This beautiful book is the first to exclusively present what many agree are the very best of vintage household linens, the products of the Weil & Durrse Company of New York City, from the 1920s to 1984. Their Wilendur? and other brands reign above others in the collecting world for good reason. The bold and beautifully executed patterns stand out as art of the highest quality. Their inks and dyes, as well as their base fabrics, were exceptional. This book provides a brief history of the Weil and Durrse Company and descriptive text for over 250 different tablecloths in 120 printed designs. 425 color photographs display exquisite floral tablecloths, napkins, placemats, curtains, towels, aprons, and handcrafted items. This fascinating and important book is for professional textile designers, historians, dealers, and collectors alike

This collection of essays examines how the paratextual apparatus of medieval manuscripts both inscribes and expresses power relations between the producers and consumers of knowledge in this important period of intellectual history. It seeks to define which paratextual features - annotations, commentaries, corrections, glosses, images, prologues, rubrics, and titles - are common to manuscripts from different branches of medieval knowledge and how they function in any particular discipline. It reveals how these visual expressions of power that organize and compile thought on the written page are consciously applied, negotiated or resisted by authors, scribes, artists, patrons and readers. This collection, which brings together scholars from the history of the book, law, science, medicine, literature, art, philosophy and music, interrogates the role played by paratexts in establishing authority, constructing bodies of knowledge, promoting education, shaping reader response, and preserving or subverting tradition in medieval manuscript culture.

This Bakelite jewelry helps document the story of a country and its allies working together to restore world peace. Images of pins, necklaces, bracelets, and more capture these true signs of the timesnot only crafted to express solidarity, loss, patriotism, and love, but to make use of a new material that was not restricted by rationing and conservation orders. From sweetheart pins and pins emblazoned with MacArthurs famous, I shall return, to pieces with reticulating moveable parts, the range of colorful jewelry captured in this book is perfect for those passionate about Bakelite jewelry and for WWII buffs. Although these Bakelite treasures were fashioned with the patriotic inspiration of the time, they can still be collected and fashionably worn today, as demonstrated in a chapter called Wearing Ideas.

Dolls not only capture little girls' hearts, they've also managed to corner markets for mega-companies like W.K. Kellogg Company, Jolly Green Giant, and Campbell's. The author has scoured flea markets and auction houses and consumed cereals, candies, and innumerable hamburgers in order to compile one of the most complete collections of advertising dolls known to exist. This comprehensive book traces the emergence of dolls like Aunt Jemima and Betty Crocker, who leant their stamp of domestic credibility, and chronicles the extraordinary rise of figures like Ronald McDonald and the California Raisins, tiny figures which invaded homes and helped define American culture. Here is the nostalgic revisit of hundreds of advertising creations, like Uneeda Kid, Buddy Lee, Cracker Jack, Charlie Tuna, Burger King, and Trix the Rabbit. Each is shown with front and back details, and current values are listed providing the perfect reference tool for the collector.

The friendly text and hundreds of color photographs of beads from around the world bring order to this awesome field of growing popular interest. This new book makes the identification of beads possible. Written to encourage collectors and clarify the origins and uses of beads in their native settings, this book provides the best and broadest reference available to date. Furthermore, newly revised pricing information makes this book useful in today's marketplace. Beads of organic, stone, and glass materials are individually discussed. Then Mr. Francis traces certain types of beads to their origins in Europe, the Middle East, India, the Far East, Southeast Asia, North and South America and Africa--literally circling the globe. Jewelry makers and collectors, artists, hobbyists and serious historians alike will find Mr. Francis's personally researched and clearly stated explanations fascinating.

Since the earliest days of cameras and photography, the idea that an event or a person could somehow be frozen in time and preserved forever has fascinated people. This absorbing book features many of the most famous and historically significant cameras ever produced from the 1930s through the 1990s. Famous American brands such as Imperial, Kodak, Spartus, Polaroid, and Argus are shown, as well as early cameras from Beacon, Packard, and Falcon. Camera types include rangefinder, viewfinder, and single lens reflex, plus foldouts, instants, premiums, plastic art cameras, and even disposables. Here too are many American made movie cameras from Bell & Howell, Kodak, Revere, DeJur, Technicolor, and Keystone, along with Japanese models from Yashica and Chinon and the popular Swiss made Bolex. Though no longer being produced, many of these wonderful older cameras are still available to collectors and are surprisingly inexpensive. Valuable information on where to find them, what to pay, and how to start or add to your own collection is provided.

The most ingenious and ephemeral of textiles, lace ispresented as the poetry of fashion. Here is a fascinating glimpse into this extraordinary art form and its role in our culture presented with over 225 pictures, including dramatic original photographs as well as historical illustrations, to portray various types of lace and lace garments from different periods. This is a delightful journey through the history of a celebrated ornament of fashion. An outstanding resource for fashion historians, designers, collectors, students, and aficionados, this unique study will be cherished by all who appreciate beautiful clothing and fabrics.

From grand jardinieres to diminutive butter pats, this book features ceramic majolica that added vibrant color to every room of the home in over 450 brilliant color photographs. Majolica wares are organized here by the rooms (library, conservatory, drawing room, boudoir ...) in which they were used, including cake stands, comports, game pie dishes, oyster plates, platters, and strawberry servers, tea sets, humidors, match holders, garden seats, umbrella stands, vases, and an elegant chandelier. The major manufacturers from Britain, Europe, and the United States, including Minton, George Jones, Sarreguemines, Wedgwood, and Griffen, Smith & Hill are all well represented. \nA brief history of majolica, a detailed bibliography, and an index are included. Current market values are found in the captions.

This comprehensive book showcases the advertising legacy of over two hundred New England breweries, featuring a multitude of exquisite lithographs, trays, signs of all types, cans, bottles, foam scrapers, tap knobs, and other items produced during the last 100+ years. A foreword by noted breweriana author Will Anderson starts off this beautifully illustrated book, while the text provides background information about company history as well as the items presented. Dimensions, dates, and values are provided in the captions. Among the wonderful array of companies included are Cremo, Largay, Wehle, Frank Jones, Eldredge, Haffenreffer, Hampden, Van Nostrand, Narragansett, and Hanley. Breweriana and advertising buffs alike will delight in the colorful memorabilia from brewers of the past who once fiercely competed for market dominance.

Whimsical household linens and handkerchiefs of the 20th century, most from the "fun linen" period after World War II and through the 1960s, fill this book. The authors' selection criteria was simple: the linens must be collectible, cheerful, and fun! Shown in outstanding color photographs are eye-catching tablecloths, napkins, placemats, runners, towels, doilies, potholders, bedspreads, pillowcases, curtains, laundry bags, and aprons. Organized by subject matter and accompanied by fascinating historical information, they reflect American society during a period of rapid change. Included are many examples of embroidered, crocheted, and hand-painted linens, as well as wonderful signed and unsigned printed pieces. The designs include those by early, pre-World War II proponents of the "fun linen" look, such as Tony Sarg and Tom Lamb. To aid collectors, the authors offer tips for finding and purchasing fun linens, newly discovered information about some of the textile designers featured, and current values. These popular and charming keepsakes are guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Florida is always associated with all that is bright, colorful, funky, and fun. This book captures the spirit of Florida in the collectibles, ephemera, souvenirs, and nostalgic items that it produced. There are also highlights of Florida history and its culture, a price guide, and an index. Complete with postcards, tablecloths, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, dolls, figurines, and much more, it celebrates the tourist culture that helped populate Florida from the 1900s through the 1970s. Over 650 photographs bring the fun and fantasy of Florida to life, presenting what many consider as truly Florida's best!

Over 60 contemporary, international glass artists who transform molten glass into works of art. Learn about their blown, cast, kiln-formed, lampwork, cold work, fusing, laminating, carving, sand blasting, acid etching, and cutting techniques, shared in their own words. See installation pieces, tableware, vases, bottles and stoppers, bowls, sculptures, furniture (including countertops and basins), paperweights, beads, and diptychs. All who enjoy and work in glass will find this an invaluable reference and inspiration to future creativity.

Over 600 beautiful color photographs explore the fascinating art of encasing molded sulphide figures in glass marbles. Encased in clear or colored glass, molded sulphides come in many clever forms, including animals, birds, humans, mythological creatures, religious figures, mermaids, celebrities, and angels. Included with the fascinating images is a detailed text recounting the history and manufacturing techniques of sulphide marbles. Bibliography, appendices (featuring useful information about seeking marbles on the Internet, seeking marble shows and clubs), index, and tables with values by size and condition are included. This book is a must for all glass, marble, and toy fanciers, collectors, and dealers.

During the occupation of Japan between 1945 and 1952, a world market for small and inexpensive goods was correctly identified as a starting point for rebuilding the Japanese economy. This new book is filled with thousands of once-familiar items of ceramic, paper, glass, celluloid, wood, and papier-mache which were marked "Made in Occupied Japan," and shipped to the United States and the United Kingdom. Today, these items have increased in value and are avidly collected. The book presents over 400 color photographs of the items, shows 133 different manufacturers' marks, and includes a value guide.

This new study presents striking parallels in both ethnic (non-European) and folk (European) traditional costumes and ornaments made with silver and glass. African ornaments include Zulu beads, Maghreb necklaces, the Oba's crown, and Massai headpieces. European ornaments extend from the Baltic to the Alps and from Russia, Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. Asian jewelry comes from the Fertile Crescent, the Silk Route, and the foothills of the Himalaya. Each example exquisitely displays a common sense of beauty among many distant peoples.

Hundreds of fascinating color photos reveal the wearable artwork created by today's top art jewelers of Europe, including one-of-a-kind necklaces, brooches, bracelets, rings, and earrings in gold, silver, mixed metals, glass, enamel work, found objects, and more. The artists are arranged alphabetically so readers may see the entire scope of their work on the page together. The artists provide personal statements about their work and its significance. These artists have created small sculptures that adorn the body and draw attention. This is the first book in the series to focus solely on the artists of Europe. Included among them are new artwork from artists readers have come to know in the previous volumes and an introduction to the work of artists whose jewelry has not been previously seen. This is a valuable guide to current trends in art jewelry design for buyers, jewelry enthusiasts, collectors, and artists alike.

This unique book presents vintage Recreational Vehicles (RVs) through 350 postcards. The text spans RV activity from the early 1900s through the 1970s, including many rare images from over 20 countries. Topics illustrated include early car and cycle camping, RV campgrounds from the 1930s through the 1970s, travel trailer advertising, Airstream, mobile homes, roadside RV scenes, amateur radio and RVing, and RVing humor. Values for the postcards are in the captions. Postcard collectors, RV enthusiasts, and history buffs now have a fascinating new treasury to refer to and enjoy.

Designed for hands-free shopping, this revised and expanded 10th edition is complete with 2012 pricing and reproduction information for 169 patterns of Depression glass, Fire-King, and 1940s and 1950s patterns, including three added patterns, Diamond Cut, Fire-King Fish Scale, and Shell Pink. No other book on glassware of the 1920s-1950s provides more comprehensive and beneficial information in such a compact, user-friendly format. You'll find complete listings of thousands of pieces in all colors, measurements, and even a ruler on the back cover! Don't leave home without this handy reference in your pocket.

Commemorative Coca-Cola Bottles are a hot subject on the collectibles market. Most of the modern hobbleskirt commemorative Coca-Cola bottles have been produced since 1991, and the miniatures only since 1993. Because they are so recent and so widely available, many people are beginning to collect them. This is the first price guide ever written on the subject that includes color photographs. More than 1,100 color photographs have been used within eleven chapters, and a brief history of the bottles in the beginning will lead you through page after page of Coca-Cola bottle collecting delight. Every bottle from the 3-inch high miniature bottles to the tall 10-ounce bottles have been covered, following their production year by year. All of the details are here, including price ranges. This book is a must for all dealers, shop owners, and bottle collectors.

Trace the evolution of automatic Morse code devices from the early 1800s to today through this informative text and over 1,100 photos. Beginning with an overview of telegraphy and early key history, fifteen sections explore the equipment used to send messages over long distances. Featured are code readers, oscillators, Morse trainers, electronic keyers, single- and dual-lever paddles, portable paddles, automatic mechanical keys, accessories, and more. Each device is presented in text and images, some with classic advertisements; this combination allows the reader to appreciate device development and better understand the thinking that went into the design. Paddle and key maintenance and adjustment are also examined, as well as computer interfacing and use of the Internet. The book also includes the results of patent studies and historical research, with many new findings presented, making it a must-have for collectors, ham operators, or anyone interested in the history of these communication devices.

This long-awaited book will be a valuable tool for collectors, dealers, and researchers of modern Italian glass. Most comprehensive volumes are written in Italian, and none includes a value guide. This one, in English, includes information and photographs that will make this book a standard reference on the subject. With approximately 700 full color photos of almost 1000 examples of glass from 1900 to 2000, and an emphasis on the highly collectible mid-century period, nearly every company and technique is represented. Company histories, designer biographies, glossary, bibliography, index, and value guide make this an ideal reference book.

Here is an assortment of carving projects unlike any other! This book captures the magic and fun of a street-corner band, with eight different personalities jamming away, heart and soul, for passers-by. The whimsical characters are irresistable-you'll want to clap your hands and sing along with them. Al guides the reader step-by-step through the carving of "Hurricane" Brown, the saxophone player for this wonderful ensemble, from using the pattern, to carving the figure, to painting and finishing it. In addition to the actual project instructions, some very helpful tips and techniques are presented in the introductory section. Beginning and advanced carvers alike will learn a great deal from Al's many years of carving experience! A colorful gallery introduces you to other members of the band and a chapter of patterns provides the specifics for carving all eight characters.

California-based Gladding, McBean & Co. began producing Franciscan dinnerware in the 1930s. Their introduction of Franciscan Apple in 1940 heralded a new product line featuring heavily sculpted, embossed dinnerware hand-decorated in brilliant colors. Desert Rose, introduced a year later, became the top selling dinnerware pattern in the world. Many additional patterns were produced through 1984, when the Franciscan plant in Glendale, California was closed. This comprehensive guide focuses solely on Franciscan hand-decorated embossed dinnerware manufactured in the United States and includes Apple, Desert Rose (and its three variations), Wild Flowers, Ivy, Fruit, California Poppy, October, Forget-Me-Not, Strawberry Fair, Strawberry Time, Fresh Fruit, Bountiful, Rosette, and Bouquet. Over 430 color photos illustrate these highly collectible pieces while the captions provide values, sizes, and other information for each pattern. An extensive company history and detailed shape listings are included. This is the complete reference for collectors of Franciscan hand-painted embossed dinnerware.