very lovely, perfectly fits the space I have for it, and absolutely makes me want to keep a pot of tea on all day long!!!! Beautifully done - quite lovely!



3. This calendar is beautiful. If you like teapots, the pictures are
   the best! Bought one for my mother and myself.



4. This is the second year my daughter requested this calendar as a gift for Christmas. I purchased it this year through amazon.com and found both the item and the price a great buy! She was delighted to receive it again!
   My first experience with amazon.com was excellent!
   Thanks!



5. Each year I buy this calendar, and each year I am amazed by the beautiful photographs that incorporate such a sharp eye for detail. The text that accompanies each photograph is also full of information that places each teapot within it's historic context.