Let the magic live on! Here is a true guide to discovering what's hot and what's not in the world of Harry Potter (R) collectibles. Over 220 full color photos guide you through the enchanting and bewitching wizarding world of action figures, mini-busts, statuettes, and dolls. The featured action figures cover the first decade of production (2001-2010), manufactured first by Mattel (R) and later by NECA. Gain useful information on Harry Potter (R) manufacturers, including Mattel (R), NECA, Gentle Giant, Ltd. (R), and Tonner (R) Dolls, covering 174 products. The values in the captions let you find out what your Harry Potter (R) collectibles are worth on the market today. Whether you are a passionate fan, dedicated collector or a mere "muggle" curious about the wizarding world, this book is for you.

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.

In thousands of years of tilling the soil, we have created a great variety of garden tools to dig, cut scrub, harrow fields, and trim borders. What makes the tools unique, and collectible, is the way function has dictated form, resulting in not only ingenious shapes, but artistic ones. In the 19th and early 20th centuries garden tool catalogs listed hundreds of task-specific tools including dibbers, mattocks, potato hoes, onion hoes, daisy grubbers, claws, weeders, forcers, straighteners, garden row markers, garden reels, rakes, watering cans, water tanks, lawn mowers, lawn rollers, weed whackers, and many many more. This book looks back at two hundred years of garden history, and attempts to identify the tools and accessories that gardeners used, and as much as possible identify their specific functions. With over 750 color photographs, concise captions, and a guide to prices in today's antique marketplace, this is a useful as well as beautiful exploration of garden implements.

This book presents a unique selection of the most rare and collectible toy cars made in Japan and Hong Kong in the 1950s and 1960s. Three particular groups of toys are covered: the magnificent large-scale tinplate cars made for the American market; the smaller but equally sought-after Japanese diecasts by Model Pet, Micro Pet, and Cherryca Phenix; and plastic friction-drive cars made in Hong Kong. Some of the toys pictured are so scarce that they are believed to be among a mere handful that survive in mint condition with their original boxes. This book provides many fascinating new insights to the history of the companies that made and distributed the toys, using long-forgotten trade journals, rare catalogs, and interview with people who worked in the toy business at that time.

Colorful and informative, this in-depth pictorial review and price guide includes over 850 color photographs of cookery pamphlets and advertising memorabilia from the 1860s to the 1950s. Through the use of these materials, food companies achieved brand name exposure while providing consumers with new and exciting ways to use their products. Featured in the book are chapters on brand-name foods, wartime-era cookbooks, black memorabilia, highly collectible die-cut books, children's books, and more. In addition, the authors provide helpful suggestions for getting started with your own collection, identifying dates, and caring for these entertaining and delightfully illustrated collectibles. If you've overlooked advertising cookbooks in the past, you'll certainly take a closer look now!

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.

Antique toys and banks continue to fascinate people worldwide. Here are cherished old toys shown, described, dated and evaluated for today's market. Made of tin, cast iron and composition, they include wind-ups, boats, trains, trucks, horse-drawn styles and bell toys. 100 catalog pages have drawings, full descriptions and original prices.

Beautiful glassware colored with uranium, popularly called Vaseline glass, was made primarily in Great Britain in the late 19the and early 20th centuries, but also in America and Europe. Collectors look for examples by a particular factory or type of product, such as paperweights or tablewares. This book is a mandatory reference for collectors, containing well-researched, up-to-date discussions, 35 comparative charts, and over 400 color photos in 49 chapters covering known makers, their marks, and specific design groups of houseware, tableware, and jewelry. The captions include full descriptions, date, size, and current values. The author's expertise is a gift of scholarship and passion carefully compiled here for a tool of incomparable value. This is a companion to the author's previous book from Schiffer Publishing, The Big Book of Vaseline Glass.

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.

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.

March 17th is known around the world as a day for people to wear green, drink green beer, and be just plain old jolly. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we do this and why on that particular day? Well, wonder no more! Accompanied by more than 860 images, a fun and informative text and detailed captions provide you with an illustrated history of the Irish, St. Patrick, and the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, as well as the wonderful collector items the culture has produced. From whimsical ceramics to vintage postcards and magazine covers, a wide range of memorabilia will have you wishing it was March 17th everyday so you could bring out all your greenery. Combining the authors' love of history and collecting, this book is perfect for historians, history buffs, collectors, and anyone who loves the Irish.

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.

This range of clocks used to be considered the common, household clock which many people recognized but for which little documentation was available. Rick Ortenburger now presents the book that will fill this void. Vienna regulator clocks were first produced in Vienna, Austria about 1780 and then became a familiar style made also elsewhere in the German-speaking world. Included are early, transitional, serpentine, altdeutsch, Baroque, and factory-made types from 1780 until about 1930, of one, two, and three-weight movements. The author has done his own research in Europe and America in both German and English so he is able to present much original information in a pleasing format for the average reader. His brief, factual text, supported by good photographs, useful in identifying the period of manufacture, may be the book's most useful feature to the serious collector. Her fully explains the production of Gustav Becker, Junghaus, HAC, Lenzkirch and competitive factories whose products are still on the market and well within the financial means of the vast majority of clock enthusiasts. He also covers many rare and exotic regulators such as long-duration clocks and variations from the norm.

Experience warm wishes and happy remembrances of Christmas through postcards, rural carrier cards, and business trade cards organized chronologically from the 1880s through the 1920s. Over 740 beautiful and charming color images show how Christmas sentiments, card designs, and that right jolly old elf Santa himself changed with the times. The engaging text provides a brief history of postcard production, a discussion of Santa's enduring image, key postcard artists and publishers, and valuations for postcards. This is an essential volume for postcard collectors and all who love the Christmas season.

The most common marks found on antique ceramics, 1600s to 1900s, hand-drawn and with identification and dates used. These are the marks that appear in today's market under ordinary conditions. Includes America before 1890, Austria, Belgium, Bohemia, China, England, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Short entries give factory histories with names of relevant people and explanations of date markings.

The first reference book to provide a detailed account of the Pyroceram*R cookware, developed at Corning by Donald Stookey and marketed in 1958. This special Pyroceram*R material was first used on military missile nose cones, and because of its durability, it was felt to be a great medium for the kitchen, too. Easily taken from the freezer, used in the oven, microwave, or on the range, it was beautiful enough to be served at the table. After a meal, it went straight to the dishwasher. The cookware saved many steps for the consumer. 60 plus patterns are listed and shown in over 400 color photos. Reprints of catalogs, brochures, and historical material, and a detailed bibliography provide much additional information. All information was carefully compiled from original catalogs and reprints, company brochures, trade journals, company advertising, auction lists, eBay, and the shared extensive experience of many dedicated dealers and collectors. An index gives easy access to material.

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.

The candleholders in this beautiful book epitomize twentieth century glassmaking at its best. Showcased are candleholders with exquisite engravings from the Brilliant Cut era, rich colors and detailed silver and gold overlays from the Roaring '20s, elaborate etchings from the Depression era, and modern styles from the United States and Europe. Details of cuttings, etchings, engravings and decorations help to identify pieces by Hawkes, Hoare, Libbey, Pairpoint, Sinclair, Steuben, and more. Beautifully photographed and thoroughly researched, this book is a must for all candleholder collectors. Price guide included.

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.

The Hagen-Renaker pottery company of California was founded in the garage of John and Maxine Renaker in the mid-1940s. They vigorously pursued the dream of having their own pottery company, creating appealing, yet affordable, figurines, along with a few table pieces. Their dream blossomed into reality, and the business has grown over the years, a testament to the desirability and durability of their creations. Here are the unique products the company produced as it grew, illustrating how it and the designers who worked there evolved and matured. It presents hundreds of charming Hagen-Renaker creations, from their realistic horses to whimisical or stylized animals in many varieties. Also included are some fabulous test pieces, a chapter dedicated to identifying and dating Hagen-Renaker pieces, and a current price guide. This invaluable guide identifies the period in which these items were created, and gives tips for recognizing Hagen-Renaker models and the imitations that have followed.

60 years of the UK's National Health Service and the NHS is treating more people than ever and the population is living longer, healthier lives. That's the good news. But what about the bad news? Most histories of medicine concentrate on 'who invented what' or on the lives of great medical figures. This history looks at the effect on medical science of politics, religion, money supply and social mores. Illustrated throughout by the very coins with which the the medical staff may have been paid this book is a reminder that medicine has never been free. Someone has to pay for it and in most developed countries that someone is, at least in part, the taxpayer. Are we getting value for money and would another system provide a better service? Having examined the history of State Medicine the book looks in depth at the problems facing the NHS and compares them with healthcare delivery in other developed nations from around the world. State medicine with all its warts! Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the NHS in a critical but balanced manner!

On the banks of the Rio Grande, in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, and in the geographical center of the state of New Mexico lies the city of Albuquerque. Over 200 vintage black and white and hand-tinted postcards from the 1900s to the 1960s take readers on a fantastic journey back in time, to tour Albuquerque and beyond. Many interesting and famous spots are showcased. See the AT & SF Railroad Depot and the Alvarado Hotel in all their former glory. Browse through the selection of handmade Native American arts and crafts sold in Wright's Trading Post or by vendors in Old Town Plaza. Take in a show at the KiMo Theater, stroll among the historic buildings and shops of Old Town, or stop for a tour of the University of New Mexico's campus. Travel outside Albuquerque for a trip up the Sandia Mountains and a tour through Sandia Pueblo.

This original book delves into the origins and contemporary interpretations of the Knifewing god in Zuni mythology and the sacred being Rainbow Man from ancient Zuni traditions, neither of which is an all-powerful and important Kachina. This thorough study of the subject was undertaken to establish the identities of twenty-eight, mid-20th century and current jewelers who made silver and mosaic inlay pins, bracelets, bolo ties and other ornaments. 168 color photos display subtle variations that indicate a particular master's work and distinctive style. Detailed analysis explains the changes and connections among early and recent makers and their individual styles, materials, and designs.

The significant merit and historical importance of vintage folk art fishing lures and tackle have remained largely "undiscovered" by the folk art community. This book will change that. Over 700 striking color photos and fascinating text presents vintage folk art fishing lures, predominantly from the first half of the 20th century, as small, exquisite, handcrafted treasures. Originally made only for catching fish, these lures were assembled from available materials and household supplies. Through their makers' vision and talent, miniature "sculptures" were created. Each lure is unique and personal. Detailed background, historical, and introductory sections complement photos conveying the limitless range of lure designs from primitives to elaborate folk art classics. Early folk artists including Bud Stewart, William Giles, and Burt Errett as well as contemporary artists Bob Baird, Aage Bjerring, Bill Grossman, C.B. Lewis, and C.E. Wilson are featured. First-ever detailed benchmarks to assess an individual folk art lure's quality, condition, authenticity, and value. This book is a treasure for fishermen and folk art collectors, displaying lures from both known and anonymous makers.