Collecting Books

I really wasn't very interested in collecting old and antique fishing lures until I read this book. There is really so much more to the hobby that I diddn't know...

If you are an avid lure collector or just starting out, this book is a MUST. The photos and history of the lures are a fantastic guide. The quality of the book itself is also excellent. I'm glad to have this book as part of my refference library.

I actually met Dr. Smith at the Creek Chub Show in Garret, Indiana. I purchased his book there and have enjoyed it ever since. Smith actually grew up in Garret and offers insight on the community and company that is priceless. Make this a part of your lure resource library today. It is truely a great source of lure information. It sets a standard for all Creek Chub publications to follow. Enjoy the book, at a great price.

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.

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!

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!

This book is an excellent source of information on Ty plush animals! It is a valuable addition to any collector! I got this for my mother, she collects Ty Bears, and she didn' realize how many were actually out there. Excellent book, very well put together!

We Ty plush collectors have been waiting for this book. This guide contains pictures and information on Ty plush that I had never ever heard of! The pictures are very well done, very clear. It also has information on Attics and Beanies, but it's the plush section that really makes it unique.

This guide gives you an in depth look at pictures and prices for the collectibles you have! Helps you to identify those pieces who may not have tags and assess their value. A MUST have for the Ty Plush collector!

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.

This was an awesome product for me to have because I have alot of ceramics that have the made in japan labels on them. It is really fun to look them up to see if what you have is worth anything.

Made in Japan Ceramics Book 3 continues to give the readers what they want: INFORMATION ! Biscuit Barrels, Figurines, Condiment Sets , Wall Pockets, etc.,etc., with top notch color photos. Carole Bess White has chosen to share her vast knowledge and love of these charming pieces. Thanks Carole. When shall we expect volume #4 ?

I may buy this because I collect comics and I need to know how much they are worth

I am new at selling comic books a task you can say was "left to me". I have a large inventory of underground comics and it was a great pleasure to find a section on the subject in this book. I refer to it every day.

Written and assembled by the team of writers and editors who used to publish the magazine Comic Values Monthy (as well as Triton, and Toy Values Monthly). This guide offers sections on each of the major comicbook companies, as well as Golden Age Comics, smaller Color and B&W publishers. Very well put together, they have been issuing this guide since 1994.

Great book.Overpriced.Vender price gouging just because availability is scarce right now.Since purchase I have found many at cheaper price.

My father used to tell us children about the "old" radio days and how the family would gather around and listen to the radio shows. He would speak of his love for those old radios. I , like everyone else I suppose, have seen old radios in antique stores. However, I don't recall having ever seen a Crystal Radio. I happened to be at an antique show and saw a copy of the book. I decided to buy it for my father. When I got home I started going through the pages and was amazed by the information in the book and the amount of crystal sets there had been. The author has done so much research and I feel the wiser for it. I am glad that I happened upon this book. I have learned from it and know that my father will enjoy it whenever I finally decide to give it to him. He is bound to have many more stories to tell me about "the old radio days" but somehow I think I am going to enjoy listening to them even more.

ISBN: 188660603X is Volume 2 (252 pages) which describes and pictures additional radio sets not in volume 1.

1886606013 is Volume 1 (282 pages).

The important part is the hundreds of pictures of the actual radio sets and/or magazine adds and, when possible, also shows a couple of sentences or so of information about each particular set. The idea is to help identify the huge variety of the many makes and models of crystal sets from around 1920 to 1950, but is also a nice travel down memory lane.

A few of the more modern crystal sets are also covered.

Also a special section with a history of the big four companies:Wireless Specialty Apparatus Company, Radio Corporation of America (in Vol.1). And Philmore Manufacturing Company (in Vol.1 and Vol.2) and Western Manufacturing Company (in Vol.2).

Both fully indexed.

Also both have long tables summarizing the various makes and models of radios.

And both have long summary tables for the spare crystals sold for use as replacements in the sets (when crystals get old they oxidize and lose power).

Very nice presentation of all this material, highly recommended!

Good introductory material including a description of the difference between earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and whiteware. Has many pictures of the items and their marks, is a great resource for dating and pricing some of my collection.

To add a little information: on page 50 it shows a Perfect mark in a banner. Text says "has been attributed to Dresden Pottery, though some question this association because it is so unlike Dresden's other marks."

I have a pretty gravy boat marked Perfect in a circle with NCC script, from the National China Company. In 1910 National China Company sold its factory and bought Dresden (in Ohio, not Germany). So, I believe the Perfect mark in the book is Dresden (carrying Perfect over from the National China Company).

As you can see, the book leads you down interesting research paths. Enjoy!
cuppateacollectibles

The many quality color illustrations are what count the most in my situation. Very worthy resource.

This book is beautiful to look at and packed with valuable information. If you are a collector, this book is a must have. If you are not a collector, you will be after viewing this book.

How useful is this book? Within a fortnight of its purchase, I repaired the damaged cockbeading on my mid-Victorian/ Scotch chest of drawers using a scratch stock, and managed to open a locked cabinet door on my Victorian chiffonier by cutting a new barrel key. Prior to purchasing the book, I had contacted a local cabinetmaker regarding fashioning a replacement cockbeading for my chest of drawers. The cabinetmaker assured me that the job was "...very complex" and placed me on a year-and-a-half waiting list. My local locksmith was prepared to charge me $150 to open the locked cabinet door on my chiffonier. The barrel key blank cost me $12.

The book is a breath of fresh air with its emphasis on restoration using old methods, techniques, and materials rather than prescribing the usual hearty dollop of filler and varnish to get your beloved piece back to its former glory. I found the chapter devoted to colour matching to be particularly significant, and I have yet to encounter a book that delves so deeply into the matter.

The chapter entitled "Is it Really Antique?" made for a fascinating read. The Development of the English Wood Screw, Woodworking Methods, Locks, and Anatomy of a Fake are all accompanied by a bounty of useful photographs.

Truly the most useful book that I have found on the subject, and one that I reach for before all of the others when I need a question answered.

This book is full of very helpful information on many aspects of furniture restoration and repair. Unlike many books on the subject it gives you the information you need without wasting your time or money.

Bennett has created a clear guide that both beginning and experienced restorators will find helpful. His techniques preserve the integrity and value of antiques by treating them conservatively. I especially appreciate Bennett's directions for formulating fillers and cleaners. If you want to do a proper job of restoring a fine antique this book is an essential tool.

Whether you're a collector or would-be collector of american furniture, this is the single must-have book for you. Well-written and quite readable, this book is more than just a reference. Its engaging style and informative nature will make it hard to put down.It'll help you spot the best quality pieces and recognize those that have been tampered with. For the new collector buying from auctions or dealers, this book is priceless. It'll help you spot the best quality pieces and recognize those that have been 'restored'. If you want to really know what your colllecting, get this book first!

Having been sent this book as a present by a friend in the US, I felt I must tell others just what a treasure trove it is. It has been written by someone who not only obviously loves his subject, but who has written a clear, easy-to-read amd well-illustrated guide for those of us who have developed an interest in early American furniture but who lacked expertise. It also tells you how to care for furniture. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Early American Furniture: A Practical Guide for Collectors by John Obbard is filled with information about all aspects of furniture from this period. Chapter one starts with an overview of the furniture trade, followed by understanding period and style, evaluation of quality, identifying period workmanship, and identifying fakes and frauds. Each type of furniture has its own chapter (wing chair, Windsor, chest of drawers, desk, highboy, etc.). There are many illustrations, but the only photographs are on the cover. With all of this information covered, one can sense that this book states concepts "straight to the point". For example, on page 64, there is a paragraph which states to look for a detached shoe or two part shoe and that this is something to note with old furniture. A beginner is not going to grasp that concept from the paragraph and illustration. Regardless, this is a good review source for the experienced person or a good outline for a beginner. I have spent three times the price of this book for many with less information.

Although light reading, the text serves as a functional guide; lean and concise requiring the reader to become involved in cross reference.

One of a fantastic series of 4 chuck full of informational volumes dedicated to a particular geographic area. A must for any rock hound weather you travel or just live in the geographic area of the volume. If you can afford it, get all 4 regional volumes. Start with your area. The location information brake down of the minerals to be found in each state counties is so valuable you can't do with out it. Saves time, eliminate barren hunting grounds and it's so detailed as to where and how you find the minerals. This is just one of a fact full accurate guide series you'll want to have in your rock library. Don't settle for an older printing, this one is reprinted and has been updated.

This book looks like it's going to be a GREAT asset in my mineral hunting! I like the way it's set up, by state and then by county within the state. It lists the various sites, tells what has been found at each site and (by a code explained in the front of the book) where in each site the minerals were (in a field, in a mine, in the water, etc.). There are directions of varying degrees to each site. That's the one thing I'd quibble about -- some of the directions aren't that precise. But I understand that some of these sites are private lands, or not completely documented, and he can't come out and say, "Go fifty feet past the blue house, down a ravine, and to your left." In general, the directions seem good enough to get you close, and after that it's up to you.

He lists the rocks and minerals found at each site and gives some information about the quality at most places, including size of crystals found, color (and quality of color), and so on.

My only regret? I don't know if I'll have time to visit each site he has listed! So many rocks, so little time........