Whether you are wondering what the toy cars, and trucks at the bottom of your toychest are worth, or are a serious collector, this new book will be useful to you. Ed Force, one of America's foremost collectors and experts on miniature toy vehicles, catalogues and shows in full color all of the latest Matchbox toys made from 1983-1987 and presents the first comprehensive look at the new world of Lledo Toys vehicles. The Matchbox toys section brings Schiffer Publishing's coverage up-to-date, taking up where Nancy Schiffer's Matchbox Toys stopped off and bringing the reader information and full-color photographs of the most recent models. The Lledo Toys section introduces that company's line of miniature "antique" vehicles, many of the horse drawn varieties, and opens up a whole new field of collecting to enthusiasts. Ed Force also provides helpful background information and history which will increase the fun of collecting them. Included in Matchbox and Lledo Toys is a current price guide, an immense help to those involved in this fast growing hobby.

Finally, a guide to vintage chenille for the collector and designer. This book takes you on a rich visual tour of vintage chenille bedspreads manufactured from the 1920s through the early 1970s. Hundreds of these beautiful tufted spreads are shown as well as novelty items and clothing. Detail shots highlight manufacturing techniques and trace the change from handmade to machine manufacture. A price guide is included in the captions. An introduction acquaints readers with the wonderful story of chenille: its birth just over a century ago in the southern town of Dalton, Georgia, and the rise of Dalton to prominence in the tufted spread and later the carpet industry. This book helps fuel the recent rebirth of chenille in today's textile industry.

For the aspiring mechanical watch collector, this casual yet insightful overview is the perfect introduction. The wristwatches presented come from well-known, outstanding Swiss companies, as well as the resurgent German luxury watch industry in Glashutte. Learn everything you need to know about Patek Phillipe, Maurice Lacroix, Blancpain, Tag Heuer, Zenith, A. Lang & Sohne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and more. Lose yourself in descriptions and histories of fourteen of the most interesting and precise complications and variations, including the regulator dial and the moon phase display, while avoiding the obscure watchmaking terminology found in other texts. Venture into the International Watch Company Museum, a building equally as stunning as the watches themselves, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. More than 100 beautiful photos and lively prose make this compact volume an exciting read. At the end of the tour, receive expert collecting and fashion tips, including suggestions on what outfits to wear with certain timepieces."

With over 800 stunning color photographs, this book displays ceramics once proclaimed to be the "fastest-selling decorative art pottery," Roseville's Artcraft, Cherub Cameo, Donatello, Pine Cone Modern, and Wincraft lines. The thorough text explores the history of the famous Roseville Pottery Company, from its beginnings in Roseville, Ohio, in 1890 through its closure in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1954. The roles played by key staff members, Frederic Grant, Frederick Hurten Rhead, Ben Seibel, and George Young are detailed, and previously unpublished manufacturer's marks are shown. Rare Della Robbia and Olympic items are featured along with experimental and trial glaze wares from Roseville's glaze chemist George Krause. This book has important new findings for all who are interested in twentieth century art pottery.

Antique talking machines are among today's hottest collectibles. Names like Edison and Victrola call to mind an era of polished wood, brightly-painted morning glory horns, and fascinating machinery. This revised and expanded second edition of The Talking Machine contains over 525 color photographs showing an incredible variety models, and including over 30 never before published photos. The authoritative text and up-to-date values complement the wealth of visuals, making this book a veritable library of information in one volume! Topping off this award-winning combination is a music CD featuring some of the rarest and most historically important recordings of all time. Hear the voice of explorer Ernest Shackleton describe his perilous expedition to the South Pole. Listen to a dramatic recreation of the San Francisco earthquake recorded mere months after the actual event. Enjoy two different recordings of the voice of the great inventor Thomas A. Edison.

Whether you're a beginning or advanced collector, a nostalgia buff, or simply moved by Raggedy Ann and Andy smiles,you'll love this book. It is a peek into private collections from across the country, with dozens of collectors sharing their special "babies." More than 700 color photographs depict previously unpublished dolls and related items. For the first time, creative "concept Raggedys"-those outfitted in ethnic or occupational garb-are covered in depth, and Raggedys dressed for the holidays also make their appearance. Volland, Georgene, Knickerbocker, and Applause collectors will welcome the sections provided to help them date their dolls. These smiling Raggedy faces will entice you to read, reread, and refer to this volume again and again. The dozens of Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, books, and collectibles pictured here will have you heading out on a Raggedy search, want list in hand.

An updated and revised edition of this practical guide--the book the author wished he had on hand at the start of his 20 years cleaning and repairing pocket watches Using as examples six of the most typical types of watch from a period spanning the late 18th century to the early 20th century, the author takes the intelligent enthusiast through the cleaning and repair process, step by careful step, using photographs of excellent clarity, and in lucid language, characterized by his own friendly and helpful tone. He aims to equip the reader with a sound basic knowledge not just of the process but also all the tools and materials as well as their sources.

In recent years, collectors have come to recognize the beauty and value of Roycroft items, particularly the art metal which is the most available, affordable, and varied of all Roycroft collectibles. Influenced by the English movement that was spearheaded by William Morris, Elbert Hubbard began a new industry dedicated to quality of design and manufacture, from its factories near Buffalo, New York. With 179 full color illustrations, this newly revised & expanded identification and price guide offers Arts and Crafts collectors and dealers an in-depth look at the many objects that were made. Included are bowls, vases, jewelry, desk items, bookends, candlesticks and other items of interest. The text provides the history and background of the company, as well as information about each of the products illustrated. There is also a good selection of original advertising and promotional material.

The ultimate go-to book for information about vintage Gretsch guitars of the 1950s, illustrated with over 120 exquisite images, this is an authoritative, extremely detailed review of both Gretsch guitar production and the individual guitar models that the company introduced during the decade. It will give the reader a comprehensive explanation of the various Gretsch serial numbering systems, an overview of classic Gretsch features from the 1950s, and complete specifications for 28 models produced within the decade. Also included are the evolution of features for each model in every model year of the 1950s, the total production estimates for most models, and the adjusted serial number to model year chronology. This highly detailed information is supported by compelling photography, and an extensive, batch-by-batch recreation of the Gretsch Brooklyn factory's lost production history. A user-friendly technical guide, this book offers a wealth of new data and is a must-have resource for vintage instrument dealers, guitar collectors, Gretsch enthusiasts, and fans of vintage guitars.

Amidst the rolling land of the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York, stands the city of Ithaca. Over 250 vintage, hand-tinted and black and white postcards from the 1900s to the 1940s take readers on a nostalgic journey, showcasing Ithaca's most famous and interesting spots. Attend a concert at Ithaca College, a lecture at Cornell University, or lunch at the Clinton House. Travel outside Ithaca for a trip to the majestic Taughannock Falls, hike in Buttermilk Falls State Park, or cheer the Cornell Crew Team to victory from the shores of Cayuga Lake.

Eileen Dubrow has exhaustively combined all original catalog material from major American furniture manufacturers of the 1880s and 90s. This period was American's hey day of growth, and its furniture is the fastest growing field of collecting today. This book will enable the reader to identify makers and give ideas of other pieces available. This book presents a fascinating study showing hundreds of examples covering furniture for the dining room, parlour, library, bedroom (brass beds), and office (a tremendous number of variations of roll top desks), including rattan and children's furniture. These pieces are still available in the market place at reasonable prices and are superbly crafted. This book contains a price reference guide.

The finer points of beer advertising appear with over 500 color photographs of the many sharp or pointed objects associated with beer. Here are beer promoting knives, letter openers, ice picks, scrapers, tongs, forks, cigar and box cutters, scissors, writing instruments, screwdrivers, nail clippers, toothpicks, can openers, fishing lures, sewing kits, combs, golf tees, and much more. Informative and truly entertaining, this book is peppered with beerbits, bizbits, and bullbits, information about the breweries and brands advertised, the makers, a price guide, and a detailed index.

Enchanting lady figurine planters were promoted heavily by florists and five-and-dime stores, becoming a gift-giver's favorite during the 1950s and '60s. These lovely ladies were produced mainly in Japan, targeted for the U.S. market, and most commonly adorned with colorful plastic flowers. Today they are rapidly gaining popularity on the ceramics collectibles market. These planters have made limited appearances in head vase and figural planter books, but here, finally, is a comprehensive guide devoted specifically to this fascinating collectible. It focuses on Japanese-manufactured products and features over 350 color photographs of more than 700 planters. Individual captions describe each planter's height, mark, and estimates current market value. Also included is a review of planter production techniques and the various ways they were identified and numbered. As an added bonus, a handy cross-reference provides an easy way for specialty collectors to find their favorite importer such as Lefton, Relpo, or Enesco. Featuring a wonderful variety of planters, from festively painted Christmas ladies to nursery rhyme characters and Valentine sweethearts, this carefully crafted book provides collectors and dealers with a superb reference.

Elegant and utilitarian glasswares have been made for over thirty centuries. The manufacture of cut glass in America stems from a history that reaches back to ancient Egypt, while engraved glass was known in classical Rome. In this excellent new edition of a classic work, the author traces the American phases of this fascinating history by describing the products of major and minor manufacturers. See the American industry evolve from its early days of imitative work, through highly imaginative products in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, to a declining mediocrity in the 1920s and '30s. This book has been established as the "bible" in this field, and the addition of 150 new photos and fully updated text and pricing information make this edition the best yet. Glass collectors will treasure this unequalled reference.

The early terra cotta, garden wares, tiles, Franciscan line, and Catalina artware produced by the prolific Gladding, McBean and Company from the late 1800s to 1942 are covered and beautifully displayed in this fascinating book. The Franciscan pottery table and artware line, so named to honor the Franciscan Friars who established Spanish Missions in California, was one of the most successful product lines produced by California's Gladding, McBean and Company. Among the dishes displayed here are their most popular patterns, including El Patio, Coronado, Metropolitan, Apple, and Desert Rose. Also featured are the colorful wares made after the firm acquired the Catalina Island Pottery in 1937. The history of Gladding, McBean covers its establishment in Lincoln, California, in 1873 to its closure in 1984. Values included. This is a wonderful guide book for everyone who loves twentieth century pottery!

Only recently recognized for its many contributions to ceramics found throughout the world, the Scottish pottery industry has existed for more than two hundred years. Rather than compete with England's famed potteries to the south, Scotland focused on the export market, sending its colorful and decorative wares to America, Canada, and many parts of Southeast Asia. Widely enjoyed, these popular and affordable wares were usually not marked. Their Scottish origin, therefore, remained largely unknown and--until now--unappreciated. This book sets the record straight. Over 630 striking color photographs showcase the multi-hued dinnerware, vases, plaques, figurines, and other ceramic items that can now be rightfully attributed to the prolific Scottish potteries. Separate, descriptive chapters feature brief histories of the most important potteries, a discussion of the wares produced, listings of the pottery descriptions and patterns, plus relevant readings. Additional chapters highlight spongeware techniques, Scottish jugs, and the "Glasgow Girls"--talented pottery painters from the late nineteenth century. This invaluable resource also includes values for all items, a helpful glossary, and a detailed index.

Hundreds of old farm tools and equipment are shown to be echoes of America's past, as farming remains vital to the economy today. Major chapters cover old haying, grains, tobacco, orchards, poultry, dairy, horses and mules in farm practices. Over 600 vintage and modern photos display the amazing variety of gadgets once necessary for farming. These objects are preserved in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the Landis Valley Museum, where they help to interpret American farm life of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. This book extends the reach of the museum's collections to interested people worldwide.

The application of make-up for women was made more convenient in the 1920s with the popularization of small container known as a "compact". Inside, pressed (compacted) face powder was housed with a cloth of feather "puff" applicator and a mirror for checking the job. In this book, Frances Johnson has compiled hundreds of different compacts of various materials, styles, and values along with delightful stories about girls who did or did not paint themselves up to attract boys. Her direct style is tinged with humor, making the compacts here all the more enjoyable. Prices with captions.

From the years of slavery through the years of civil rights, images of black people have taken many forms. Some of these images were positive and some negative and stereotypical. Together they help us see and measure the history of racial attitudes in America, and make up the growing field of what is called Black Collectibles. These collectibles help to chronicle an important aspect of American history. Hundreds of these items are gathered together for Images in Black: 300 Years of Black Collectibles, and are illustrated in full color. The text helps the reader understand the history, and the price guide makes the volume useful for evaluating the market in black collectibles.

Featuring over 370 stunning photos and detailed, scholarly text, this is the first book about this popular 19th century European art form! They are magical porcelain three-dimensional pictures, which can be seen only when backlit, and were a popular craze in the late Victorian era. The lithophanes here enhanced tea warmers, plaques, vases, night lights, lampshades, table screens, fireplace screens, complexion fans or hand screens, window panels, miniatures, steins, cups, mugs, plates, matchboxes, and candle shields. The text represents years of accumulated research, and provides information on lithophane's Asian inspiration, manufacturing techniques, production history, inspirations, and forms. This book is a must for anyone with a passion for Victorian ceramics and art.

Elegance in crystal and color with an Art Deco flair is displayed in 600 photos of early 20th century barware. Cocktail shakers, decanters, pitchers, beverage dispensers, punch bowls, ice buckets, stemware, tumblers, beer mugs, coasters, swizzle sticks, bitters bottles, medicinals, juice reamers, and more appear. These are the products of well known glass companies, including Cambridge, Duncan Miller, Fenton, Fostoria, Hazel-Atlas, Heisey, Imperial, Indiana, Morgantown, New Martinsville, Paden City, and Tiffin. Essential descriptions of the wares are given, along with historical information, colorful background on the Roaring Twenties and the Prohibition era, appendices, a bibliography, an index, and values in the captions. This book is lovely to look at, interesting to read, and worthy of inclusion in all libraries devoted to collectible vintage glassware.

More than 570 Pairpoint lamps with their distinctive glass shades are shown in this and the companion volume that comprise the catalog. They represent a broad sample of the production of Pairpoint lamps from 1900 to the early 1930s. The most remarkable feature of the catalog is that so many of the pages are hand-colored with watercolors, having been painted by the original factory decorators. This practice occurred at the factory when orders for the lamps were slow.

This new and improved edition is an essential and invaluable resource for every glass enthusiast, collector, researcher, and historian. It contains over 4,200 alphabetized definitions of glassware, colors, processes, materials, forms, decorative styles, pattern motifs, noted artisans, companies, and designers, from antiquity to the present. The glass world now has an necessary resource that remains up-to-date and unique in its field. This clear, concise, and easily readable guide includes both highly technical jargon and common terminology. The thorough use of cross-referencing between related subjects provides an extensive overview of specific glass-related topics.

This lively, photo-filled reference book is a delight for all interested in figural pottery. The American Bisque Pottery, operating in Williamstown, West Virginia from 1919 to 1982, and the American Pottery Company produced popular cookie jars, ashtrays, doorstops, sprinkle bottles, banks, planters, lamps and much more. Many of these items have never been pictured in any book before. With American Bisque in hand, you will be able to identify little-known pieces including airbrushed planters of yarn dolls as well as the most sought-after cookie jars.

Here it is, everything you always wanted to know about Ford farm toys! This colorful book contains detailed information on Ford toys from the early 1900s through the present day, manufactured by companies in the United States as well as abroad including names like Fordson, Ertl, Arcade, Tootsie Toy, and New Holland among others. Here are miniature Ford tractors, industrial equipment, lawn and garden equipment, farm sets and dealer trucks most of which have been produced in full scale by Ford. Toy enthusiast, farm collectors, and modelers are sure to find happy memories of their childhoods in this comprehensive volume. Over 300 full color photos are complemented by humorous anecdotes. A price guide for all models shown is included with the captions.