Welcome to the exciting world of fast food collectibles! This comprehensive book presents a thorough and entertaining guide to the multitude of kid's meal premiums distributed by fourteen quick service restaurants (other than McDonald's) from January 1990 through late 1998. This colorful assortment of restaurants includes Jack in the Box, KFC, K-Mart, Long John Silver's, Pizza Hut, Roy Rogers, Sonic, Subway, Taco Bell, Target, Wal-Mart, Wendy's, Whataburger, and White Castle. Starting with the beginning of the fast food toy explosion, this definitive volume identifies, describes, and lists prices for over 570 kid's meal promotions from the 1990s. More than 550 full color photos document this awesome array of premiums dating from this decade alone. Many of the toys depict colorful characters from such popular companies as Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Hanna Barbera, Inc., Viacom International, Hasbro, Inc., Twentieth Century Fox Universal City Studios, Inc., DC Comics, Mars, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, and more. The informative text includes a brief history of each corporation and their cast of characters, plus check-off boxes to help you organize your expansive collection. Additionally, the authors have provided a numbering system that identifies every item in the book.

Hollywood movie monsters are enduring pop culture standards. Kids and adults around the world recognize Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolf Man, and the Mummy. Although monsters are Aurora's most famous products, the company created model kits of all varieties, including historic sailing ships, sports cars, moon rockets, military and commercial aircraft, TV stars, comic book heroes, wildlife scenes, knights, and much more. Over 500 color photographs enhance this comprehensive history and guide to Aurora models, now updated to include new companies continuing the Aurora tradition. Aurora executives, sculptors, artists, and engineers who created the models tell the story in their own words. Every model Aurora made is described in detail. Today, Polar Lights, Moebius, Atlantis, and Monarch continue the Aurora tradition. Executives from these companies explain how they have added to the list of revived Aurora models, with information on reissues and current collectors' market values.

Beautifully carved and painted wooden kachina dolls represent the many spirits and dancers in Southwest Indian Hopi ceremonies that appeal to higher forces for rain, fertile crops, and the goodness of life. Learn the identities of 275 kachinas made by important contemporary Hopi artists and on the market today. There are numerous examples of the most popular Kachinas, such as Crow Mother, Eagles, Clowns, and Maidens. Arranged alphabetically for easy reference by collectors, artists, and historians, the descriptive text and 545 spectacular color photographs present the Hopi and English names, artist identity, and images you need to accurately identify Kachinas. The current market is reflected in value ranges in the captions.

Many basic questions confronting antique lamp buyers, from "Where do I look for a manufacturer's signature?" to "How do I distinguish reproductions from originals?" are answered here. Using color photographs and catalogue illustrations, a wealth of information is presented including buying or selling old lighting, restoration issues like rewiring, practical uses for fixtures originally made for gas or oil, and restoring and protecting metal finishes.

From the formal carvings of the nineteenth century to the colorful and informal plastic and glass examples of molded relief jewelry, this revised and expanded guide is the perfect reference for those on a search for cameos. Fourteen new designs are included in vibrant detail, along with values and tips that will assist today's shopper with appropriate cameo choice befitting their tastes and styles. See shell, stone, plastic, ivory, lava, glass, plastics, and metal cameos used in jewelry and ornamental objects. They were produced by inspired artists in fine detail using old-world crafting and are displayed here in full color. An excellent pocket guide reference for collectors or anyone who appreciates the simplicity and beauty of cameo designs.

The clay and plaster statuary groups made by John Rogers (1829-1904) from 1859 until after 1888 were so appealing in late Victorian America that "scarcely a family of reasonable means and taste did not possess one." He portrayed ordinary, everyday, urban and rural people doing ordinary, everyday things. Thereby, he offered an unrivaled transcript of the manners, sports, amusements, social customs, domestic interests, costumes, and even modes of furnishing for the period. He made statues of Civil War soldiers, family groups, literary topics, theater scenes, and historical figures from eight to forty-six inches tall. This book chronicles each Rogers group with a photograph, size, patent or design date, and pertinent anecdotes. It will be useful today as a reference for interpreting life in Victorian America and today's collectors will covet the pictures, personal letters, advertising, and social commentary presented in the text. The Rogers statuary reflects the lives of our common ancestors of the late nineteenth century.

For over 140 years, the Homer Laughlin Company, of East Liverpool, Ohio, made popular ceramic plate shapes, each with different decorative treatments that are identified by numbers and date codes. This book shows, in 805 color photographs, 43 dinnerware shapes as well as kitchenware, specialty items, and backmarks. With this information, you can learn to identify each shape and treatment. Today, this dinnerware is valuable in antiques markets.

This book presents the story of a unique collection of 140 manuscripts of 'learned magic' that was sold for a fantastic sum within the clandestine channels of the German book trade in the early eighteenth century. The book will interpret this collection from two angles - as an artefact of the early modern book market as well as the longue-duree tradition of Western learned magic -, thus taking a new stance towards scribal texts that are often regarded as eccentric, peripheral, or marginal. The study is structured by the apparent exceptionality, scarcity, and illegality of the collection, and provides chapters on clandestine activities in European book markets, questions of censorship regimes and efficiency, the use of manuscripts in an age of print, and the history of learned magic in early modern Europe. As the collection has survived till this day in Leipzig University Library, the book provides a critical edition of the 1710 selling catalogue, which includes a brief content analysis of all extant manuscripts. The study will be of interest to scholars and students from a variety of fields, such as early modern book history, the history of magic, cultural history, the sociology of religion, or the study of Western esotericism.

We hate to name drop, but this beautiful book features the top manufacturers and designers of kitchen towels from the 1930s to the 1960s! From the delightful fruit and floral patterns of Wilendur, Startex, and Martex, to the wonderful whimsical designs of Broderie, Bucilla, and JS&S, a visual feast of color and design is presented here. Vintage towels are small art canvases -- easily afforded, easily cleaned, and easily displayed. Hundreds of different designs can be collected in a small space and at minimal cost. It is no wonder, then, that their popularity has risen in recent years to make them one of the hottest textile collectibles! Called by various names -- tea towels, dish towels, kitchen towels, utility towels, work towels and hand towels -- these irresistible charmers are showcased here in over 490 color photos. Previously unpublished information about some of the era's top-name textile artists is featured in a special designer section and a must-read cleaning and storage chapter provides tips that will add decades to the lives of vintage textiles. Measurements, current values, a helpful glossary, and manufacturers list are all included.

Featuring 352 color photos of beautiful glassware and 67 black and white historical photos and catalog pages, this is one of the most authoritative volumes documenting this prolific firm. Dazzling tableware, tumblers, condiments, and more are displayed in many of their popular glass patterns, including Eyewinker, Reverse torpedo, Alexis, Klondike, Onyx, and Floradine. Sweetheart, Crown, Two Post, Delaware, and Oklahoma lamps are also featured. Among the highly sought novelties illustrated are the Snowball Wine Set, Mrs. Snowball, Clown Decanter, Parrot Decanter, and the novelty pitchers Bicycle Girl, Bringing Home the Cows, Squirrel, and Three Birds. The text provides a detailed history of the company, from its founding in West Virginia through its time as a part of the National Glass Company. Values are provided in the captions. This book is a must for all who enjoy, collect, and study beautiful glassware.

Welcome to the world of White Knob Wind Up Toys (WKWs). Their diversity, availability,and price make these small, ingenious mechanical wonders one of the most collectible toys on the market today. Since the manufacturing of WKWs began in the 1970s, they have hopped, waddled, swam, danced, flipped, and rolled into hearts and homes throughout the world. Never has any toy been more plentifully accepted and enjoyed by both children and adults alike. This book, which is as irresistible as the WKWs it features, includes over 275 full-color photographs, a price guide, and the information you need to either start or continue building a wonderful collection.

In 1636, theologian Roger Williams landed in Rhode Island and "having a sense of God's merciful providence unto me in my distress, called the place Providence." This city grew to become a leader in textile, tool, and jewelry manufacturing and gained the nickname "Beehive of Industry." In the nineteenth century, Providence was known for its busy factories, fascinating history, and beautiful location on scenic Narragansett Bay. Over 300 vintage, hand-tinted postcards transport readers to the early 1900s, when tourism boomed. See the marble dome of the Rhode Island State Capitol, look into the shops at the Mall on Weybosset and Westminster Streets, Roger Williams Park, a lecture at Brown University, and a clambake on the shores of Narragansett Bay. Approximate dating and price guides will be useful to seasoned collectors and beginners looking to start their own collections.

This noteworthy and exceptionally comprehensive book features edged weapons dating from the Neolithic period to the early 20th century. These fascinating antiques come from all over the globe, including Europe, America, the Middle East, Asia, Japan, and Africa. Detailed descriptions and over 890 outstanding color photos help collectors identify and study the characteristics, historical uses, and current values of highly diverse swords and daggers. Among the items showcased are tribal, ceremonial, and presentation edged weapons, Indonesian krises, and Borneo "headhunter" swords. Valuable information is provided about rare artifacts, terminology, and evaluating age and authenticity of the weapons. Novice as well as advanced collectors will find this an indispensable reference.

Whistles: every child's favorite noise-maker, every police officer's most trusted alarm, every girl or boy scout's most treasured souvenir. With almost 500 full-color photographs, this cheerful new book catalogs whistles from the past century, from the simple wooden penny whistle to novelty whistles with built-in compasses, 15-jewel watches, and mink fur decoration. There are many examples of tin whistles decorated with lithographs, plastic whistles made of celluloid, vinyl, and other compounds, and even a reproduction of a clay whistle made in the 1400s! While whistles could be as frivolous as the water-filled `warbling bird' variety, sliding whistles, and kiddie whistles with 1950s TV cowboy logos, there are many more serious whistles shown as well, including a Kentucky coal mine whistle(used to check for toxic gases), a New York City taxi-cab whistle, and a plastic version of traditional African "nose-flute" used in mating rituals. This book covers them all, with discussion of when and how they were made, instructions for taking care of them, and a current price guide.

Explore the work of 117 glass craftsmen, from established artists to up-and-coming talents. Their work represents the many techniques artists employ in today's glass art, including blown, cast, fused, etched, layered, copper foil, enamel, paint, and flame work along with stained glass and mosaic compositions. More than 550 art objects are shown, that span the scale from intricate jewelry pieces to architectural installations. The text reveals artists' individual journeys in creativity, as well as a who's who list of galleries, studios, and schools where the cutting edge of glass art is being explored today.

Here is a wonderful resource for dollhouse collectors seeking to identify and date items in their collections. Shown in over 400 photographs are advertisements from catalogs, magazines, and trade journals picturing dollhouses, dollhouse furniture, and accessories. The ads provide a comprehensive pictorial history of mostly American dollhouses dating from the 1880s to the 1980s. Shown are products from many famous dollhouse companies, including N.D. Cass, Arcade, Meccano, Lines Brothers, Schoenhut, Strombecker, Wisconsin Toy, Rich Toys, Keystone, Converse, Tynietoy, Renwal, Marx, Plasco, Ideal, Playsteel, Built-Rite, Nancy Forbes, Tootsietoy, and many other well-known firms. Of special interest are ads from companies not recognized in previous dollhouse books, including Cranford, Elastic Tip, Playroom Equipment, Toy Gro Educational Toys, Playskool Institute, Vista, Melco Toys, and many more. A special chapter illustrating magazine and newspaper plans for building dollhouses is included to help with the identification of handmade houses and furnishings. This unique book will help new and old collectors alike research their beloved dollhouses and dollhouse furniture.

It is said that art is a universal language and this book communicates eloquently, revealing to the reader hundreds of antique, hand-painted pieces of Limoges porcelain, each an exquisite masterpiece. Over 400 beautiful, full color photographs show stunning examples of hand-painted jardiniAres, punch bowls, spittoons, dinnerware, cups and saucers, cake plates, and more. Limoges boxes are highly collectible today and there is a special section devoted to these lovely, useful objects, each as unique as the talented individual who painted it. The thorough yet concise text defines the arduous process of hand painting on china that has been passed down through the centuries. This is the first book to provide names and biographical information of individual, female, American china painters and highlights their accomplishments and contributions to the art of painting on porcelain. The comprehensive marks section of Limoges and reproduction marks makes this book an invaluable reference and resource guide. Values for every item are included in the captions.

This beautiful book features an exciting and wonderfully diverse selection of over 475 rugs created by 270 of today's contemporary rug hooking artists. These meticulously crafted and often evocative rugs all relate to specific themes or series. Some were made by a group of artists joining together to complete a theme-related project, others are part of a series or theme explored by an individual artist. View such impressive collections as "The Alphabet of Sheep" by Patty Yoder, "Art Rugs: The 'Art' of Playing Cards," and "Celebrate Life: An American/Japanese Exhibit." Delight in charming rugs depicting family memories, honoring children's births, and celebrating friendships. Discover groups devoted to portraiture, ancient legends, scenic locations, romance, and more. Showcased are some of today's most noted artists, along with new artists making their debuts. A must-have volume for textile lovers who want to experience the artistry and variety of hooked rugs.

The glassware made by Bryce, Higbee & Company of Pittsburgh is known for its beauty and quality, yet is misunderstood by even the most knowledgeable collectors. Using original sources, this definitive resource shatters many myths and corrects misconceptions that have persisted for over half a century. The history of the company and the marketing of glassware in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is discussed as well as the difference between the products of Bryce, Higbee & Company and J.B. Higbee Glass Company. Also featured is information on the intended use of the multitude of items made during the Early American Pattern Glass (EAPG) era and lists of items in tableware patterns and novelties made by Bryce, Higbee & Company. Liberally illustrated with more than 500 original catalog images and photos of glassware, this is sure to be a valuable resource for all lovers of glass.

Rookwood art pottery was made in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1880 until 1967, producing forms that feature delicate colors fired at low kiln temperatures. Pieces are eagerly sought by collectors today and continue to influence contemporary art potters. In this guide 251 color and 166 black and white photographs show hundreds of vases, plaques, bowls, bookends, lamps, tea tiles, and more, with estimated price ranges to reflect the art market.

San Francisco, the City by the Bay, rose from a small Spanish settlement to become one of the largest and most unique cities in the United States. Vintage postcards from the 1900s to the 1960s showcase the Golden Gate Bridge (one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World), cable cars as they make their way up Market Street, Alcatraz Island and the prison that housed public enemies like Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and Robert Franklin Stroud (the Birdman of Alactraz). Take in the exotic sights of Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, the de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, and see the historic buildings at the Presidio, or watch the sea lions on Seal Rock from the balcony of the Cliff House. Enjoy the wonderful diversity that has made San Francisco a tourist destination for 100 years.

Fully illustrated, this study investigates the origins, evolution and use of the mail and scale armour worn by the soldiers and gladiators of Imperial Rome. Less glamorous than the Roman Army's instantly recognizable plate armour but much more versatile, mail and scale armour were used by both legionaries and auxiliaries throughout Rome's history. Developed by the Celts and quickly adopted by the Romans, mail armour was easy to make and required little maintenance. Scale was a much older form of armour, originating in the Near East during the second millennium BC. As with mail, it was used by both auxiliaries and legionaries, but like plate armour, it was much more fragile than mail. Both types of armour were also used by gladiators (principally as arm defences). New discoveries in both mail and scale, as well as in hybrid forms that mixed the two, mean that much more is now known about the development of these types of defence during the Roman period, their efficacy in battle and how they were manufactured and repaired. Featuring specially commissioned artwork and drawing upon the latest findings, this study lifts the veil on the mail and scale armour used by soldiers, gladiators and others during the heyday of Imperial Rome.

Made as toy savings banks, souvenirs, or advertising premiums, cast-iron safe banks are found in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes and were produced from approximately 1870 until World War II. Due to their numerous parts, coupled with the locking mechanism, they have not been reproduced. This book is the most complete listing of iron safe banks known to date and includes a broad range of additional information, taken directly from primary reference resources, to engage both the casual reader and serious collector. There are nearly 500 unique casting variations identified with multiple colors and finishes represented. This catalog is augmented with chapters that include more than 20 company profiles, 175 pages reproduced from original manufacturer catalogs, over 60 ads from period mail order catalogs, and nearly 40 related US patents, as well as trade cards, postcards, calendars, posters, and other ephemera related to safe banks and the companies that made them.

Welcome to the world of McDonald's Happy Meal*r collectibles. These two books(USA and Worldwide)present a thorough list and complete Price Guide for the thousands of toys and collectibles distributed with Happy Meal*r boxes and bags. Together, they are the most authoritative references. Thousands of all-color photographs show the toys, boxes, bags, advertising materials, buttons, pins, and variations given out both in the United States (one book) and in all the other countries around the world(another book). The authors have established a definitive numbering system to identify each and every item distributed with an alphabetical/numerical listing, and a cross-reference superseding numbering systems in other books. This set of books gives a time line of McDonald's Corporation history, check-off boxes to help you organize your collection, and the catalog of the items distributed with a Happy Meal*r in the USA and worldwide. Read along and enjoy the fun!