5 comments about Coro Jewelry: A Collector's Guide--Identification & Values.

1. This book gives a detailed account of the Coro company and the designers that made the company prosper. The photos are clean and the editing concise. I would recommend the book.



2. Coro is one of the most widely available costume jewelers in the U.S. If you like their jewelry, then this book is indispensible for dating and verifying the validity of your piece.



3. I buy and sell vintage jewelry mostly on e-Bay at Kaospf. I know how much Coro jewelry is out there so I was very disappointed that this book only has 3 pictures per page. I like to have as many books as I can afford so I can learn and price my pieces corectly.The pictures are scattered and they have a value for that piece but nothing in depth to take up the whole page. They should have loaded up the pages with the pictures of the more comon pieces available on the market.The pictures in the book are more high ticket items.It is nice to see items you don't see often so don't get me wrong. This is why I was not thrilled with the book,too much wasted space and lack of history on the pages. There is history at the front of the book,but it should be on the pages or the area your looking at.Bottom line is if I had looked at the book I wouldn't have bought it.I hope the next book will be better.



4. Hope to see the best, the most interesting, the most curious of CORO ? avoid this book ! poor choice, bad pictures, ridiculous pink background .... big disappointment !!! and when you know that CORO did so gorgeous jewelry !!! ......



5. If you're more interested in the company's history than the jewelry they produced, then you will not be disappointed in this book. However, if you're wanting to see the best of Coro and find a way to determine the value of a Coro piece (or what you should pay for it), this book fails to satisfy that criteria.
   
   First of all, the book is poorly assembled. Corocraft ends up near the back of the book after Francois and Vendome. The selection is poor; 9 pages of $10 - $20 earrings, 40 pgs. of Vendome and only 13 pages of Corocraft and Coro Sterling each. The key Collectible Coro pieces are hard to find in this book and when you find them, the photos are poor, the prices not consistent with the marketplace (some high some low) and some of the best aren't in the book (yet easily found on the internet). You never know which section of Coro you are viewing as every page in the book has the same header. The descriptions don't define which designer produced which piece and with Coro, the designer affects the value.
   
   Ms. Brown needs a lesson in photography or someone should buy her a new camera. The colors are washed out, there are far too numerous blurry images and most importantly, the jewelry just does not show well.
   
   As the other reviewer said....take a pass on this one

2 comments about The Official Beckett Price Guide to Baseball Cards 2007, Edition #27 (Official Price Guide to Baseball Cards).

1. Average price guide. Out of the 8 or 9 items ordered 1-1/2 weeks before Christmas, this was the only thing that did not arrive before Christmas. Obviously, the seller did not ship on the date which they agreed to ship.



2. The Beckett guides have 2 prices listed for each card. However the meaning of those prices depends on the set under consideration. For a 1950s set the 2 prices may be for EX and NM; for a 1980s set they may be EX-MT and NM-MT. In previous editions these columns were labeled so you knew what the grades were. Those labels are missing in this edition. Unless you have a previous edition, this guide is not intelligible.

3 comments about Elegant Table Linens: From Weil & Durrs Including Wilendur (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. I love this book! This is THEE book on vintage Wilendur tablecloths and towels, some of the most beautiful vintage linens produced, as far back as the 1920's. Shows over 400 gorgeous pictures of tablecloths, towels, aprons, curtains and more, all produced by the Weil and Durrse company, the manufacturer of Wilendur and other brands. Lots of great information on the history of the company and information on all of their brand lines. Absolutely wonderful, very interesting book. Also recommended "Collectors Guide to Vintage Tablecloths" by Pamela Glasell.



2. I take this book with me to antique shops and rummage sales. It's been a handy guide in identifying Wilendurs. So much fun!



3. The author provides a valuable resource for the collector, particularly for products of Weil & Durrse. Information on the companie's history is provided as well as current values based on condition. Fabrics, brands, colors and patterns are discussed and illustrated with the numerous photographs. Tablecloths are emphasised, but towels, aprons and other handicrafts are also covered. The author provides a useful chapter on storing and laundering linens as well. You will not be disappointed with the quality of the photographs, printing or insights offered in this volume. Highly recommended!

No comments about The Fan: Fashion and Femininity Unfolded.

5 comments about The Official Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide.

1. The problem I find with this book, as with all books on the subject of grading, is that it is getting too complex.
   As a collector of coins and stamps, along with comics, I understand the importance of grading when it comes to the determining the value of your collection; however, when I look at a book, I now find myself trying to determine what this stress line or that OWL interior really does to the grade. How many points deducted? Added?
   Of course, Overstreet is the definiitve book on the subject but there comes a time when a decision has to be made as far as trying to figure out what grade to give it, i.e., VF- or F+, for example, and sometimes there is not enough details on exactly what it is that makes that determination. This is particularly true when it comes to Golden Age or early Silver Age.
   A Goldie is much harder to grade because, given its age, and scarcity, one must decide how much a particular defect will compromise a grade in relation to a modern book. A Goldie with spine stress lines should not be held to the same standards as a modern with the same defect. if you take away one point for that, you then should have the option of adding one point due to its rarity.
   Overstreet, while mentioning this problem, does not give enough information on it to make it clear and decisive.
   The bottom line is that the Overstreet Guide is the 'Bible' of comic collecting and is highly recommended as the definiitve guide to grading BUT......it is still the old axiom of 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.'



2. Sometimes I wonder how major glaring issues get published with something that purports to be a definitive guide. Of course i'm talking about the size of the photos, many labelled flaws are simply undectable and pressing ones face right up to the book to see flaws is well silly and unnecessary. Its sad to see a total compromise of someones product presumably to sell more copies to WaldenBooks or whomever, it shows a lack of integrity and a lack of dedication to ones customers.
   Other than that major disappointment, I'd have to say the only other problem with the book are that the written articles are a bit muddled, the basics of grading seem a bit sparse while some aspects of minutae seem to be overemphasised.
   All the information you need to make grading judgements in todays CGC environment is here though. Most probably wont be too happy to learn that most comics they bought as NM/VF in the 80's/early 90's are probably a 7.5 at best in today's market. But thats not Overstreets fault.
   The part of the book where they take an Atom comic through the grades is very informative and probably the best visual representation of grading to date.
   Theres promise here and the information is factual but presented in a flawed manner, if you need a handy reference guide for comic grading this is it. Surely they cant help but address the basic flaws with their product in later editions?



3. This 2nd edition is an improvement over the 1992 edition and bolsters the viewpoint that Overstreet standards must be recognized as the primary source for grading decisions. While this guide does not provide specific CGC guidelines - which CGC refuses to publish - there is an overview of CGC by CGC Primary Grader Steve Borock and there are several examples of CGC-graded comics in various grades pictured. This, of course, merely provides examples of CGC grading and does not address the issue of CGC's well-documented inconsistencies. ***UPDATE: August, 2003 - CGC has announced that it will has adopted Overstreet grading standards as its own! This is a shrewd move by CGC and will help unify overall grading standards.***

   In this guide, you will find advertising by some of the largest retailers in the nation, along with several interesting articles whose topics range from comic book history to restoration to shipping comics. Each grade has a fairly comprehensive one-page description of necessary qualities inherent to the grade, along with a full checklist of 21 grading considerations like spine roll, cover creases and staples. The pages following are filled with clear and illustrative examples of covers of books fitting the grade, with appropriate annotation of defects.

   While there is still room for improvement in future editions, such as addressing the topic of grade "qualifiers" - a defect impacting the grade of a comic whose appearance would suggest a better grade if not for the defect - it is the premier guide to comic book grading and is a must-have for any serious collector or dealer.




4. Bottom line: Comic book grading is THE most difficult component of the comics collecting business side of the equation. Subjective interpretation lends disparity between any 2 people's grades, but the more experience that you have, the better equiped that you are to make qualified decisions about a book's grade. This book was much-updated from its previous version, so is an improvement. Bashing the book for not giving a "Cliff-notes" version of how to wave a magic wand, and "poof!" get a grade is a poor position to take. Yes, the book needs work in terms of pictures of defects and corresponding adjustments. One should also keep in mind that there is a functional aspect of grading that allows for a given defect to be (somewhat) offset by a strong characteristic in another are (e.g. stress marks bring book to FN, but stunning colors and/or supple white pages might boost it back to VF-, as a potential example). Given that there is NOT a lot of documented information on this subject, this book is helpful as a reference ONLY, and should be used in conjunction with other references (ComicBase, Wizard, Overstreet Guide), to make a good determination of a grade. Certainly times are better now than they were, say, 10 years ago, when only pros in the business for years could make an accurate estimate. Be thankful for that. CGC info, by design, is not going to be released - it's a Trade Secret for their business model, and if they gave it all away, they would not be in business. Does Proctor and Gamble give away its recipe for its products, or DuPont? - of course not. The discerning investigative researcher uses multiple sources. One such source (if you had bothered to read the Overstreet 33rd Edition) is that Metropolis Comics helped CGC develop the standards that they use. Also, many of the MAJOR comic dealers contribute heavily to the Advisory Board for CGC, so if you look at the sources, you could glean more information as well. Stop whining, and start learning ! This book is a valuable tool to be used with the other resources available to comics collectors, but it is not the de facto "guide" for grading. There will never be such a guide, so get over it.



5. If you sell on EBAY or just want to track the condition/current value of your personal collection, this is the quintisential book to have.Every major player in the world of comics bases their grading on this book.A wonderful guide with picture representation to ensure accurate grading of individual comics.From the beginners to the experts,a true comic collectors "Must Have!"

5 comments about Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide.

1. If you are going to buy only one price guide on antiques, buy this one...and buy a new one every year. I use this constantly ~ it is well written, well documented and has numerous references. It covers a daunting array of items thoroughly and interestingly. The background information at the beginning of each heading is worth the price of admission alone.



2. While the book is huge and covers a vast number of items, I have yet to find an item in it that I need to identify/value. It's a good resource for a general feel of how to price items/what items should cost. I tend to rely on more specialized/collector's books instead of this one. In fact, I don't believe that I have opened this book in a year.



3. Good book but a lot left out, Mostly rare or hard to find items are covered and from not all makers. Still a good book for the more advanced collector.



4. We have used Schroeder's Antique Price guide for many years. We always look forward to the newest issue as we use it on a very frequent basis. It is written in concise and clear terms, well documented with many reference sites also listed in clear, easy directories. Amazon offered this guide at the best value we could locate online or offline. Thank you Amazon.
   
   Thank you,
   Mary & Les



5. This is a fabulous guide, especially for the beginner. I have found it to be one of the most helpful price guides which I have purchased and I have a lot of them.

4 comments about Collecting Lladro: Identification & Price Guide (Collecting Lladro).

1. The book was exatly what I was looking for, a very no hassel transaction which makes it a real pleasure. We have found Amazon to be a very honest company. Nothing else to say. Cheers Chris



2. As a Lladro collector of more than 25 years I found this book to be most informative. Even though I have read much about Lladro there were topics covered that were new to me. A new addition would be most welcome.



3. Good book to read about Lladro porcelains but it's pretty outdated and doesn't contain samples of the newer Lladro pieces. But then again, Lladro related books are so rare, this itself is a jewel. Majority of the pictures shown here are the 'official' photographs of piece by Lladro themselves. It would have been great to see pictures taken by the author or owner as it would give a different angle and view of the pieces. I'm an avid collector and was thrilled to see many of the older pieces and read a short history about them in this book. Perhaps the author would consider to publish a newer edition?? And also source out Lladro examples from a more varied selection of collectors. A view of how they are stored in display cabinets at individual homes would be great too, to give a more personal and homely touch to the pieces. This is a great book and I'm sure it took a lot of effort to come out with it.... I would recommend it to anyone and hope that new editions will be published in the near future.



4. For anyone who is interested in learning more about Lladró, the company, the history, the incredible artistry, "relatives" such as NAO and Zaphir, collecting and becoming better at collecting, and how to care for your collection, this book is fantastic and I highly recommend it! Peggy Whiteneck is truly an expert in this field, and has a passion for collecting Lladró that shows in every page. This second edition includes updates and new information as well as even more photos. Lladró collectors will not want to miss this!

5 comments about 300 Years of Kitchen Collectibles.

1. Just received my second copy (replacement copy) of "300 Years of Kitchen Collectibles" and it also is missing pages 401-432 and has duplicate pages 433-464. That makes two books missing the same pages.
   Otherwise the book has a lot of information.



2. I bought this book about a year ago, I saw a lady using it at an auction bidding on kitchen items. The next day I ordered this book and it has been my guide ever since, with so many kitchen items out there, fakes and repros, it's good to have a helper to guide you thru a maze of online auctions and fleamarket finds.
   The description are accurate, there are plenty of pictures, the index and glossaries are very well organized, it also gives marks, how the items have changed over the years, who made them, where when and how they were used. I love it.



3. This is packrat Linda Campbell Franklin's fifth edition...for many good reasons!
   
   What first seems like a hodgepodge of items to a beginner-collector or student, has a certain logic or shorthand to those in the know, and to those getting acquainted with kitchen collectibles, it's an eye opening education! All sorts of pointers, reproduction alerts and historical notes are placed throughout the book, to avoid being duped by many fakes.
   
   Yes as one reviewer noted, there is scant information on items less than 75 years old, and that's just fine with me..these 890 pages are going to keep me interested and learning for quite a while! The little color section isn't terribly helpful...more smaller photos of items could have been placed in these expensive pages. Still for most of these mechanical items, color is not the key in identification. I'm just tickled to be able to recognize what a peculiar gadget is/was used for! So if someone realistically wants more black and white pictures/drawings, bring them on..and yes there could be sharper photos of some blurry items taken for better clarity in a future edition-it's not a problem for me!
   
   She lists many references for those seeking more information, and addresses to contact specialized collectors or clubs. Well worth the price of admission, alone!
   
   This is a delightful "must have" for the "kitchen curious" and beginning collectors!



4. Seldom is a reference book an entertaining read. Seldom is a good read easy to reference and find information quickly. This book does an excellent job of bridging both worlds. For the casual auction hound or dealer this book is invaluable.

   I liked the book so much I was wondering what to give my mother for mother's day. She's one of those people who either has everything she needs or goes and gets what she needs when she wants it. The idea of giving her this book struck me as a good one. Reluctantly I gave her my copy. She clearly has enjoyed it, she allows me to look at it when I'm visiting. She hasn't been willing to loan to me though.




5. The 300 years of Kitchen Collectibles is sorely lacking in information about the last 75 years of kitchen collectibles. The majority of the book covers what I would call primitive kitchen items. The photos are grainy and lack detail. If you have a kitchen item that you need to identify..this book might prove useful.

4 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of McCoy Pottery.

1. This is a well organized reference to McCoy. It contains a history of McCoy; this added knowledge adds to the fun of collecting and allow you to sound more like you know what you are doing. Then there are pages on the different "marks" of the pottery. There is a value guide. But I find it easer to do my own comparing. The big plus is the color pictures that show what is available. For those discriminate people that do not just buy anything that says McCoy there is an index. It is also fun to see you McCoy pieces in the book.



2. I received this book as a gift. It is a great reference to have when I am shopping for McCoy pottery and want to make sure I am not over paying. The detailed history of McCoy is also very interesting. My only complaint is that one page of descriptions was duplicated and as a result, it is missing accurate descriptions for one page or about 15 items.



3. I have a question about an entry in the 1997 Collectors Encyclopedia of McCoy Pottery concerning the soup tureen for the El Rancho Sombrero Serv-All. Does the price listed for the Sombrero include the Tureen or would they be priced separately? Judy



4. I was very pleased with the information on the McCoy Pottery Company and the pottery manufactured by McCoy that this book offered. I would recommened this book to anyone interested in collecting McCoy pottery. This book has a large selection of photos of the various types of pottery produced and the different markings used on the pottery.

4 comments about Standard Catalog of World Paper Money, Specialized Issues, Volume One (Standard Catalog of World Paper Money Vol 1: Specialized Issues).

1. This book along with occasional use of the WEB has enabled me to identify currency from countries that not only do not use english style letters but the number systems as well. The text has both some color and a lot of black and white photos of currency along with a brief description of what the note is called. The pictures enable positive ID of a piece of Cucurrency. The book is a must have for the serious collector.



2. This book is invaluable source of information for both collectors as well as dealers of modern banknotes. The major flaw, however, is the unrealistic UNC catalog values for most banknotes. The majority are exaggerated and no one can sell at even 50% of such CVs. However, the book stands as a unique source and a vault of invaluable information about all modern banknotes.



3. The value of this book is going to depend on what you collect - if you collect China, Mexico, Russia, Latin America, and certain British Commonwealth - then yes, this book is very good and very valuable - WHERE IS ISRAEL? Are you trying to tell me there are no specialized issues for Israel/Palestine - Theres lots of people who can help the editor - myself included. The standard Pick Book doesn' list any of the military issues, all standard issues, and none of the specialized issues, I've even emailed scans of notes to the editors - otherpeople have too. Richard Gatto, Bill Rosenblum, the Israel coin and currency c/ollectors group, the AINA, the INS all people who can help the editors, who don't read Hebrew - well sorry we know the notes trust us. We know what they look like - that is only one of many areas totally uncovered and what about Russia - you have 25000 uncataloged notes to go - why did you quit? work getting a little hard - want to do nothing and get an easy buck? that's what this is about - did yall even try to find the market values on these notes? maybe for some markets, I see htat - not every market. The price a note goes for at auction and what a dealer says a note is worth and gives it to Krause can be different. There are too many price differences, i saw notes listed for $125 from Costa Rica in this NEW BOOK sell for $1600 at auction, so explain to me the $125? is that because someone was hoping to buy one at that price? isn't there a problem here, yall think I'm crazy - I've heard this more than dozens of times. Why not be UNBIASED, report the true values, be accurate? Isn't that what a price book is supposed to be? Overall I like the book - but I'm pretty angry about how the editors dealt with me and other collectors about the Israel section they already had all the information and chose not to include it. They had some of it in the book before but took it out, why? The 3rd edition of Pick 2 has many notes currently not included, why's that? I know they work hard. It's either a great book or a lousy book depending on what you collect. Some things have no coverage at all. Maybe you need a Middle East specialist, these notes are non-existant in this book Did yall even ask Armen what he thought? I think you have too narrow of a group of people who give input into these books. Nobody asked me anything, and I know more about Isreal Paper money than a lot of people, but there are people who know more than me. Even the pre-established books weren't consulted. Seems like the editors think they are above everyone else or just plain working too hard, ok admit you can't do the job. Don't say this is everything when it isn't



4. this book is great in term for those who very very interested in world currency and pro in this field... it may be good to own a copy of this book cause it include a lot of world money that you and me were not born yet... especially note that impress me is the CHINA's CENTURY ... it is like amazing to see those kind of note that never thought of it would be called as "money"...

   anywhere this book is great... and if this book improving its' note with color than it is highly recommended...

   thank you...

   regards,
   Jason Yap