3 comments about Double Your Money in Antiques.

1. I liked the straight-forward writing style of the author but felt the title was misleading. It went downhill fast when the author states that if you want to make money you have to move to a few parts of the country where he thinks the antiques are. I don't know about you but I can't pack up and move to upstate New York or the rural area of Maine. (He stated there are no good antiques in the South since Sherman burned it down). This is basically a overview of the antiques business and how things are run. I don't agree with some of his list of things to buy and not to buy. It's an okay book and you can gleam a few gems out of it but I don't think you are going to double your money just by reading this book.



2. I recently purchased 4 books on getting into the Antiques trade. The first one I read was mildly entertaining, but disjointed and hard to follow. The second one was written in a very business-like manner--2 pages and I'd be snoring.

   I then got to Mr. Grotz's book. I read the whole thing in a weekend. This book is the best of both worlds. It's quite entertaining, at least it was to me. Some may find the author's remarks caustic, but I thought they were quite amusing. He slings his arrows at everyone from his wife to the entire population of the American Southwest.

   However aside from the quips, the book is really everything you need to get started in this business. I will say with one exception though, and that is, one of the "requirements" is that you live in the Northeast, which of course makes the book somewhat useless to someone living in say, New Mexico. But as I live in Connecticut....

   After reading this book I feel armed to enter this interesting world of Antiques--I know which periodicals to subscribe to, where the best locations are to both buy and sell, and how to conduct myself and my business in all avenues of the trade.

   In short, a highly readable and informative book--lots of info and interest packed into less than 200 pages. I will be purchasing some of the author's other books based on this one.




3. Mr. Grotz has offered the general public an insight into the antiques business. I've bought and sold collectibles and small pieces of furniture for several years. I still learned many valuable ideas from this little book. I used to wonder, "Should I refinish this piece?" George Grotz tells you how to decide! He also includes chapters on where to buy "Good Stuff Cheap" and "How to Sell at Antiques Shows". Have you ever been to an antiques auction? There is definitely a "dealer's ring" at these. What is a dealer's ring? Read this book to find out. I'd recommend this reading to those new to antiques dealing and to those who want to turn their hobby of antiques into a business.

2 comments about Collectors Guide to Diecast Toys and Scale Models: Identification & Values (Collector's Guide to).

1. I must say that I really regret buying this book. After waiting anxiously to receive it I was, upon opening it, almost immediately disappointed. It turned out to be an alphabetical listing of companies which produced die-cast models, with a brief (1 paragraph in some cases) description of company history. While it does list each model produced by the various companies and offer a valuation, it fails to describe the models in any detail. Therefore, a prospective collector has virtually no useful information to go on. It doesn't even tell you the various colours the models have been released in, or any details which might differenciate one model from another.

   As for photos. This is another area where this book falls down. Very few graphics; once again - a real let down.

   All in all, a very poor showing. Save your money and buy a different book!




2. This book is not a complete listing of any single make of diecast car (although it does come close for a few makes) but rather a list of all diecast manufacturers that have ever existed with a representative sampling of prices and photos.

5 comments about Top Dollar Paid: The Complete Guide to Selling Your Stamps.

1. I recently inherited my father in law's stamp collection. My wife wants to sell it, to raise some much-needed money. I bought a current Scott catalogue and determined that one of the U.S. plate block albums is "worth" $350. My wife was told by a stamp dealer that he will only pay about 10% of catalogue value. That would make the album worth $35.
   
   I read Top Dollar Paid. It says that only certain stamps are good investments. Those are the stamps that were already rare and highly priced collectibles when they were first purchased.
   
   In other words, if you go into a stamp dealer and buy a 3 cent stamp for $500 because it is rare, that is exactly the kind of stamp that is a great investment. It is the type of stamp you can leave to your children or grandchildren, and its value will rise as the years and decades go by.
   
   But if, when your father or grandfather was a child in the 1930s or 1940s, or (God forbid) in the 1950s or 60s, he went into the post office and bought mint stamps, plate blocks, or sheets, and had a beautiful and complete collection, all of those old and pretty stamps are worthless. If all you want is the cash for them, use them for postage. They aren't worth a damn thing. If you bought a hot dog in 1963 you wouldn't expect to sell it for $50 today would you?
   
   There are interesting anecdotes in this book. There's the Hungarian boy who hoped to sell Hungarian stamps in the U.S. at a profit. (No way!) There's the author's meeting with Gerald Ford and his stamp collection. There are stories of stamp collection owners who try all the tricks that you yourself would have thought to try, and just where those tricks got them.
   
   I'm glad I read the book. Now I think I'll just add some of my father in law's stamps to my own collection. After reading this book, I would guess that the collection I inherited might sell for $100. Big deal.
   
   The moral of the story is .... your stamps aren't worth a thing. This is the worst investment there is. Put your money under your pillow and you'll be better off.
   
   Before reading this book, I figured that stamp dealers will generally low-ball you and buy your valuable collection for peanuts unless you know the value of it yourself. After reading this book I understand that stamp dealers have incentive to tell you what your collection is really worth to them, and make a fair offer, but it's going to be a small fraction of what you expect, because stamps are a God-awful investment.



2. This book does two things well:
   
   1) How Stamp dealers go about determing how much a collection is worth.
   
   2) Keeps you entertained by showing the human qualities of both the dealers and the sellers. The latter are usually the heirs of the collector. They are almost always non-collectors and have some very interesting misconceptions.
   
   It is funny and sad to see the reviews complaining they wanted the book to tell them how much their collection is worth. Mr. Dalz repeatedly tells you exactly how much a collection is worth. It's worth what the dealer can pay for it. You need an appraisal by someone who knows both stamps and the market.



3. I'm not planning to sell my stamps - but this book has saved me money by giving me some insight into what kind of stamps will never be worth the time or money spent on them! I also love Datz's vignettes of life in the stamp trade!



4. Funny anecdotes, but where is the beef? Undoubtedly this writer is an authority on stamps, but very little of that knowledge emerges in the book. The title therefore is misleading.



5. I would like you to put a description of what these books really tell. I am looking for a book that tells the value of the stamps I have.

2 comments about Miller's Clocks & Barometers: Buyer's Guide (Buyer's Price Guide.).

1. I was very happy with my book I did know what I was ordering a friend had it so I will use Amazon again.



2. An excellent resource for both prices & basic history on antique clocks of all types. Pictures provided for each item listed with price ranges taking into account the condition of the item. Although I had a solid basic knowledge regarding antique clocks, I found new information. The only reason I rated this book a 4 instead of a 5, is that Miller's needs to realize that it would be helpful to have dual listings of prices--both the pound/sterling and the dollar! As this seems to be a common complaint about their guides, you'd think they'd catch on! An excellent book otherwise--well written, informative with excellent examples and pictures!

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!"

2 comments about Ancient Coin Collecting VI: Non-Classical Cultures.

1. As the author states, this is not meant to be a comprehensive volume. The field of ancient coins from non-classical cultures is so wide, that I think it is wonderful that someone took the time to assemble an overview that helps the beginner to start recognizing types, and then points them in the right direction. This is especially useful in a field where references for very narrow segment of the coinage are hard to find, and most often very expensive. I myself have invested in a book or two that sounded as if it would carry my field of interest--only to leave me out in the cold, with a very empty wallet!

   I only wish that Wayne Sayles could continue this series to cover coinage from India, Ceylon/Sri Lanka, and Asia as well. An excellent book for those new to the field, or looking to expand their ancient coin collecting interests outside the Classical World.




2. I have bought and read almost all of the books in this series and definitely this is the one that satisfied me the least. In trying to squeeze too many cultures living in too broad of a time frame in just one regular sized book, the reader is just confused on the relation between the choices of cultures displayed. Most of the individual sections are just too short to show the coinage and much less the history of these peoples. One should approach this book as a long, long magazine article that presents some non classical cultures and just that. It is not even a book, as the others in the series are, that entices you to look deeper into the bibliography and that at least gives you the 'big picture'. This book only succeeds in confusing and making the coinage of those already almost unknown cultures a little bit more obscure.

1 comments about A Universe of Star Wars Collectibles.

1. Now in a completely and authoritatively updated second edition, A Universe Of Star Wars Collectibles: Identification And Price Guide continues to be the premier reference for fans and collectors. Featured are exhaustive price lists, color photographs of collector's items on almost every page, the straight scoop on figure package variations and a "user friendly" index for quick and easy reference. A superb guide for the dedicated Star Wars collector or Star Wars merchandise seller, A Universe Of Star Wars Collectibles is an essential guide for dealers, collectors, and anyone wanting to look up the value of a Star Wars related item in the possession of themselves, friends or family.

1 comments about "Hot stuff!": Firefighting collectibles : an illustrated reference and buyers guide.

1. I recently started collecting antique firefighting equipment which goes along with my career as a firefighter. As a beginner it is difficult to get an idea of how much these collectibles are worth. I was recently in an antique mall in Nebraska when I ran across Andrew Gurka's book which I am currently writing this review on. As I was browsing the pages of his book I realized I had just looked at several items which were very similar to some pictures in the book and I also noticed that the prices were very reasonable compared to the suggested values in the book. Needless to say, I purchased the items and the book which I refer to every time I search for a new item. It is filled with a variety of items from A-Z and lists suggested values for the items which you can use as a comparison for the items you are interested in. The prices shown in the book are from 1996 so you should keep that in mind when you are looking at collectibles. This is definately the book for the beginning collector.

3 comments about Thirty Years of Mattel Fashion Dolls: Identification & Value Guide 1967 Through 1997.

1. I originally got this book when I purchased a lot of Starr dolls off eBay. Not knowing much about Starr other than she was from Mattel, I went to my Barbie identification guides to learn more. Nothing. I went to Doll Collectors guides. Nada. Then I found this book. This was GREAT! It had the doll, her back story, interesting trivia, and extremely helpful pictures and detailed captions. I even found other Mattel dolls I had found here there and yonder listed in this book. So like a child with a blanket, I have taken to carrying the book around everywhere. It has joined my Barbie Field Guide and Barbie:A Visual Guide to the Ultimate Fashion Doll as the MUST-HAVES when I look for new find on eBay or when I'm listing dolls to resell.



2. While this book does not contain all of Mattel's dolls between 1967 and 1997- it is great. The pictures are fantastic- tons of color pictures. Each doll featured has a picture and a detailed summary.Lots of the newer dolls from 80's to 90's that are just now becoming collectable. This is such a nice book to look at and gives values as well for reference. Most dolls are pictured in their original packaging.



3. Great info on so many mattel dolls... Celebrity dolls (from the osmonds to 90210), Barbie, Princess of Power (my favorite), Lady Lovely Locks, Disney Classics and so much more. All complete with pictures and detailed information. A must if you collect fashion dolls from this era.

5 comments about The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture: An Illustrated Guide to Identifying Period, Detail, and Design (Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture).

1. Don't buy from this vendor, the book was prepriced and they charged substanitally more plus the frieght. When contacted about it they asked for more imformation and pictures of the product then is required to get a social security number. They were bascially nasty with their attitude. Amazon should not list these people.



2. "The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture" is not only a wonderful reference book with lovely illustrations and photos, but it makes a great coffee table book as well. I highly recommend this book. It is a great value for very little money.



3. Totally a collectors book has great pictures and wonderful information showes the designs well. helps you learn what to look for in antiques



4. This is an absolute sensational book! It is a book that must be included in your antiques reference library!
   It covers everything A to Z on the subject of identifying and authenticating period pieces. You WILL be able to identify period pieces once you've studied the book subjects. It offers hundred of pictures, with clear cut difinitions and examples.
   If you are an antiques dealer, beginner or expert, you will not regret owning this very comprehensive guide.
   I would also like to recomment The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture; another must have reference book.
   *****



5. This volume provides a good reference for collectors of antique furniture. It includes a detailed chronology of styles and periods, coverering Europe and the US, and presents typical pieces of various categories of furniture, including details on construction. It is well illustrated. Unfortunately no relative values are provided. Also degree of rarity, popularity, etc. is also rarely mentioned.(A tip: I still think that Peter Philp's FIELD GUIDE TO ANTIQUE FURNITURE is much better. In fact, if you've got Philp's book, you don't really need this one).