On the island of Nantucket, the Nantucket Lightship Basket developed over many decades into the distinctive basket so highly prized by collectors today. The baskets evolved in the mid-nineteenth century from wooden splint baskets made by Algonquin Indians and were adapted by Nantucketers, who introduced hardwood bottoms, utilized wooden molds, and replaced wooden splints with rattan. The fascinating history of this basket and its makers is richly illustrated with color photographs that detail construction and show beautiful examples of the craft. Special emphasis is give to depicting the rigorous life aboard the New South Shoal lightship, the crew of which produced beautifully constructed baskets, many of which are shown here. The history of the basket is updated to the present day, including the 1940s development of the covered "pocketbook" basket and the work of contemporary basket makers. For the collector, Martha Lawrence provides details to consider in evaluating antique and contemporary baskets. She also takes the reader through easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions for the construction of a basket, including accurate photographs of the stages crucial to producing an authentic piece. Lightship Baskets of Nantucket is a fascinating study of a craft whose popularity is increasing and whose heritage is as enduring as the baskets themselves.

Explore the construction, fabrication, design, and qualities of authentic Tiffany lamps made between 1900 and 1918. Tiffany Studios produced thousands of lamps in hundreds of designs, although many of the designs were closely related. Examining the ways in which the forms, patterns, and motifs were changed and adapted illuminates the extraordinary design vocabulary of Tiffany Studios. This selection of over 80 magnificent color photographs clearly demonstrates how shade patterns range from deceptively simple to extraordinarily complex. Learn how the Tiffany designers manipulated a decorative scheme by repetition of the motifs: sometimes patterns are repeated within the shade and sometimes a shade has no repeats. The nuance of color may shift from top to bottom in a delicate progression or around the shade, as flowers are different from season to season. By closely observing the many varied designs of Tiffany shades, a deeper understanding of the quality and beauty of these objects is made possible.

From the formal carvings of the nineteenth century to the colorful and informal plastic and glass examples of molded relief jewelry, this revised and expanded guide is the perfect reference for those on a search for cameos. Fourteen new designs are included in vibrant detail, along with values and tips that will assist today's shopper with appropriate cameo choice befitting their tastes and styles. See shell, stone, plastic, ivory, lava, glass, plastics, and metal cameos used in jewelry and ornamental objects. They were produced by inspired artists in fine detail using old-world crafting and are displayed here in full color. An excellent pocket guide reference for collectors or anyone who appreciates the simplicity and beauty of cameo designs.

Since the late 1400s, tea drinkers in the Orient and the West have been passionate about teapots in ever growing numbers. Over 445 beautiful color images display a wide range of international teapots, from antique to contemporary. Porcelain, stoneware, silver, copper, brass, iron, pewter, tin, wood, and glass are shown from around the world. Children's tea sets, miniatures, musical, figural, whimsical, seasonal, advertising, commemorative, and souvenir teapots are all included. A brief history of tea is provided along with values. Join the collectors who look for teapots in exotic places and enjoy their use with every cup consumed.

A hot, new collectible has gone international as great M&M's*r items are being released all over the world! Now M&M's fans can see lists and values for all known M&M's dispensers, toppers, tins, and other items, plus related ads and displays from the USA and around the world. NASCAR M&M's items, French pocket surprises, and examples of earlier collectibles are all included in this expansive and colorful guide. Get in on the ground floor of this fast-growing hobby and join the hunt for "the collectible that smiles back at you!"

Originally written in 1905, this volume examines the coins of Japan, especially appealing because of a subtle and impersonal charm which pervades their inscriptions and the sentiments which they set forth. They are written in characters which are a manifest surviva of the picture writing of early man. He wrote, that is to say, scored or scratched, various outline sketches of his doings and the more intimate facts of his surroundings, on bone, clay or other material.

A wonderful collection of fine decoys and calls from the Great Lakes region, shown in over 1100 color photographs, along with original vintage black and white photos, extensive related literature, and a price guide. For centuries the massive watershed system of lakes and rivers in the Great Lakes region has beckoned hunters and fishermen to its teeming waters and forests. To aid them in their hunt they have produced a wealth of fowl and fish decoys and calls. Over the years these practical tools have come to be appreciated as beautiful examples of folk art. They now sit on display in museums and private collections around the country. Here is a great selection of these fine decoys and calls, accompanied by the stories of those who created and used them. The pieces illustrated range from the finest museum-quality artifacts to collectibles that are more likely to turn up at a local auction, garage sale, flea market, or antique mall. The seasoned collector will appreciate viewing quality pieces from private collections that are rarely available to the public. An extensive bibliography and appendix provide valuable sources for information, organizations, periodicals, and auction companies to add to one's collecting experience.

All the excitement and enchantment of over ninety years' worth of wonderful Wizard of Oz memorabilia awaits you on every page of this deluxe, full-color tribute to the collectibles and merchandise inspired by America's foremost fairy tale and everyone's favorite film! Oz experts Jay Scarfone and William Stillman have--for the first time ever!--compiled an astounding assemblage of over one thousand "Ozzy" artifacts documented and categorized for convenient reference in sixteen different sections. Autographs, books, buttons, dolls, games, puzzles, figurines, drinking glasses, postcards, novelties, publicity and promotion, posters and lobby cards, records, sheet music--it's all here AND SO MUCH MORE! You'll be amazed at the wealth of offerings to be found along that Yellow Brick Road of "Oz and ends." Supplemented by a timely value guide, this comprehensive volume is an absolute must for collectors of movie memorabilia, dolls, toys, Judy Garland, or anyone devoted to magical mementos of Ozmania!

James L. Dundas provides his readers with a sweeping survey of the shooting toys that gladdened the hearts of children from near the turn of the twentieth century to the 1990s. Concentrating heavily on the decades from the 1920s to the 1960s, over 420 color photographs display a dazzling array of BB guns, cap shooters, marble shooters, squirt guns, and more. Reminding us all of the long car rides and rainy days of our youth, when shooting was impossible, are a selection of colorful key chain puzzles that round out the presentation. Included in the text is a brief history of the Daisy BB Gun--complete with a Daisy BB gun chronology, instructions for determining whether a BB gun is functional or broken, and valuable advice for dating shooting toys with patent numbers, area codes, and zip codes. Price ranges are also provided for the toys shown.

This comprehensive new reference focuses on the variety of animal figures produced in Staffordshire during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Characterized by a cottage industry quaintness, Staffordshire figures were known as "image toys" and "chimney ornaments" in their day. Countless subjects were produced but the animal models comprise a Noah's Ark of some of the most charming and endearing figures. Today, Staffordshire animals are among the bestselling and most widely collected antique ceramics. Beautifully illustrated with over 400 color photographs, this book traces animal figure evolution through chapters on animals in art, British ceramics, Staffordshire potters and potteries, and production techniques and styles. Informative captions provide descriptions, dates of manufacture, and current values.

Remember that colorful gumball machine sitting on the counter of the neighborhood candy store? Today, it and other coin-operated vending machines of all kinds are highly collectible for their nostalgic and historical value. Featuring photos, descriptions, and prices for over 300 machines, this handy guide will help you discover great finds just waiting at flea markets and antique shows! Ranging from common to rare, the machines are organized by category and shown in alphabetical order according to their common names. They date from the late 1890s to the 1960s and include specific designs that dispensed candy, gum, peanuts, tobacco, aspirin, breath pellets, matches, stamps, and cigars. Beginning as well as seasoned collectors will appreciate the useful hints for finding these machines, restoring and servicing them, common terminology, and information on specialized shows and collector associations.

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.

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.

Since the 1930s and up to the present, the Fenton Art Glass Company, of Williamstown, West Virginia, has produced beautiful glass baskets in a huge variety of styles, colors, and patterns. In these two new volumes, over 880 known varieties of Fenton baskets are each carefully described, with their individual ware numbers, color, size, decoration, date, and current value, and are individually shown in beautiful color photos. The patterns are presented alphabetically. This volume has the patterns from Acanthus to Hummingbird. A companion volume has the patterns Innovation to Wisteria and the numbered patterns. Information on the talented glass workers who made the baskets, handles, and pattern decorations are identified. Special markings are described, listed, and dated for easy identification. With these complete references now available, the identification of Fenton glass baskets is possible for the first time and collecting them will be a gratifying pleasure. These two books are published to coincide with the hundredth anniversary celebration of the Fenton Art Glass company in 2005.

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.

Finally, a book on Tibetan art and antiques with 500 brilliant color photographs that provide a broad survey and visual reference guide. It presents Tibetan thangka and tantric religious art and ritual objects, manuscripts, woodblock prints, document holders, sculptures, furniture, tea services, snuff holders and smoking equipment, swords, daggers, armor, jewelry, textiles, musical instruments, and writing tools and seals. The engaging text is both a brief history of Tibet and information concerning every art form and antique displayed. The arrangement of the materials by type offers a quick and easy reference guide to this wide variety of wares. Values for the items shown are provided in the captions. For anyone with a passion for Tibet, Oriental art, and antiques, this book will be a welcome addition to the reference library.

Bounce back to the carefree childhood days when you spent hours with your yo-yo learning to "walk the dog" or go "around the world". Yo-yos of many companies, decades (from the 1930s onward), and designs are displayed along with yo-yos that shriek, whistle, and spark. Whether you prefer wood or plastic, butterflies or teenies, Duncans or Whirl Kings, here you will find the yo-yos that you like best in over 275 color photographs. Also, yo-yo championship patches, tricks books, and trophies are displayed. Brief histories of several yo-yo companies such as Cheerio, Duncan, and Royal are provided. Methods are explored for roughly determining a yo-yo's age, through inscribed zip codes and patent numbers. Current market values for each and every yo-yo are found in the captions.

Officially licensed, collectible figure of the beloved Niffler from Fantastic Beasts--with sound included. A perfect gift for fans of the Wizarding World. SPECIFICATIONS: 3 inch figure of the Niffler mounted on a base INCLUDES SOUND: Audio of the mischievous Niffler plays at the push of a button IDENTIFICATION CARD INCLUDED: An illustrated description card provides information on the magical creature PERFECT GIFT: A unique gift for fans of the wizarding world OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Authentic Wizarding World collectible

This specialized portion of the fifth volume of The Glass Industry in Sandwich features four complete chapters on cut, engraved, and etched glass; an assortment of household and commercial ware; bottles; and a supplement to the seven previously published guides.

This is the perfect introduction to Shaker furniture design.This concise book surveys distinctive furniture styles produced during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in Shaker communities of New England, Kentucky, and Ohio, with over 130 beautiful full color images. Free-standing tables, chairs, boxes, desks, built-in cupboards, and cases of drawers are shown. \nThe text provides an introduction to nearly twenty Shaker communities, their known cabinetmakers, identifiable traits of furniture designs unique to specific Shaker communites, and the characteristic colorful paints and stains used to finish them.

Who can resist the appeal of a cuddly Teddy Bear? Children and adults alike are charmed by the affectionate demeanor of these favored companions. Among the most distinctive of bears are those produced by the company currently operating under the trade name of "Hermann Teddy Original*r" and formerly known as Gebr*der Hermann. Using over 1500 color photos, this comprehensive book provides an in-depth study of the company's products from 1913 to 1998. Author Milton R. Friedberg provides an overview of the Hermann family history and the company's origins, followed by an extensive, detailed survey of the myriad Teddy Bears and stuffed animals. Listings include model numbers, names, descriptions, sizes, logos and arm tags, current values, and more. Also provided is a separate listing of Hermann Bears with unidentified model numbers, information on determining age, an alphabetical, cross-referenced index, and an extensive bibliograpy. An outstanding reference for Teddy Bear enthusiasts of all ages!

Electrical lighting fixtures from the 1920s through 1940s reflect the popular taste for Art Deco styling in public, commercial, and home interiors. Beautiful color photographs of dramatic lights from theaters, important houses, great architects, and interior designers fill this stunning book, showing the great flair for which the period has become so famous. Fixtures shown include radio and accent lamps, boudoir lamps, wall sconces, ceiling fixtures, bridge lamps, torchieres, and smoking stands. Glass shades from the period are highly prized today for their diverse and exquisite designs. This book will be a constant reference for architects, designers, lighting collectors, dealers, and theater historians because it shows so many diverse examples, relates their specific details clearly, and includes values in today's competitive marketplace.

United and Bally were the only two true US manufacturers of bingo pinball machines, and in the 1950s they fought an all-out battle to capture the elusive bingo pinball machine market. This comparative history details the intriguing story of mid-century, American industrial and entertainment innovation that pitted United engineer, Lyndon Durant and Bally's Don Hooker against each other in a battle royale to produce the best bingo pinball machine. Through more than 200 photos and illustrations detailing 60 games, Jeffrey Lawton, premier bingo pinball machine enthusiast, introduces Durant's United games and the simultaneous, and sometimes retaliatory, creative efforts employed by Hooker from 1951 to 1957. Lawton's analysis is complete with photos of rare games and playfields and descriptions of complex bingo pinball circuitry.

The carved embellishments found on eighteenth-century American furniture pieces are what make them memorable works of art. This book directs the serious student through nine authentic elements from the colonial period. Each chapter is devoted to one element and provides pattern drawings, detailed instructions, and abundant photographs of every step. Learn how to execute the entire process from sculpting the surface to layout, roughing in the shapes and levels, and finally carving the details. The selected projects are chosen from historically important eighteenth-century furniture and adorned some of the best pieces ever made. Although the book tackles advanced topics, the instruction is logical and complete so that the serious reader, independent of skill, can successfully work through the steps.

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.