Collectibles Books

I was very satisfied with Amazon. My book was packaged extremely well so that the pages wouldn't get messed up. I was surprised at how fast I received it too.

I purchased three books on tin toys and dollhouses, and this one was the best by far to help me evaluate some tin/metal doll houses I was buying.

The book sections are by the doll house maker, with excellent photographs that help identify them, and estimated years that they were sold.

In addition there are photographs of the furniture that you would typically find in these houses. This helps alot if you have just purchased an empty doll house, and you want to furnish it with vintage items of the correct size and type.

Simply an excellent reference book for tin doll house collectors or just old-timers wanting a bit of nostalgia :)

Mary Brett has written the Bibile of Tin Litho houses. Excellent pictures of the houses detail their interiors, exteriors and the furniture needed to make them cosy little homes. All major producers are covered, Marx, Cohn, Wolverine to mention just a few. Ms. Brett also includes a section on the more unusual items, such as the rare and unique Friendly Folks Motel. Better buy two copies, this book is destined to become dog-earred and worn before very long.

Great reference book for collector of 40's and 50's plastic doll house furniture. Copyright in 1997 makes pricing guide a tad out of date . . . nevertheless a good starting reference price range. Great photos. Interesting information on producing companies.

This is a wonderful reference quide for baby boomers who want to collect dollhouses and furniture! What great memories this book brought back. I found doll houses and furniture I once had and some of the models my cousins and friends had in the 1950's! This is a trip down memory lane and the price is great for this publication. Amazon delivers quickly, too!

This book is like an oversized, jam-packed version of the quarterly catalog Bill Bruegman put out for Toy Scouts, his retro-nostalgia toy hunting business. It's an oversized, black and white paperback with a full color cover showing lots of great toys. The inside is chock full not only of pictures of 'sixties era toys but also stories. One of the best is about the guy at Ideal who invented Mr. Machine (recently reproduced by Poof Toys). There's also great info about how Mattell came up with so many ingenious toys.

Many of the toys of this era would be outlawed today for insurance reasons. Companies like Tycho bought the molds and brought a lot of them back, sometimes in revised, safer versions. Due to books like this, some toys like Rock 'Em Sock "Em robots have made a comeback. Twenty bones might seem high for this book, but in my view it's a bargain, with hundreds of pictures to pore over, not to mention sprinklings of trivia and Bill's industry anecdotes. Not only that, but this book alerted me to a toy I never knew existed that I stumbled on at a thrift shop. Which is to say, it's a great place to start scouting.

the heck whith the dealers this book is just plain fun i was born in 1960 this book has every toy made for any active boy and girl who liked marsha brady and greg brady , the bana splits, kerplunk, batteling tops , johnny astro , vroom engine you attached to your bike hot wheels, evel knevil i could on for hours the pictures ate in black and white but its ok this is the most wonderful collection of toys i have seen since the sears catalog in 1968 . it tell everyone about this book its wonderful sincerly christian john nielsen

the heck whith the dealers this book is just plain fun i was born in 1960 this book has every toy made for any active boy and girl who liked marsha brady and greg brady , the banana splits, kerplunk, batteling tops , johnny astro , vroom engine you attached to your bike hot wheels, evel knevil i could on for hours the pictures ate in black and white but its ok this is the most wonderful collection of toys i have seen since the sears catalog in 1968 . it tell everyone about this book its wonderful sincerly christian john nielsen

"Toys of the Sixties" is primarily a collector's tool, but in being so has a considerable listing of toys manufactured from the late 50's through 1970 or so. Without a doubt, if you grew up in this time, some of your toys will be listed here- and some toys you wanted but never received. All this said, even though my copy says "4th Edition" and the copyright is 1996, what prose there is, and the ads for additional material seem out of the 1980's. I couldn't find websites or email addresses for any of these catalogs, and no specified method of payment either. I would be cautious about using this book for collecting given the fact it's almost 10 years old, but a lot of memories will come back while reading it.

Love this book. It has been a great help to my business (timewarptoys.com), and for my personal collecting. I wish he would do another! I highly recommend it for any child of the sixties or anyone that loves toys!

Jonathan Day's book is excellent. Not only does it showcase some of the most talented artists of Hopi, but it brings light to the new traditional way of carving. Sounds like an oxymoron, however, the traditional styles are beautiful and a more accurate representation of the kachina. I have had the privilege of meeting a few of the artists in the book. The book does a nice job highlighting these wonderful people who are so rich in culture.

The author, Jonathan S. Day has written a great book filled with interesting knowledge and history of the young carvers. With beautifully laid out color photos of their work. The author is a second generation trader and is knowledgeable of Hopi art and tradition. I recently visited The Jonathan S. Day Collection shop in Flagstaff, Arizona. It is filled with Kachinas and other Hopi artifacts for show and purchase similar to the items in the book. I highly recommend this book.

Author, Jonathan Day has created a feast for the eyes as well as the mind. Day, a second generation Indian trader, shares his love and respect for the Hopi people while introducing the reader to the traditional Hopi katsina (kachina)through a new generation of carvers. Most people are familiar with the "action" dolls, however, traditional katsinas are usually hung on the wall and have an "antique" look to them. As this is my favorite form of katsina I was immediately drawn to this book. JD shares his experiences with the 19 featured carvers and provides a wonderful insight to what guides them in their carving...many of the stories will touch your heart. An essential book to anyone who collects or has dreamed of collecting Hopi katsina dolls.

On a recent trip to Arizona -Sedona and Flagstaff, I was lucky to stumble upon a Hopi Marketplace, meet Jonathan Day and a number of the carvers in his book. This book is a wonderful beginning to the understanding the culture of the Hopi and the direction in which the creation of Kachinas is moving--a return to an art form that is based upon the teachings of the Hopi--a truer sense of the meaning of the kachina as a spirit which teaches and guides. Written with sensitivity and humour, Jonathan Day's book imparts the direction and meaning of the kachina, the Hopi culture and the artists behind the work. His commitment to the trust given to him by many of the artists interviewed along with his knowledge of the Hopi culture is invaluable to those of us of wish to understand more with respect and honor. His advice and recommended reading is invaluable.

This book deals with the "new" style of katsina doll carving that is in fact a revival of what is termed "traditional" style, the style found before the advent of "action" katsinas of the 1950's. The author has termed this new/old style "New Traditional", and has devoted this book to the carvers themselves, as well as the dolls they make. These katsinas are identified by their more simplistic style, with emphasis on the faces and body paint and costume, much different than the very elaborately carved and detailed "Modern Contemporary" dolls. Many of the Hopi artists in this book have been carving katsinas for years, but have only recently begun to carve in the old style of their grandfathers. The book describes what the categories of katsinas are, gives a biography of the featured carvers, the locations where their awesome dolls may be purchased, and even has an introduction on how to behave yourself if you are ever privileged enough to visit the Hopi mesas in Arizona (sadly, many of the Hopi ceremonies have been closed to outsiders because of rude, obnoxious behavior of tourists who think that these important religious rites are just shows put on for entertainment). This is a good book for collectors of katsina dolls, and even if this style of katsina carving isn't quite your cup of tea, I recommend this book very highly!

This book is very accurate, informative and well put together. For some time now I've been looking for an up to date beanie list and price guide and this book is it! It's a great item for all Ty collectors!

This book is my bible when buying or selling TY beanies accurate price list, interesting facts and is a must for TY beanie lovers that love to collect these little guys.

Few 20th century collectibles have had as huge a success in the popular culture as those small plush toys known as Beanie Babies -- as well as Punkies, Pinkys, Girtz, and more!. Now in an expanded and fully updated third edition, "Ty Beanies Tracker" under the deft editorship of Beanie Baby expert Karen Holmes provides collectors, dealers, and the general public with a unique, comprehensive, illustrated reference and price guide for these popular toy collectibles. Featuring more than 4,000 color pictures comprising the complete Ty product lines (including variations and rare items), "Ty Beanies Tracker", with its Note Pages, Daffynitions, Attic Treasures, and NASCAR Beanies, is a simply indispensable addition to personal, professional, and community library Antiques & Collectibles reference shelves.

Beanie Babies were one of the truly remarkable pop culture phenomena of the last 15 years. I can still remember the first time McDonald's offered the Teenie Beanies and my wife and I spent the better part of the weekend trying to track down as many of the little critters for our son as we could. Beanies, however, suffered the same fate as many other collectibles such as comic books and sports cards, two hobbies I was very familiar with. First, it quickly became driven by speculators trying to make a quick buck. Next, corporate greed too over as Ty began churning out more and more product and started to try and manufacture collectibles with special releases. Today, we go to garage sales and Flea Markets and see people dumping their Beanies, often for as little as a buck each.

Yet for its core collectors, those who got into it for the love, and not necessarily the promise of future value, Beanies are still around and viable. If you don't think there is still an active market out there for trading Beanies, just check out eBay. As I write this review there are over 21,000 auctions underway in the Ty category. The speculators have long since dropped out, prices have righted themselves, and Bangzoom has released the 2nd edition of their indispensable guide. The guide covers the Beanie scene right up through the beginning of 2006 and in its review of the marketplace it makes no bones about it...now is a great time to buy, but not such a great time to sell.

The book provides a history of Beanies and their hang tags. A picture of generation's unique tag is included in the book with notes on variations and changes. The book also lists several different Beanie related websites that feature news, accessory sales, trading posts, and other information. The book lists Beanies alphabetically, and lists their birth date, introduction date, retirement date (if applicable) and their hang tag poems. The generation(s) is also listed as well as a current price. But you'll find more than just Beanie Babies In the guide...it also covers Beanie Buddies, Kids, Boppers, Teenie Beanies, Jingle Beanies, Pluffies, Punkies, and more, over 1500 different TY items. The back provides a handy index and checklist.

While the craze of the mid-90's may be over, there are still millions of Beanie collectors and lovers out there and there is simply no better book on the Market than the Ty Beanies Tracker from Bangzoom.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

This new edition of Ty Beanies is a complete, very informative source for all "Beanie" collectors, old or new, excellent reference!

I have just recently begun collecting these dolls and their clothes. I love miniatures and the detail that goes into them when they are done to scale, use quality materials, and there is attention to detail. This doll has all that. I have Barbie dolls from my childhood and the first clothes offered for that doll had style and quality --- the later clothing line didn't come close. Mattel now makes a Silkstone line of Barbies for collectors that has that quality back.

Tonner Doll Company has had the quality in the doll and clothes since it's inception. The doll and clothes are to die for. Such detail in material, buttons, zippers, lining, etc., makes for beautiful clothes for the doll. And it all goes with the doll's story line - The House of Wentworth - a fashion designer company. I now have three Tyler Wentworth dolls (blonde, brunette, and red head), Tyler's sister Marley, Tyler's boyfriend Matt O'Neill, and a Sydney Chase doll (of the Chase Modeling Agency).

This book explained the doll's story well, introduces you to her friends & associates and displays the doll's clothes beautifully. I truly enjoyed this book!

I enjoy collecting these dolls and displaying them in their different outfits. I highly recommend this book (and "The Robert Tonner Story" book) to all Fashion Doll collectors and especially for Tonner Doll Co. doll collectors too! Enjoy!

This is a wonderful coffee table book loaded with great photos of Tyler, and her story. I love creating outfits, and having a fashion book filled with creative, gorgeous outfits that work is stimulating. Plus, sharing the book with my little friend who just loves to look at the dolls and clothes is a treat.

I don't collect Tyler Wentworth dolls but still loved the book. Lots of good pictures.

I find this book indispensible when trolling eBay for Tyler and family outfits and accessories. There are wonderful detail pictures of the outfits and dolls and special editions. The pictures show you what should have come with the doll or outfit originally. It provides edition sizes too and has saved me money by preventing me from bidding on partial outfits or dolls that are incomplete or have been modified. I have worn this hardback just about limp but it has such a strong binding and good quality paper that it is still stout. I wish Tonner would do a similar book for the Brenda Starr series when she has her 5th anniversary with Tonner.

As a collector of Robert Tonner dolls, this book is a must have as a wonderful reference and history of his dolls. Photographs are gorgeous and wonderful details. I highly recommend this book and Amazon has a wonderful deal on it. This book is first class just like the Robert Tonner doll company!!! A++++++++++

This is a fun and entertaining look at the world of United States! Highly Recommended!! Almost a picture on every page- makes it easy to remember and learn!

When will the next book of this stamp book series come out? The first one is terrific!!!!

I loved this book. It changed the way i think about stamps. In fact my grades went up becuase of it and it made be able to read more mature and complicated books.

I love this book because it is a very organized look at United States stamps. It follows stamps one by one from the first postmaster provisonal issues to the first commemorative. Please hurry and write volume two1

I am a collector of United States stamps. I was confused by all the different terms and types of stamps. I have all the standard stamp catalogs including that of Scott's but I wanted more information in just one source. I took a chance and bought this book, hoping to learn more about stamps. It really was just I was looking for. It is full of useful information. The tables are wonderful but even better are the text and pictures. The author makes the stamps come alive by his style of writing and even his humor. You can read the book cover to cover to understand the story and evolution of stamps from the very beginning. Or you can use it as a reference book to look something up on a particular stamp. I now understand all those confusing varieties of what appear to be the same stamp. I only wish the pictures were color. That is about the only drawback. I can't wait for the next volume in the series so I can learn more about the stamps I collect.

I could not have decorated my recently renovated 100 year old Victorian home without this book. Friends and family think I have great potential as a decorator, little do they know.

I found this book at a local library, I have went threw several books to get ideas on styles and of the victorian era. I found this one to be one of the best. It has wonderful, all color photographs, has a dictionary of old words and is wonderful for discribing details. I am going to purchase it for my own collection.

I bought this book about a year ago and I still refer back to it often. The photos are so gorgeous, they give me goosebumps. They transport me into a place I'd like to live, a fantasy of design and genteel composure. The text is informative and the quality of photos is top notch. I highly recommend this book to folks who like Victorian design, both contemporary and traditional. You will feel the money was well spent!

This book is loaded with color photographs! I went through this book several times before putting it back down. It's a must have if you are trying to get decorating ideas for a victorian room.

This is a beautiful book to dream by. I bought one because we are building a Victorian home, but this would be enjoyed by anyone who loves Victorian style and design. Lovely!

I am a collector of WW11 items and this has come in very handy for Identifing items, when the tags have been removed from items, A lot of history of the item and would recommend this book to others. There are better books out there but this one is very usful for the novice.

Warman's World War II Collectibles book is very informative but it leaves out some gear that could be studied, like tents and the gear that goes along with with tents. I realize that covering so much more material in a single volume could be prohibitive.

Excellent reference for the military collectible "buff". Doesn't have EVERYTHING, but there's lots of good information for you to value items you have, or want to procure...Worth the money...

Being a intermediate collector, I thought this book was great for identifying and giving a good price guide for a great deal of WWII collectibles. Advanced collectors probably would not appreciate the overview of many subjects, but this book plainly states it is not specific in all areas. I would definetly take this to shows for ID help for sure! Great buy!

I did not intend to write this review today because I just obtained the book today. I found it by chance at a book store and since I am a specialist in World War II numismatics (coins and especially paper money and more), I bought it. When I got home, I found that there were no reader reviews here so I thought that I shold put in at least and short/temporary one.
There is nothing on numismatics in the book which you might think would turn me off, but I did not really expect to find much if anything on numismatics. This or any book can only be an introduction to WWII items. Heck, our own book on just the numismatics of the war is over 800 pages. So far I have found the text satisfying if brief. Graf lists many hundreds of items in several chapters. The illustrations are excellent. I learned a lot and expect to learn much more. I will try to write a more detailed review later.

My sister sent me this book for my birthday and it is the nicest gift I've received. And the cover art is a dead ringer for my best friend! I am currently on disability following a nervous breakdown, and this book has given me great comfort. Simple, pleasant and thoughtful reading. It truly is a book of meditations for cat lovers. Please ... buy this book and/or send it to anyone who could use some spiritual and humorous relief.

I enjoyed this book very much! It's filled with lots of sweet short stores, both touching and funny, that you can read and chew on all day. If you like cats you'll love this book!

Being a cat-lover and having read many books about cats, it was with great delight that I read this absolutely different piece of reading!! The idea of transfering experiences with cats to human beings transforms every story into a trip to our most intimate feelings... It is one of the most beautiful books I`ve ever read! I wish I could publish it here in Brazil... Many Brazilian cat-lovers who don`t know English would be able to enjoy it too... Thank you for the wonderful moments I had.

This book is a real gem for a cat lover. It is gentle, and does bring an occasional tear to ones eyes. It's full of the incredible healing nature of cats. It acknowledges that the cat is a mysterious, loyal creature and is full of purrfect sayings. This is a treasure, I read before bed. Snuggling with my own felines. It is a warm place and a great book.
If you are feeling world worn its a good place to rest for awhile, reading about something you understand.

This is a great meditation book for cat lovers as well as for those who like to apply Bible verses to their life. You can read just one meditation per day, or read a lot, whatever you're in the mood for. I received it for my birthday and plan to buy one for another friend's birthday. Makes great gifts for cat lovers!

The book under review in my opinion is without doubt the standard published text in the contemporary horological literature on its subject.

The material is comprehensive and clearly prsesented.

This book is thorough. This book covers the topic of wheel and pinion cutting very well. I would like to have seen a chapter on CNC.

Grins

This book was a Christmas gift for my brother-in-law who is a machinist who repairs clocks, vintage Victrolas, etc. The book is full of machines that he has never seen before. A true winner!!

One of the best books on gear cutting written so an average machinist can understand it.

Fanatastic book, and a bargain at the price. This book should be of interest to all clock makers, model makers, and home shop machinist. Anyone interested in the history of machine tools and clock making will also find this work of real interest. The first section covers the history of wheel cutting and the later part deals with all aspects of gear making in detail. Covers a wide range of gear cutting equipment, how to make cutters, and related watch and clock making operations. Absolutely the best book on the subject!!