No comments about Lionel: Price & Rarity Guide 1901-1969 (Lionel Illustrated Price & Rarity Guide, 1901-1969).

No comments about Making Early Histories in Museums (Making Histories in Museums).

1 comments about Collectibles Market Guide & Price Index (14th ed).

1. A good amount of information on the manufacturers and artists responsible for a multitude of collectible lines. Includes a comprehensive listing of who offers member benefits for the increasingly popular Collector Clubs. Page after page offering immediate access to official item numbers, issue year and quantity, original issue price and the all-important current market value. Take one of these with you on your next trip to an antique mall. No longer will you pass on great bargains because, "you just didn't have any idea what it was worth".

2 comments about Contemporary Fashion Dolls: The Next Generation.

1. Fashion doll collecting is not only a hot new trend, it can also be big business as the selling and trading of these items often involves major bucks. The ultimate hobby guide for those who have a penchant for these pretties is "Contemporary Fashion Dolls" by Beth Owens who is an avid collector and former contributor to trade publications.

   There is a broad range of images in these dolls, all the way from the cute pop-eyed trolls who were popular in the 1960s to America's sweetheart, Barbie, to Franklin Mint representations of Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe to the top of the line exquisitely formed and clad Madame Alexander creations.

   Dolls, we learn, had been relegated to the realm of children's toys until the mid 1900s. It was then, following a surge of interest in eighteenth century European dolls, that the United Federation of Doll Clubs was formed. An imprimatur had been placed on grown-ups playing with dolls.

   As the number of collectors grew so did the demand for Barbie as she was among the most accessible and affordable. Some savvy business folk gave her a glamorous wardrobe, imaginative accouterment, a best friend, Midge, and a handsome boyfriend, Ken.

   Although many try to rival the vaunted Madame Alexander dolls none have succeeded. We read: "The most influential force in the proliferation of fashionable dolls was Madame Beatrice Alexander, who would irrevocably change the course of fashion doll history. Throughout her doll-making career, Madame had an intense passion for fashion and her creations were exquisitely and stylishly dressed in the finest fashions available."

   And fashion doll history is still changing as dolls reflect us and our lives continue to evolve. As the author asks, will there be a "Casual Friday" doll?




2. Get excited! This is not a fluff book! Bringing her experience as a columnist for a fashion doll mag, her passion for the dolls themselves, and a wealth of contacts in the world of manufacturers, doll artists, and collectors, Beth Owens gives us the most comprehensive reference on the world of fashion dolls at the turning of the century. With emphasis on those "stars" in the ascendancy at this moment, and with a nod (but not much more) to the 11 1/2 inch former ruler of the doll universe, Beth explores the genesis, history, and development of the modern fashion doll, which is primarily the interest of the adult collector (or the child inside of one!) Written in an elegant and eloquent style, and lavishly illustrated with photographs of beautiful little "ladies of fashion" , this book will, I expect, become the standard reference for this genre of dolls. Several of the many superb photographs illustrate new dolls just coming onto the market, for such is Beth's "connection" to the doll world that she can discourse comfortably on even the newest developments. In addition to reams of information, she offers guidance on beginning and refining a personal collection, and shares her own development as a connoisseur of the fashion doll today. Beth is truly mad about her subject, and has such a fresh and enthusiastic approach that I yearned to be able to invite her to my house to ...play dolls!

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 Collectors Guide to Novelty Radios: Identification and Values.

1. Beautiful 200 page companion volume to the 1995 volume, contains all different items. Features over 600 beautiful, large, full color, sharp photos. Price ranges are provided. Major categories include: advertising and product-shaped radios, character and figural, household and personal use, media stars, sports and recreation, and much more. Good quality, paper back book that novelty radio collectors are sure to enjoy and consult often.

1 comments about Lionel Price and Rarity Guide: 1901-1969, 2000 Edition.

1. Sharp full-color pictures, colorful presentation, well organized, and informative. I'm glad I bought this book, (my first) on Lionel trains. I found my collection (and it's value) easily in the books simple format. Also includes a 19 page history of the toy's evolution from 1900-1969 which is dotted with lots of color photos of trains and advertising.

No comments about Design, Vienna 1890s-1930s (Elvehjem Museum of Art Catalogs).

No comments about Dexterity Games and Other Hand-Held Puzzles (Play It Like It Is).

No comments about Bookman's Price Index: Cumulative Index to Vols. 74-79 (Bookman's Price Index: Cumulative Index).