3 comments about 1100 Marks on Foreign Pottery & Porcelain/1061.

1. This book is a wast of time. There are marks with no explanations and explanations with no marks. The book skips sequences almost like there are pages missing. Trying to use this book in dating a piece is hopeless.

   Please save your money and don't buy this book.




2. Very good if your looking for very old marks



3. This book has a terrific layout. The right page has 50 or more markings while the left page lists easily referenced details. Unfortunately, the details can be sketchy. For example, (one listing) Paris, some factory, Charles Phillipe or (another listing) Sceaux? or Bourg la Reine? Doubtful.

   I bought this book to accompany me on my European flea market travels. It is a reprint of a book originally published in 1937. So all of the markings are for things that are much older than I'm likely to find in our local flea markets. However, should I come across one, I'll be ready for it. :)

4 comments about Florence's Big Book of Salt & Pepper Shakers: Identification & Value Guide.

1. Book was a big hit with a growing collector - some shaker's categories could be expanded upon with more detail and photos - but overall a success...



2. This was the first book I bought on Salt and Pepper Shakers. I didn't find it helpful at all. Unless you just want a collection of S&P books, don't waste your money.



3. The book has tons of pictures. Some of the sets shown are not "true" sets. It is a great book to get a general idea of all the many themes of salt and pepper collecting. High end and low end are all well represented. It was fun to see sets I never knew existed that I would like to have. It gave me more stuff to look for in auctions. It's always fun to add to collections!



4. The monetary valuations of Salt & Pepper Shakers in this book are virtually useless to either a collector or seller. I have never seen a book so totally unresearched on both pricing and product description. The majority of the photos of the S&P's do not describe the material utilized in their construction, so one is left wondering if they are looking at plastic, metal or other material.
   No person interested in Salt & Pepper collecting should buy this as their first book. If you do, you'll be in for a big surprise when you try to buy an S&P that has been valued in this book for $12, but is belling for $48.
   For the more seasoned collector, it does have some decent pictures, but is more or less a rehash of better produced S&P Collecting books.
   If you've been collecting S&P's for over 6 months, you'll realize that this is a piece of utter tripe; execpt for the photos of the S&P's.

5 comments about Hanson's American Art Pottery Collection: Identification and Values.

1. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the authors for this wonderful reference book. I found the pictures to be of exceptional quality and the descriptions to be quite accurate.
   
   For the experienced, as well as the novice owner/collector of American Pottery, this book is an invaluable guide. Take this book on your hunting trips... You will not be disappointed.



2. This wonderful book explores some of the worlds most sought after pottery including Bauer, Brush-McCoy, Peters & Reed, Weller, Roseville and many more. It contains fantastic photos, price guides and is a wealth of information. I recommend this book without reservation to anyone seeking more information about American Art pottery! A+++ Thank you Bob and Jane, you rock!



3. This is an excellent book to carry with you when you are scouring for Arts and Craft pottery. It's full of hundreds of amazing color pictures for easy indetification as well as suggested prices. This book focuses on specific brands and highlights some big name brands to watch for. It is a great reference for both collectors and resellers. You will not be disappointed as The Hanson's are a true asset to pottery collectors. Be certain to check out their other books as well they are equal in all aspects. An easy gift giving idea for this coming holiday season!
   Thanks for putting out this much anticipated guide!



4. The Hanson' book on American Art Pottery is a most useful and easily read book of its kind. The photographs are sharp, clean and show the pottery, their shape, color and design as they were meant to be seen. Also, the production of the book presents itself well to the viewer. Although not a long time collector, I'd say this is a "must have" for new and seasoned collectors. I'd give this five stars.



5. This book has wonderful enlarged photo details that are essential for accurate identification and are invaluable to a pottery collector. For example, the book has photos of every glaze produced by Nelson McCoy which really goes far beyond most of the books I've seen. The summaries of the pottery makers give essential details (that other books do not provide) on how to identify a potential work of art. The updated pricing guides are very helpful as well. Thanks!

2 comments about Van Patten's ABC's of Collecting Nippon Porcelain: Identification and Values.

1. I bought this book to help me value a number of Nippon items I had in my inventory. If that is what you are looking for, find another book. I believe the cheapest item I found in the book was for $100, and most were well above the $500 level, in fact, many in the $1000's. I know my items are not worth anywhere close to this! Apparently the author chose to picture only the most expensive items.
   
   This is an informative book, however. The opening is history, culture, and FAQ's. It has an EXTENSIVE list of backmarks, and points out numerous fake markings with very good line drawings showing the differences. There is a full chapter picturing pieces that are fake, reproduction, or fantasy pieces. Unfortunately, no prices for these pieces, which would have been helpful as long as they are pictured.
   
   The rest is a lavishly pictured run through the ABC's of possible items, for example, Bird scenes, black collectibles, children's items, dolls, hunt scenes, etc. Pictures generally show individual items, with prices underneath -(convenient). However, as beautiful as the pictures are, they show only a tiny smattering of the possible designs or items availble under each category. Thus, a great book showing the beauty of especially the top end of Nippon items, but not functional for identifying and pricing the majority of items you probably have in your possession.
   
   An informative book introducing Nippon and some gorgeous pictures. For pricing your collection, you'll have to find other sources.



2. It was what we were looking for and met our expectations

3 comments about Collector's Guide to Made in Japan, Book 2: Identification and Values (Collector's Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics).

1. 
   I collect older (collectible) MADE IN JAPAN items and therefore I have quite a few books on the subject. This book is not complete but quite helpful. Photos are nice.
   
   Many different volumes have been written on this subject. Infact, I own 3 other books on this subject.
   
   When "Made in Japan" collectibles were issued there were sooooo many different items sold, that it would be impossible to include all of them in just one book. The author tried and did a good job though.



2. Carole Bess White has put together an exhaustive reference work on Japanese ceramics from the early 20th century to today. Her extensive research really pays off in this book, crammed full of photos of all types.

   Bess covers everything from ash trays to water sets, candy dishes to salt & pepper sets, Satsuma to souvenir plates. I especially like the many photos of various backstamps (marks) she provides. The book has over 250 pages of photos, and includes catalog pages from current novelty producers. If you're interested in collectible ceramics "Made in Japan", don't hesitate to buy this book!




3. Book #2 is every bit as good as the first one. NO REPEATS !... and new information on the companies that made these delightful pieces. Color photos, marks and all the information you need. Ms. Whites books are getting like potato chips to me.. you can't have just one!

5 comments about The Collector's Encyclopedia of Van Briggle Art Pottery : An Indentification & Value Guide.

1. I really thought I was getting more of a descriptive guidebook, rather than a photo book. Lots of pics but nothing to say about them.



2. A liitle hard to use and slightly out of date. But a very good resource to start valueing your Van Briggle.



3. This book is fabulous. I can't begin to say how many times I have read it and flipped through the pages for information. It is clearly written and the information is presented in such a way that even the novice collector can easily find details from glaze color and dating to prices. Price guide being located in the back is rather annoying (rather than the value being listed directly with the photo) but this a small price to pay for such a fabulous resource. For the more advanced collector, I recommend Scott Nelson's "A Collector's Guide to Van Briggle Pottery".



4. This is a great book. It contains just about everything a collector of van Briggle might need to know, with the exception of a truly accurate price guide. Online auctions have rendered price guides in most reference books of this type obsolete, so this isn't really a flaw. It gives one a jumping-off point, but be aware current values online are often less than those listed here.

   That being said, this book is very effective at providing information about this wonderful art pottery. The authors provide us a history of the potter and his work, with a number of historical photos. There is an extremely useful section showing various marks (backstamps) used, allowing one to identify and date pieces. There are hundreds of well shot photos of pieces, giving examples of techniques and glazes used. All in all an excellent value and sure to please.




5. This reference provides a history of the Van Briggle Pottery, with a focus on the early history. The tips for dating pieces by glaze color, clay texture/color, and bottom condition are invaluable for new collectors. This is a must-read for anyone interest in Van Briggle, especially since it's really the only reference book on the market!

4 comments about The Collector's Encyclopedia of Granite Ware Colors, Shapes and Values Book 2 (Collector's Encyclopedia of Granite Ware Bk. 2).

1. A teriffic book. Clear and well organized. My only warning to you is, don't expect to get the prices the book suggests. I find that 1/3 to 2/3 of suggested prices are more realistic for all but the rarest pieces.



2. This is a must for the Granite ware buyers prices are great and great learning instruction of what to look for and how to tell if it is old or new I love this book and look at it often as I am looking on ebay alot. A must for the Granite people



3. I found this book very helpful as a new collector of Granite Ware. I especially appreciate the items being grouped by color for easy identification with the price values on the same page. Now I am searching to find some backgound information on the makers and enameling techniques.



4. My mother-in-law is an avid collector of graniteware, thus our whole family is and she has both of Greguire's graniteware books. I must say I like this second edition much better than the first. This edition lists the price along with the description, making it easier than flipping back and forth like in her last book. This edition is also better because it groups the pieces by color and description and I believe this is also easier. Our family has gotten a lot of use out of Greguire's book, and if you are a graniteware collector like everyone in our family, this book is a must have for reference.

2 comments about Red Wing Stoneware.

1. This book has excellent colored photos of various Red Wing stoneware. I found the book to be quite informative in regards to the history of Red Wing Stoneware, and the various companies that made such stoneware. I found the price ranges to be quite realistic. This book has everything from crocks, jugs, churns, water coolers, snuff jars, and many more. The glossary of terms was helpful too. As a beginner in Red Wing collections, I'm glad I got this book. This book does not have every Red Wing stoneware piece, but they do have many.



2. Have you ever wanted an easy to use, beautifully photgraphed, and consistantly benificial Red Wing Stoneware reference book? Well look no further. This guide book will help you in sorting out the numerous pieces of Red Wing Stoneware, their markings, and the most current prices.

   This very informative reference is a primer for the beginning collector and a great research tool for the more advanced collector.

2 comments about Dinnerware of the 20th Century: The Top 500 Patterns (Official Price Guides to Dinnerware of the 20th Century).

1. As a fan of mismatched china, whose collection has been profiled in the New York Times, I recommend DINNERWARE OF THE 20TH CENTURY to both expert dealers and novices who love to entertain in style.
   
   Organized alphabetically first by manufacturer and then by pattern name, this guide is illustrated with hundreds of full-color photographs. And it contains all the the information you will need to buy, store, care for, display, replace and value every known piece of the 20th century's top 500 china patterns.
   
   Complete with a glossary of dinnerware terms and a brief history of every manufacturer, DINNERWARE OF THE 20TH CENTURY is a highly recommended reference book for anyone who appreciates a well set table.
   - Regina McMenamin



2. As a novice dealer of new and antique dinnerware, this book has been an invaluable resource for identification and valuation. You will not learn a lot about any one manufacturer in this book because it focuses on the most desirable PATTERNS, featuring clear photos and basic pricing information. I find myself leafing through it often, even when I'm not looking for a particular pattern. If you don't specialize in one manufacturer's wares, but buy and sell a lot of different patterns, you really shouldn't be without this handy reference book. I hope Mr. Rinker will team up with Replacements to produce Volume II - The Top 1000 Patterns, 501-1000.

5 comments about Post 86 Fiesta: Identification and Value Guide.

1. Great learning tool about fiesta dishes. Good pictures showing colors and their names. Quality book.



2. I'm both a collector and a bibliophile, and this is the first time I've ever thought it necessary to this say about any collector's book: In my opinion, this book stinks. A shame, as it's clear that the author has in-depth knowledge to impart. Unfortunately, it's clouded by the author's apparent dislike of dealers, fellow collectors, and the Homer Laughlin China Company itself.

   The book designer's work is exuberant and cheerful, much as is Fiestaware; however, the author's text is mean spirited. I don't think I've ever seen an odder combination. I hope for better things from the obviously knowledgeable author in the future.




3. The idea for a book dedicated to Post-1986 (P86) Fiestaware® is a terrific idea and I was pleased to order it.

   What a poor execution! Racheter's attempt is inconsistent, sophomoric and diseased with his unceasing attacks on Homer Laughlin China Company. (Who cares why he hates Homer Laughlin? Not me!)

   The (little) new information and price guide for some P86 colors - the book's innovative features - are overshadowed by the pointless commentary.

   Unfortunately the book isn't worth keeping for the pictures either... Don't buy this book!...




4. This book is a good start, but so much has changed in post 86 Fiesta... items, colors added and discontinued, prices. An update is desperately needed. Also a bit less "filler" as far as stories and dramatic exposition and more emphasis on actual introductions and discontinuations in the new line. Also, so many competing lines are similar... a back of the book section showing other contemporary dinnerware lines that currently compete with Fiesta.

   My biggest suggestion would be a chapter showing comparison of old versus new items to show the evolution of design...1.e. the old casserole versus the new one, old cup next to new one. Many collectors of the new do not appreciate where the design evolved from

   Also, the only decaled ware shown is...well.. the less said the better about what is shown... where are the artistic and popular patterns like Sunporch, Happy Pumpkin and Moon Over Miami?




5. This book is better than the Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta. So save yourself about $... and buy this book instead if you want informations on POST 86 Fiesta.
   It is full of pictures and has easy to use information boxes with every mold/piece. You know what colors they came in, mold and item numbers and lots of detailed informations.
   The downside to this book is that you only find one picture per item (mostly) limiting your view by only offering one angle.
   The price list is extensive enough to not leave colors out.
   I personally enjoy the authors style of writing thoroughly with his light humor. Mocking Martha Stewart a little, because he seems to think that she's a stuck up snob that only wants the Super Old stuff and abominates the new colors for the most part. He tells funny stories about TV and where he's seen fiesta. However, a little more history and facts would sometimes be nice. I assume, people buy this book for information not funny short stories.
   I thoroughly enjoy that fact that he includes uses for some odd pieces. Looking at some candle holders they could be anything. He explains what the item was meant for and what else it is commonly used for.
   LAst but not least... unfortunately it seems like this author was not given the same acces to limited pieces and photographs in is therefore lacking some details on limited ed. pieces.