5 comments about Oil Lamps: The Kerosene Era in North America.

1. A great study of Oil Lamps and will be looking forward to other publications and updates from Catherine Thuro. A wonderful display of illustrations and photos.



2. This is an updated printing of the original book. I have the older one and it was nice to review the new updated information. This is a great book for any oil lamp collector, and it has a very reasonable discounted price. Betty Lonsdale, Florida



3. One book can't possibly cover every manufacturer, even the big names. However Thuro has provided history, research and extraordinary detail to offer well over 300 pages of pictures, descriptions, old advertising and assorted information that educates the individual on oil and kerosene lamps from North America.
   
   Of particular interest the author delves into specific new patents such as adding handles or modest change in designs to demonstrate how improvements were made over the years. Thuro covers railroad lighting, ships lamps, whale oil lamps and provides an excellent chronological history of lighting as it progessed through the years.
   
   In addition to dozens of color and black/white photographs, the author provides drawings and old advertisements to give the reader detailed information on dates and lamp design. Values are updated to 2004 but with the changing markets these become fluid rapidly. For education, collecting and identification this book will serve most collectors and dealers well.



4. This book was a big disappointment. I have several Bradley & Hubbard kerosene lamps, and there is not one word about them in this book. Bradley & Hubbard were one of the largest manufacturers of kerosene lamps during the 19th century, and are very popular with collectors today. The Smithsonian has a collection, with a curator and a web site, of B & H lamps and other items made by them. Strangely, there is one brief mention (with a photo) of a Rayo lamp, and the author fails to mention Rayo lamps were made by Bradley & Hubbard for the Standard Oil Co. I was considering buying Oil Lamps II by the same author, but I'm afraid it would be a disappointment also.



5. Oil Lamps I has become the standard reference book on kerosene lamps. It is by far the most comprehensive and definitive book to cover the kerosene era. More than 1,000 kerosene lamps and accessories are shown in over 900 studio photographs. For the historian, student and collector, there awaits a carefully researched and organized visual record. First published in 1979, this newly released 1998 reprint is complete with an updated price guide. Often the first reference I choose.

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 Art of Opium Antiques.

1. Thanks goes to Steve Martin for bringing to light a significant, and nearly forgotten, history. Through artifacts (Steve's impressive and beautiful collection of opium paraphernalia, and period photographs) and down to earth story telling, I found myself transported to opium dens in the East and West, and imagined the lives and circumstances of those who were entranced and enveloped by the narcotic.
   
   The pictures are gorgeous, the writing evocative, and the topic and the objects themselves provide a fascinating portal for history.



2. This book is really helpful to identify antique opium art. I work for Asia Galleries in San Francisco where we sell a lot of antique opium artifacts. I had hard time to find a book that helps me to study about details of opium art, but in this book I see many dampers, pipes, lamps, and opium scrapers are similar to the ones Asia Galleries have; therefore, I was able to gain some knowledge through this book. Now, I am confident to explain details of our antique opium art to customers. I would like to say thank you to Steven Martin.



3. When the paraphernalia associated with opiates comes to mind what do you picture? Syringes? Drippy candles? Bent spoons? These are the gear of the heroin user but what about heroin's long dead uncle, opium? The paraphernalia of the two drugs couldn't be more different. This book will take you back in time when drug use was at least practised with style and flair. The opium pipes, lamps and other accouterments illustrated in this book are gem-like works or art made from rare and precious materials such as silver, ivory and jade. It's a world long lost but the author manages to bring it back to life for a brief moment and dazzle us with the promises of chemical bliss that tempted our ancestors. Getting addicted back then was no doubt as painful and ruinous as it is today, but they sure knew how to do it in style!



4. The Art of Opium Antiques is one of the most artfully illustrated and artistically written books on the subject. Throughout its pages Steven Martin traces the cultural use in China alongside the artistry and astounding craftmanship of the time, from the low and common to the truly decedent. Photos of amazingly ornate apparatus are peppered throughout alongside diagrams depicting the main components of a typical pipe or lamp. Historical photos help put one in the mind frame of the times, allowing one to contemplate how this blissful habit, aided by dedicated artisans progressed up until its zenith during the nineteenth century. Martin's vast collection and grasp of the subject are equally great, allowing one to walk away with a greater appreciation for opium related antiquities. There is no doubt this book will help spawn new collectors as well as reconfirm the addiction of the collector aficionado, for this book is a grand spring board for newbies and opium-porn for the serious collector.



5. Such a great book! Instead of just relating the well-known disastrous effects of opium, the author of this book brings new insight into the history of the drug by exploring Opium paraphernalia as an art form. It works!
   
   We are brought into the mythical Opium dens of a not so distant past, with the rich illustrations of this text. A rare photo of an 1880 Butte, Montana bunkhouse "opium den" is particularly amusing. However, it is the lush photographs of the drug paraphernalia that make this work so worthwhile. The extensive captions that accompany each photograph have enabled the author to not only inform the reader about the use and artistic achievement of these artifacts, but entertain as well.
   
   The result is a more humanizing view of the addiction itself. Knowing that these beautiful instruments were the tools in which to feed a deadly addiction gives us another vantage point to view this era of history.
   
   Anyone with the an interest in the history of China, the Chinese Diaspora living in the USA in the late 18th/19th century or the history of Southeast Asia will find this book particularly fascinating. The Art of Opium Antiques will be an essential addition to your bookshelf.

1 comments about Antique Jewelry: A Practical & Passionate Guide.

1. What a pleasure it is to write a review of this beautiful book. I originally read this book when it was first published. I was new to antique jewelry and had a million questions. This book is just an indispensible guide for those starting out. Her knowledge is solid, as is her advice (avoid broken, shop around, if you love it buy it!) I know many self-proclaimed experts that would benefit from reading this book. All the basics, well written and organized. BUY IT!

3 comments about The Fred Arbogast Story: A Fishing Lure Collector's Guide.

1. Scott Heston's THE FRED ARBORGAST STORY: A FISHING LURE COLLECTOR'S GUIDE is for any avid collector of fishing lures: it surveys both cataloged and uncataloged lures, providing good-sized color photos of both lures and packaging and blending design history insights with values. Any sports or fishing collectibles collection will want this.



2. Excellent book, has lots of great info about the Fred Arbogast Company and the lures and items that are collectable. The print quality of some of the pictures could be better, especially the color charts, but that aside, thanks to Scott Heston for putting it together.



3. This has to be THE best collectors guide I have ever purchased on ANY collectable, EVER! Even better than his book on Ohio fishing lures. I am so glad I bought this guide. I recently found an old tackle box full of old lures at a yard sale, one of the lures were still in it's box, both in incredible condition! (not gonna mention which lure...but it is valued at $200 in the box)...this guide helped me to recognize what an outstanding deal these lures really were at the price...I paid only $5 for the lot and was able to make quite a tidy profit off of them on eBay. The eBay tips on picture viewing (or in my case, taking) helped me to show the lures off to their best advantage...Thanks Mr. Heston!!!

3 comments about Standard Catalog of Farm Toys: Identification and Price Guide (Standard Catalog of Farm Toys).

1. This was a helpful book for husband who wanted to assess the value of some of his old farm tools.



2. This is a good reference book with pictures and prices.



3. My first farm toy was my dad's Product Miniatures Farmall tractor and wagon with McCormick-Deering decals. It was his as a child and has seen its share of play. That toy was also my inspiration for the improvements included in this 2nd edition.
   
   In creating the 2nd edition of a popular title, the most important considerations for an author are the needs of the audience. I consulted with farm toy expert Kate Bossen and other enthusiastic farm toy collectors to make this edition more comprehensive and easier to use. It contains more than 1,800 new listings and several hundred new photos bring the grand total to well over 5,000 photos. And the positive reactions from collectors this year made our efforts worthwhile.
   
   This book is a must for farm toy collectors who like their toys in green, red, and every variety in between. Like the dedication says: "This edition is dedicated to all who participate in the farm toy hobby, to everyone who remembers that first toy tractor, and to everyone who still has that first toy tractor."
   Karen O'Brien

1 comments about The Estee Lauder Solid Perfume Compact Collection 1967-2001.

1. I was hopeful that this book would provide market intelligence as to what these compacts should be selling for--especially the rare ones.

1 comments about Collector's Guide to Children's Books, 1850-1950: Identification & Values, Vol. 2.

1. This book is very comprehensive with a large amount of information. The information is easy to find with more than one indexing system. The quality of the paper and photos make it enjoyable to use. Highly recommend.

5 comments about Hidden Treasures: Searching for Masterpieces of American Furniture.

1. The Keno brothers are classic examples of what can happen when someone starts on something young and sticks with it through their entire life.
   We all saw Tiger Woods out-putt Johnny Carson when he was 3 years old... Warren Buffett had read every book on finance the Omaha Public Library had available by the time he was 11. The Kenos follow a similar path, only instead of golf or investing, they chose Antiquities.
   
   The one thing that rings very clear is that knowledge, much like interest, compounds at an impressive rate. How early you start your journey can very well determine how far you eventually go with it. The reader can easily imagine the two determined twins in their early teen years, scouting out flea markets for stoneware or "the good stuff".
   
   In reading this book, it provides the reader with a profound insight into who these guys are- how they can know SO much about this stuff and why they've both gone so far in this field.
   
   All in all, a solid four out of five stars. An easy, very interesting read that sheds light into a very exclusive world that was conquered by a couple of twins with endless enthusiasm and a desire to learn.



2. Honestly these two guys make my skin crawl, but they really know their furniture, they are like encyclopedias of knowledge, not quite the great Albert Sack, but getting there. This is a very interesting book on some amazing furniture, and the stories are amazing. These guys really have an eye for a treasure I must admit, but i cant help shaking the image of them on their show, they are just really odd, like some old money WASP, from Newport or Long Island, I have a feeling in thirty years they will have their own Grey Garden.



3. I looked forward to this book but found it sorely lacking.
   
   My biggest gripe is that the brothers jump in a few pages from their modest upbringing to b ig shot dealers wheeling and dealing million(s) dollars items, There is no discussion of how this jump was made, or how they could manage to finance the huge purchase prices they describe. Further the books deals in antiques that only the top .00001 percent of the population could actually buy. Nor is there anything about the business end of things, like how one becomes a top line dealer.
   
   Instead of focusing on real tips and experiences acquiring items that a serious (middle class) collector could hope to acquire, they focus on items that most millionaires would find expensive.
   
   Don't expect this book to have any relevancy to you.



4. I bought a cassette tape of Hidden treasures from Amazon.com for $17.95.
   
   Leslie and Leigh Keno take turns reading their chapters that they wrote for their book themselves. They do a great job and I greatly enjoyed hearing their story told in their own voices. I found them deeply engaging and I loved hearing their story of roaming the rural hills near their home in Mohawk NY, as they rode tautem on a small motor bike looking for long lost treaures near their home; in the form of old barn hinges, or digging through garbage dumps that were over a hundred years old. And their mom who'd see them leave and say, "their go the twins go, off in their own little world." And they do seem to go off in their own world a lot of the time.
   
   Leslie Keno went to an interview at the Mather House admissions building that he was applying to the University there, and ended up crawling around on the floor examining the undersides and legs of furnature. A little later he got a tap on the shoulder as it was time for the interview, and he remembered the concerned looks of parents as he walked by. He didn't say it, but I wondered if he was embarrassed?
   
   Later on in another chapter describing a highly stylized pier table complete with womanly head and upper torso figures that supported the top of the table--I think it was Leslie that time too--Even though he and his brother made a real effort to carefully pronouce each word and keep the pacing even; Leslie almost but not quite stumbled over the word bosom. Yes Leslie, it is a bosom and some call them breasts too. But I thought it was sweet that he almost flubbed. Leigh on the other hand had no trouble telling about an almost sensual moment he had as he was running his hands over a seat cushion(yes, I said a seat cushion), then turned it over to check the underside for the age of the piece.
   
   If you think that this book is a primer for how to be a antique dealer you would be mistaken, and you'd also be mistaken if you thought this would be a dry uninteresting book. Instead what we have here is a very honest look at how two young men grew-up in a very loving, and supporting family. And how their interest in antiques was nutured. It really is interesting seeing how these two brothers evolved into the top notch antique dealers, and appraisers that they are today.
   
   The only thing that disapointed me was; I would have liked to have heard more about their youth.
   
   I highly recommend the book on cassette or in book form. Right now I'm wondering what I missed not having the actual book? Probably a whole lot more pictures. Okay! I'm ordering the book right now!



5. I too, was a recruit from the Antiques Road Show- they are the only reason I am interested in the show (they get so dang happy over a good find) and therefore the ONLY reason I grabbed this book.
   
   I am interested a little in antiques but MORE interested in a good "discovery" or score at a yard sale.... I found this book had it all - it is very well written and kept my interest the entire "read".
   
   The brothers take turns between chapters and keep your interests in them completely equally.
   
   I was also impressed just how their parents influenced them in such an "uncool" hobby, that ultimately led to their popularity and provided them both with success.
   
   Many parents could take a few tips about being involved in their kids hobbies, and lives. They not only were into antiques, but dirtbikes and fishing! Just well rounded kids, and that comes from one place- attention from home.
   
   Any how- I am off my soapbox. I do reccomend this book because it is INTERESTING, it keeps your attention and both get to show their own personalities.
   
   I read it and shared it... have found the same response: surprise that it was INTERESTING! That we wanted to finish it. I am so glad these guys are on TV, I really appreciate the knowledge they are willing to share with us. That is why I like them; their lovely antiques packed minds!
   
   Some brains are very attractive!

No comments about Standard Encyclopedia of Millersburg Crystal: Identification and Values.