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.

In this colorful and descriptive book, you will find a wonderful assortment of bells both functional and decorative, from school bells, cowbells, and bicycle bells to souvenir bells, commemoratives, and figurines. Universally admired for their beauty and tone, bells have been known and used since antiquity. Here, over 590 full color photographs illustrate the incredible diversity of sizes, shapes, styles, colors, and textures which characterize these fascinating collectibles. +Starting with a review of basic bell types, including open mouth bells, crotals, gongs, mechanical bells, and chimes, Collectible Bells: Treasures of Sight and Sound provides separate, informative chapters on materials used to make bells, bells from around the world, bells with a specific purpose, bells of all shapes and styles, and more. Within its pages you'll find antique and contemporary bells, traditional and unusual bells, elegant and humorous bells-bells for every taste and inclination! An index, extensive bibliography, and values are also included in this captivating and enjoyable book.

This book explores porcelain wares produced by the Reinhold Schlegelmilch Porcelain Factory [marked R. S. Prussia], of Suhl, Germany, and sold to America from 1888 through 1900. The wonderfully molded and decorated plates and platters, tea sets, pitchers, clocks, and decorative objects are described with over 760 beautiful color images. An entire chapter is devoted to the company's charming toy china sets. Displayed are wares formed from a variety of molds (including Fleur-de-Lis and Melon) and patterns (outline transfer, King George, and Coraline patterns, to name a few). Newly discovered mold patterns are included, along with a history of the company's early operations, wholesale and trade catalog pages illustrating wares exported to the United States, the manufacturer's marks employed during this early period, a bibliography, and several appendices. This book will guide all collectors of Victorian porcelain to recognize the early pieces marked R. S. Prussia.

Fashion dolls flaunted the best in clothing designs, and this book explores the flashiest era. Barbie*r, Chrissy, and Dawn-size dolls were outfitted with colorful haute couture creations hot off the runways of Paris, from the last vestiges of the "mod" scene to the early '80s "new wave" gear. Toy manufacturers mimicked the day's top dseigners to create outrageous, fun outfits. Shown in pristine condition, in unopened original packaging, this book is a gem for collectors and designers alike. More than 400 outfits are shown, many for the first time in any book. Each is stunningly photographed, and includes current market values for collectors.

This new book presents over seven years of research into the history of the M-1 helmet during World War II, and provides the most comprehensive examination of its development and production. All aspects of M-1 helmet production are covered including: the helmet body, the fiber liner, the plastic liner, the parachutist helmet, helmet camouflage, helmet modifications, helmet paint schemes, and toy helmets. Every production helmet version is presented in full color photographs, including detail shots and production markings. Also included are World War II era photographs of the helmet samples, helmet production, and helmets worn in training or in action. This book a valuable reference to both historians and collectors.

A FLAME TREE NOTEBOOK. Beautiful and luxurious the journals combine high-quality production with magnificent art. Perfect as a gift, and an essential personal choice for writers, notetakers, travellers, students, poets and diarists. Features a wide range of well-known and modern artists, with new artworks published throughout the year. BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED. The highly crafted covers are printed on foil paper, embossed then foil stamped, complemented by the luxury binding and rose red end-papers. The covers are created by our artists and designers who spend many hours transforming original artwork into gorgeous 3d masterpieces that feel good in the hand and look wonderful on a desk or table. PRACTICAL, EASY TO USE. Flame Tree Notebooks come with practical features too: a pocket at the back for scraps and receipts; two ribbon markers to help keep track of more than just a to-do list; robust ivory text paper, printed with lines; and when you need to collect other notes or scraps of paper the magnetic side flap keeps everything neat and tidy. THE ARTIST. The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and is the main research library of the University of Oxford. It holds over 13 million printed items and these book spines are just a few examples of the beautiful objects in the Library's collection. THE FINAL WORD. As William Morris said, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

The housewares for every purpose-including the well-known Autumn Leaf Pattern dinner wares, the stories of the salesmen who delivered them, and the history of the Jewel Tea Company that sent them forth are explored in great detail in this fascinating book. Over five hundred color and historic black & white photographs accompany the text. Among the product lines explored are Jewel Tea dining services and all the accoutrements to set the perfect table, kitchen wares and cookbooks, household products recommended to furnish the new bride's home, sales items for men only, and toys for children which may stir fond memories of your own. The chapter on unusual sales and premium items found only in collectors' homes today will delight all who are interested in this major twentieth century firm.

Advertising Cutlery is the first-ever publication to deal exclusively with the subject of promotional knives. Containing over 400 detailed color photographs, this book explores over one hundred years of advertisements stamped into the sides of knives. In addition to the book's elegant photographic presentation, extensive captions and text give the reader the background information necessary for evaluating collectible advertising knives. Significant examples of advertising specimens are described in detailed stories. Evaluative schemes are included, and all captions contain accurate pricing information. Future trends are also discussed. This book is a must for all who are interested in knives, advertising, and collecting in general.

This book opens a door to a way of life in America that is rapidly disappearing, that of the American cowboy. It portrays items used by cowboy ancestors and presents a glimpse of what life was like in the heyday of riding the range and trailing big cattle drives. Containing over 500 photos of cowboy bits, spurs, saddles, boots, and weapons, it also displays beautiful Native American beadwork and design. These old cowboy items continue to be more valuable each year as collectors of antique cowboy equipment grow in numbers. The equipment displayed here brings the cowboy's way of life to each of us who treasure the ways of the American Wild West.

With the advent of the automobile and the central place it took in society, service stations became one of the dominant businesses in twentieth century America. From the pump in front of the general store to the gleaming full-service stations of the 1940s and 1950s, the oil companies created a niche in popular culture. They produced a wealth of items that now are eagerly sought after by collectors. Everything from the glass globes that adorned early gas pumps to toys, advertising, pinbacks, tire repair kits, and a host of other memorabilia are available. Drawing from the collection of Mitch Stenzler, an early and avid aficionado, Gas Station Collectibles offers nearly 1000 color photographs of these nostalgic and often beautiful artifacts. The clear photos show examples of some of the best of the collectibles available, and a price guide is an invaluable aid to the collector.

Candle powered "fairy lamps" made Victorian and Edwardian homes glow with light, and make modern collectors glow with nostalgia. Over 800 lamps made from 1880 through the 1930s are shown in full color in this new book. The lamps range from the simplest examples given out with boxes of candles to the most extravagant chandelier assemblages made for lords, rajahs, and royalty. As part of the fascinating history of lighting devices and fuels, this work draws upon many primary sources to trace the development of fairy lamps, and catalog examples that can be found on today's market. It provides an indispensable resource for collectors and dealers, of lighting devices, pottery, and art glass.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Graceful okimono figures in many forms, dating from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, are the primary focus of this book, while scholar's brush holders and wrist rests, cricket cages, card cases, match holders, sword hilts, and scabbards are also presented. Finely carved ivory from China and Japan is featured here, along with artist's signatures, in over 600 beautiful photos. An engaging text explores the history of the ivory trade from East to West, quoting nineteenth century European travelers' encounters with Japanese ivory carvers and merchants. Folk tales provide insight into many of the figural characters represented and beliefs they personify. This book will be treasured by all who enjoy finely crafted art.

This attractive pocket guide presents the story of Carnival Glass, with a chapter giving an overview of how Carnival Glass has endured. Included are brief histories of Dugan, Fenton, Imperial, Millersburg, and Northwood. Over 200 beautiful color photographs will teach you how to identify classic Carnival Glass patterns as well as contemporary Carnival Glass pieces, along with the values you can expect to see in today's marketplace. For anyone who enjoys the beauty of the classic patterns or for those who appreciate the timeless appeal of more recent iridised glass, this book is a must.

This new book explores liberating designs that the age of plastic has brought to kitchen items, toys, furniture, appliances, jewelry, and more. Over 350 items are illustrated in full color. They include a concise description and a value in today's marketplace. The passion for collecting plastic has continued to grow. What was once seen as commonplace is now looked at with nostalgia and an eye for its design. Besides, collecting plastics is fun. The colors, shapes, and design delight the eye and will add to one's personal appearance or to the decor of the home. The information and photographs on these pages will be a welcome addition to the collector's library.

The diverse and lively crafts of today's Navajo people in the Southwest are investigated through this new all color pictorial presentation. The traditional arts are joined by several newly evolving crafts which all reflect the heritage of Navajo culture. The book presents several hundred all color photographs and explanations of the crafts in sections devoted to weaving, pottery, basketry, jewelry, dolls, sandpainting, wood carving, stone sculpture and fetishes. Overall, this is a celebration of the artistic talents of Navajo craftsmen.

The pine furniture and tools gathered in this book have come from distant places in Europe, the United Kingdom, and Scandinavia. Painted with cheerful colors, they served every practical function in a home. Over 280 beautiful color photographs in this book show construction details and furniture design of great variety. Today, the warm tones of old paint on soft pine wood in antique furniture convey sability to a home and security among its inhabitants. They help to create a welcoming place to live.

This inclusive guide provides a detailed look at the beautiful Blue Ridge China wares produced by Southern Potteries of Erwin, Tennessee, from 1938 through 1957. Over 1400 color photographs display the hand decorated wares, including items never before displayed in any text! The authors have provided nearly 1400 new color photographs and much new information, for both the seasoned collector and newcomers to this fascinating collecting field. Also included are personal reminiscences and photos from Southern Potteries workers, information and photographs concerning the advertising wares and granny bowls produced by Clinchfield China (Southern Potteries predecessor), an exploration of many of the hand painted patterns produced for Blue Ridge China wares, and numerous examples of the company's manufacturer's marks. Additionally, modern spin off lines found in Erwin, Tennessee, today are also displayed. Values for the wares shown are found in the captions. A general price guide listing is also provided. An index rounds out this thorough presentation.

America sees the cowboys of yesteryear as native heroes. Cowboys were seen to represent American character and to stand for freedom in rugged big sky lands. Cowboys were tough, self-reliant, courageous, modest, and only turned to violence when absolutely necessary. With a reputation like that, it is no wonder that since the very first reel was created, the Western has been the single most popular movie genre. In this comprehensive guide, readers will find over 2000 Western movie stars photos and signatures from the 1920s to the 1970s. Also included are values for all those signed images and every star presented is identified. Among the cowboy heroes and heroines covered are the stars of the 1920s silent Westerns, the A and B movie stars of the 1930s through the 1960s, singing cowboys, sidekicks, heavies, Indians, women, veteran actors, supporting actors, and, of course, John Wayne. Enjoy this nostalgic ride through American cinema history.

For many people the ocean is a source of relaxation and comfort, and this new self-discovery book takes that relaxation to the next level. The healing power of reiki energy combines with the magnificent forces of the ocean to encourage healing, clarity, and clearing available to everyone. Chapters address how to negotiate different aspects of daily life - compassion, fear, forgiveness, grief, faith, hope, and surrender - with deep breathing, journaling, and visualization exercises. This meditation will help you to embrace the ocean's limitless energies as you unlock the healing power that lies within you and each of us. Staring off into the ocean will take on a whole new meaning.

Fully illustrated with more than 2,000 images, 2020 U.S. Coin Digest, 18th edition, is a comprehensive, fully researched and vetted color guide with values to all United States coins issues featuring in a nearly indestructible hardcover with a lay-flat, easy-to-use format to make your experience even more enjoyable.

This complete reference to U.S. coins includes all circulating and non-circulating coins, from early American Token Coinage to modern commemorative issues of the 21st century. The following features make the U.S. Coin Digest the only reference you need for collecting U.S. coins:  

• 2000 images--nearly all in full color--provide a spectacular visual guide making identification and appreciation of U.S. coins easy and enjoyable.
• Thousands of detailed listings completely and expertly vetted, allowing the consumer to collect with confidence.
• A clear and easy-to-use guide to identifying minting errors with color images by Ken Potter, leading authority on error coins and author of popular Strike It Rich with Pocket Change.
• Coins of Colonial America
• U.S. Territorial Gold coinage
• U.S. Mint Sets, Proof Sets and Prestige Sets with current market values
• Coins of Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Philippines

Possibly the most popular single pattern of ceramic dishes is Willow Ware and this new book tells its complete story. Stemming from ancient Chinese origins, the blue transfer pattern became standardized in the early nineteenth century in England and has gone on to be interpreted in many variations to the present in America, Europe and Asia. Today, collectors can find examples in many markets of old and new wares, so their search is often happily rewarded. This book will enable them to sort out the makers, dates, marks and range of values they encounter. Hundreds of clear color photographs show the many styles and range of quality. The price guide reflects the current market.

Collecting and displaying souvenir plates first became a passion in 1893, a passion still very much alive today. Over 560 color photos illustrate this survey of souvenir plates dating back to the 1800s. The views of prominent potters such as Adams & Company, Wedgewood, and Wood and Sons are included. Short histories are provided for each manufacturers or importer to which specific views are attributed. A list of views is also provided, using the name given to the view by each manufacturer whenever possible, and including additional information on border designs, unusual features, color, and size when possible. Information on recent oriental imports similar to older souvenir plates are also discussed.

This book represents the ultimate Hawaiian experience and art form: the Hula, through photographs taken in the 1880s and 1890s. These images were gathered by the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani (1839 -1917), who reigned from 1891 until 1893, and were presented in an album to her personal nurse as a token of her Aloha. For the most part, the photographs were previously unknown and unpublished, and represent some of the most powerful and poignant images of Hula known to exist. Several non-Hula images are among the photos, adding interest to the album's contents. A brief history of the Queen's fascinating life is included. Anyone who has felt the magic of Hawaiian Hula will enjoy this unusual book.