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.

Of all the forms advertising has taken through the years, few have been as effective as those found on the dials of America's clocks. People want to know what time it is, and advertisers found creative ways to give them the time and "a message from their sponsors." The results are sought after by collectors around the world. For the first time, Mike Bruner has gathered together many of these examples of advertising ingenuity in one beautiful volume. From the wooden mechanical examples of the 1870s to the later neon electric models, the advertising clock is celebrated. In all over three hundred examples are illustrated with full color photographs. A price guide is included.

Fads and fashions influenced the evolution of phonograph design in twentieth-century America, creating a vivid visual cavalcade. This beautiful volume is full of gleaming metal, glistening wood, pastel plastic, glowing dials, and fashionable fabrics. This is a story of developing style that stretches from the Victrola in the early 1900s to Quadraphonic sound of the 1970s. Yet the history of phonograph design is not just about eye-catching cabinetry, it is also the saga of our parents and grandparents, and the way they saw the world in which they lived. Through 340 color illustrations and detailed captions the development of phonograph design and sound reproduction is engagingly explored. All who are interested in phonograph collecting, design, art, music and twentieth-century social history will be fascinated by this book.

Nicknamed "Paris on the Platte," Denver, Colorado combines the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Eastern cities with the rugged spirit of miners and pioneers who founded the "Queen City of the Plains" in the days of the Old West. Over 200 vintage hand-tinted postcards from the 1900s through the 1940s take readers on a journey through Denver's history. Stop at the Brown Palace Hotel, stroll around the Civic Center, visit the Colorado State Capitol, take a tour through the Denver Mint, read up on Old West history at the Denver Public Library, and venture city into the majestic Rocky Mountains. Witness some of the the events and the places that made the "Mile-High City" famous.

This new edition of Architectural Tiles: Conservation and Restoration continues to inform and educate on appropriate means towards the preservation of this valuable heritage. It not only contains new and up to date information on materials, practical methods, and historical research but also reflects changes in the attitudes, outlook and perceptions within the wider conservation, architectural heritage and construction communities which give a new dimension to the conservation and restoration techniques described in the previous edition. The growing interest in the preservation of post war ceramic tile murals and the subsequent demand for information pertaining specifically to this era is a welcome and useful addition. The new overview of common problems will be helpful in domestic and ecclesiastical situations and will appeal to independent tilers who are in need of information to deal with problems out of the normal run of their work but which are now more commonly being dealt with outside of conservation practice circles. The book has always been and remains an accessible resource to anyone who is interested either professionally or as an enthusiast in the preservation of historic architectural tiles.

"The style you want--at the price you want to pay!" From 1930 to 1942, such advertising slogans drew cash-strapped Depression consumers to the Chase Brass & Copper Co.'s attractive array of lamps and lighting fixtures. Heralded as "brilliant in style and authentic in design," the Chase line presented a new concept in brightening the American home, as designed by modern industrial pioneers, including Lurelle Guild, Walter Von Nessen, the Gerths, and Harry Laylon. Chromium, brass, and copper fixtures appear in hundreds of current, catalog, and historic photographs (many in color), vintage advertising, a complete cross-reference listing, price guide, and index. Admirers of twentieth-century decorative arts will enjoy this in-depth look at "lights that give lasting satisfaction."

Cowgirls, cowboys, horses and Western heroes cover these great vintage textiles. See the best chenille bedspreads from the 1940s, rugs, blankets, tablecloths, aprons, hankies, scarves and novelty prints up to the 1970s. This comprehensive presentation of vintage household textiles will inspire today's designers and encourage collectors to keep digging.

Wedgwood Jasper predates the American Declaration of Independence by one year having been introduced to the public by Josiah Wedgwood in 1775. Of all the many types of ceramics produced by the Wedgwood Company in the last two and a half centuries, Jasper is most immediately recognizable. This second book on this fascinating subject by the author traces Jasper's long history and almost infinite variety. It covers the entire range of Wedgwood's Jasper pieces, from items of museum quality to those found in most collections. After an informative introduction to Wedgwood history and marks, the photographic delineation covers the various types: Diceware, Strapware, Sgraffito, Sage Green and Lilac on White Jasper, Jasper Mounted on Metal, Crimson Jasper, and more. This is followed by a wonderful photographic gallery, organized by shapes., including biscuit barrels, bowls, boxes, candleholders, cups and saucers, figures inkwells, jewelry, jugs and mugs, lamps, medallions, perfume bottles, plates and trays, tea and coffee sets, vases, and more. All of this is illustrated with over 750 color photos. Important private collections are featured as well as one of the finest museum collections in the United States and auction houses. Wedgwood Jasper is well represented in all the finest ceramics collections around the world.

The first photographic investigation of the history, companies, people, places, uses, prices, and the kerosene lanterns themselves. Some of these lanterns are so rare they have never been photographed before. Each lantern is described in detail, over 200 photos and illustrations, over 30 color photos. Detailed restoration information, American and foreign lanterns, railroad lanterns, and lots of barn lanterns. Collecting tips, newly revised quick reference prices, and the Universal Value Calculator. The author is an antiques restorer with over 25 years of lantern collecting experience.

Fun Buttons is different! Humor in button subjects and design is featured in the nearly 400 color photographs, text and captions. From all over the world, over three centuries, this gathering of buttons is both delightful and informative. Organized by materials and themes, these funny buttons include children's subjects, animals, fairie, fruit, vehicles and sports designs which can't help but amuse and fascinate collectors, dealers and those who sew. The list of button clubs and organizations is a wonderful reference in itself. "The book...illuminates the myriad of subjects that the designers have used over the years to tickle the public's fancy. Seeing them pictured here has tickled mine! I dare you to read this book and not crack a smile or chuckle to yourself. I couldn't do it." (from the foreword by Tom Wolfe)

Edith Sitwell, Margot Fonteyn, Frank Sinatra, Yul Brynner, Barbra Streisand and Vivienne Westwood are just a few of the luminaries who have visited Wartski's showrooms, lured by a dazzling array of gems, jewellery, goldsmiths' work and the famous Faberge collection.Geoffrey Munn, managing director of Wartski, tells the remarkable story of how the firm rose from humble beginnings in Bangor, North Wales, to become jewellers to six generations of the British Royal family and famous throughout the world. The lively text of Wartski: The First Hundred and Fifty Years will be a source of deep fascination to all enthusiasts of jewellery, European royalty, Faberge and, in particular, celebrities from every walk of life.

The largest blanket manufacturer under one roof in the United States by 1920 was the Beacon Manufacturing Company, of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and later of Swannanoa, North Carolina. Cotton, wool, and blended blankets came off their looms in plain, geometric, and Indian designs by the millions. They were sold at dry goods stores and large orders were filled for American troops in the World Wars. This book displays a large selection of Beacon blankets and color catalog pages from 1917 to 1957, together with original blanket designs, a history of the company, advertisements, and all the Beacon labels. There are special sections on crib blankets, bathrobes using Beacon fabric, related blankets, and Skookum Indian dolls dressed in Beacon remnants. These blankets are diligently searched for by collectors of folk art and textiles because they represent a nearly-lost chapter in textile history and bring a sparkle of color to interior decoration.

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.

Over 440 vivid color images display the wide range of ceramics produced by the English pottery firm, established by Josiah Spode in the 1760s and continuing today. From historic blue and white transfer printed wares of the early 1800s to popular dinnerware patterns of the 1900s, this book includes sprig decorated wares, delicate bone china table and tea sets, graceful figurines, and sturdy stoneware candlesticks and loving cups. The famous and much coveted patterns represented include Willow, Rosebud Chintz, Patricia, and Tower. \nOrganized by periods of production, the fascinating text provides a history of the Spode firm through the centuries and its various name changes. Included are techniques for dating Spode ceramics, makers marks, a bibliography, and index. Values are found in the captions. This book is a must for everyone who appreciates fine English ceramics.

During the past decade a number of individual museums have found imaginative ways of using their collections and of making them accessible. However, museum collections as a whole are enormous in size and quantity and the question of how can they can be put to best use is ever present. When conventional exhibitions can only ever utilise a tiny proportion of them, what other uses of the collections are possible? Will their exploitation and use now destroy their value for future generations? Should they simply be kept safely and as economically as possible as a resource for the future?
Fragments of the World examines these questions, first reviewing the history of collecting and of collections, then discussing the ways in which the collections themselves are being used today. Case studies of leading examples from around the world illustrate the discussion. Bringing together the thinking about museum collections with case studies of the ways in which different types of collection are used, the book provides a roadmap for museums to make better use of this wonderful resource.
* Brings together the diverse aspects of this topical subject in one place
* Accessible, readable text in the authors trademark style
* International case studies to illustrate the theory

This nostalgic look at children's costume, from 1860 to 1920, reveals diverse cultural influences on its manufacture and design. More than 300 historic photographs, fashion plates, and selections from vintage catalogs and magazines, plus 115 color images, show examples of costume and accessories. See infants in period dress plus school-aged and teen fads and trends. Learn about the history of clothing use and development, fabric types, conservation and storage of textiles, and artistic inspiration, all arranged by decade. All types of clothing are represented, including christening gowns; boys breeches, knickerbockers, and sack suits; swimwear and underwear; bloomers and blouses; fur, feather boas, and frocks; sailor suits and uniforms; collars and belts; capes and hoods; lingerie and dresses; sweaters and cardigans; overalls; and many more. Whether you are interested in clothing children wore in 1920 or to church in the Victorian era, this reference is a fun and evocative collection.

This companion volume to other books on Tiffin Glass by this authoritative team offers important information on Tiffin's pressed ware. It includes a color identification guide, nearly 500 archival and color photos and catalog pages, detailed captions, and a price guide. Vases, bowls, candlesticks, and ashtrays are shown in many colors and styles in addition to the popular figurals and paperweights produced by Tiffin Glass. This volume is a must for collectors and dealers of Tiffin and 20th century American glass.

William Spratling was a U.S. educator whose artistic impact caused a successful silver jewelry industry to arise in Taxco, Mexico, in the 1940s. This book examines Spratling's Mexican work and explores how his talent attracted the attention of the U.S. Interior Department. In 1945, he was invited to create a similar program for Alaska, where it was felt that the indigenous people needed to be encouraged for their own artistic expression and economic gain. Thirty never-before-seen Alaskan models, lost for over 50 years, have been found and now are preserved at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian. These and original designs for the project, made in 1949, are presented here along with Spratling's original 1945 report to the Arts and Crafts Board. Also featured are Spratling's designs that inspired a new company's formation to carry on his legacy at Taxco. Clearly, innovation in designs and inspiration for generations of new artists have risen from Spratling's work.

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.

Here is a guide for the rookie who is just taking the field in the wide world of baseball memorabilia. The authors offer both money-making and money-saving insight on collecting uniforms, equipment, autographs, Hartland statues, Ethan Allen All-Star Baseball, and much, much more. Learn the best strategies for visiting shows and even the Hall of Fame induction weekend in Cooperstown. The real charm of this book is that it ventures beyond the straight investment potential of baseball collectibles to address collecting for the pure fun of it. Between these covers are contributions from collectors of all kinds, who all share their love of the game not only through their diverse collections, but also with memories, anecdotes, and humor that would appeal to any baseball lover. Learn 10 reasons why baseball is the greatest game there is, and the 10 best and 10 worst baseball movies of all time. Test your knowledge with the challenging "Culminating Activity" the authors have prepared for you. With full-color photography, price information, and a useful source directory this book belongs in the library of every baseball fanatic.

Royal Bayreuth porcelain's whimsical shapes and elegant tableware have delighted collectors for decades. Produced in Tettau, Bavaria, for over 200 years, Royal Bayreuth found the global market early and today there are collectors worldwide. With over 500 beautiful and detailed color photographs, the book is visual feast, displaying the Strawberry, Tomato, and Lobster lines, as well as other figural pottery motifs. Also well-represented are the Tapestry lines and scenics in various forms of table and boudoir pieces. Each photo has a concise caption and a current value.

No matter if you are a long time aficionado of Art Deco and 20th Century design or a novice collector, this book is a must for you. Its purpose is to explain how you can display and group items from your collection to their maximum visual advantage regardless of whether that collection is large or small. Groupings by manufacturer, material, color, or function are all illustrated with over 120 stunning full color photographs, each with an accompanying diagram to explain the techniques used in their composition. In addition, over 1000 individual pieces shown are fully described and their values given in an accompanying price guide. These include furniture, lighting, pottery, glass, and a wide variety of decorative accessories that bring the Art Deco dA (c)cor to life. In the second half of the book you will go behind the closed doors of the homes of private collectors and have a unique opportunity to see how these techniques have been employed to incorporate Art Deco and 20th Century items into the interiors of today.

This beautiful and comprehensive reference is an essential tool for all collectors and admirers of ornamental glass figurines, and for elephant fanatics alike. Highlighted makers include Boyd, Co-Operative Flint, Fenton, Fostoria, Heisey, Imperial, L.E. Smith, Mosser Glass, New Martinsville, Summit Glass, and Tiara Glass; as well as a wide variety of other producers from the late 19th century until the present. Over 375 clear photographs, interesting background text, and current market values inform and inspire the search for even more appealing examples. This book is a lovely guide to the charms of elephants, their beauty, symbolism, and distinct personalities.

Three classic books on Louis C. Tiffany's brilliant Art Nouveau works are combined here in one volume. Louis C. Tiffany Rebel in Glass, Louis C. Tiffany's Glass- Bronzes-Lamps, and Louis C. Tiffany's Art Glass by Robert Koch, the foremost scholar in the field, informed and delighted a generation of art lovers before they went out of print and became hard to find. This combined edition brings the innovative career of one of America's most original artists to a new generation of collectors. It retains all of the original text and photographs of the former editions and has many additional color photographs of Tiffany's most treasured designs from some of finest museum collections in America. Here are the glass windows, lamps, and vases from the flamboyant 1880s to 1920s era that made Louis C. Tiffany famous. Tiffany's bronze desk sets, paintings, ceramics, mosaic tiles, room interiors, lighting devices, decorative glass, and jewelry are all prominently featured. Every art student, museum professional, historian, antique dealer, and art collector will be dazzled by the variety and exquisite craftsmanship displayed here. The book is a treasure itself.

In the collectibles world, this durable antique art form is a perfect example of the old "forest for the trees" maxim. Despite their bold designs and colors, only recently have collectors caught on to the value of these antiques of Americana. And the hunt is on. Once posted in every corner of the nation, this durable art form has yet to shed its luster. At the turn of the century, porcelain enamel signs became a standard form of advertising, and they maintained their dominance until the 1970s. Taken down and tucked away, these signs are starting to re-emerge, more valuable than ever. As you page through hundreds of rich color photographs of the signs, learn everything, from how they were made to who was making them, and how many hundreds of dollars they're worth today.