This book recreates the ambiance of the ocean liner era by showing the actual objects used on board. Each piece of ocean-liner memorabilia is like an Aladdin's lamp, releasing wondrous memories of that grand style of travel. Beginning in the late 1890s, shipping lines forged their identities by commissioning unique furniture, china, silverware, glassware, vases, ashtrays, playing cards, menus, and stationery. These types of items characterized the different ocean liners, from the Normandie with her elegant Art Deco furnishings, to the stainless steel gleam of the S.S. United States, to the old-world luxury of the Queens.

This in-depth pictorial survey provides 684 color photographs of Flow Blue ceramic wares produced throughout the Victorian Age. Central to the book is the presentation of the dinner wares, tea sets, and dessert services from four popular Flow Blue patterns: Cashmere, Chapoo, La Belle, and Touraine. Never before have so many pieces from these highly desirable patterns been shown. Also, illustrations display numerous spectacular teapots, syrup pitchers, and children's wares in a wide variety of patterns. Egg cups and butter pats in many popular patterns are also illustrated, identifying the patterns which appear on these tiny forms. Finally, many patterns appearing in none of Mr. Snyder's previous Flow Blue texts are provided. The text defines and briefly traces the ware's history. Further, a very useful Index to Patterns is included. Prices for the items displayed are presented in the captions. Anyone who has ever admired Victorian ceramics, and certainly every Flow Blue collector, will find many pieces to fascinate them in this beautiful new book.

Commemorative Coca-Cola Bottles are a hot subject on the collectibles market. Most of the modern hobbleskirt commemorative Coca-Cola bottles have been produced since 1991, and the miniatures only since 1993. Because they are so recent and so widely available, many people are beginning to collect them. This is the first price guide ever written on the subject that includes color photographs. More than 1,100 color photographs have been used within eleven chapters, and a brief history of the bottles in the beginning will lead you through page after page of Coca-Cola bottle collecting delight. Every bottle from the 3-inch high miniature bottles to the tall 10-ounce bottles have been covered, following their production year by year. All of the details are here, including price ranges. This book is a must for all dealers, shop owners, and bottle collectors.

'The cultural history of the mirror is fully explored by Sabine Melchior-Bonnet. The book marries science and art, literature and philosophy.' - New York Times

'This erudite meditation ... reveals how significantly the mirror has influenced Western culture ... this beautifully illustrated study offers so many intriguing glimpses into the meanings of reflection that it will reward anyone who peers beneath its surface.' - Publishers' Weekly

A comprehensive study of walking canes from around the world, dating from the distant past to the modern-day. The book presents a historical context on both practical and ceremonial usage. At the same time, specially shot pictures showcase the celebrated A&D Collection of canes, while enlightening prose demonstrates the cane's enduring relevance to society. More than just a mobility aid, the cane has held numerous offices of significance. From the staff of the legendary Monkey King in the classic Chinese Journey to the West, or the stylised crosiers carried by high-ranking prelates from the Roman Catholic church, to the truncheon wielded by Mr Punch in puppet shows, canes are embedded in the culture of almost every country around the globe. Roving the map with one hand and thumbing through history books with the other, A Virtual History of Walking Canes and Sticks seeks not only to introduce the collector to the diverse wealth of canes available but also to entertain the casual reader. Intermingled with over 800 full-colour pictures are descriptions of gadget canes for tradesmen, squirting canes for pranksters, and glamorous Art Nouveau canes for the dapper gentlemen of the '20s. Informative and meticulously researched, this book paves an accessible route into a niche subject while paying homage to our ongoing relationship with canes. This story stretches back as far as history itself.

Since the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896, the Olympics have grown to be among the most anticipated and watched events of any type in world. Today, almost 200 nations send athletes to participate in the Games and over a billion people watch on television. Just as the Olympics have grown, so has the collecting of Olympic memorabilia. Quite possibly the most international and fastest growing of sports hobbies, the exciting world of Olympic memorabilia includes pins, badges, medals, torches, posters, tickets, programs, books, souvenir items, and so much more. Included here are items from the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, through the games of 2000. Both Summer and Winter Olympic memorabilia is covered. With over 500 color photographs and an up-to-date price guide, this is the most complete Olympic memorabilia book available anywhere in the world. The perfect guide for any level of collector.

Extensively illustrated, this is the first accessible publication on the history of tapestry in over two decades. Woven with dazzling images from history, mythology and the natural world, and breath-taking in their craftsmanship, tapestries were among the most valuable and high-status works of art available in Europe from the medieval period to the end of the eighteenth century. Over 600 historic examples hang in National Trust properties in England and Wales - the largest collection in the UK. This beautifully illustrated study by tapestry expert Helen Wyld, in association with the National Trust, offers new insights into these works, from the complex themes embedded in their imagery, to long-forgotten practices of sacred significance and ritual use. The range of historical, mythological and pastoral themes that recur across the centuries is explored, while the importance of the 'revival' of tapestry from the late nineteenth century is considered in detail for the first time. Although focussed on the National Trust's collection, this book offers a fresh perspective on the history of tapestry across Europe. Both the tapestry specialist and the keen art-history enthusiast can find a wealth of information here about woven wall hangings and furnishings, including methods of production, purchase and distribution, evolving techniques and technologies, the changing trends of subject matter across time, and how tapestries have been collected, used and displayed in British country houses across the centuries.

This is the only book on the highly attractive, hand-decorated Chameleon Ware pottery from George Clews & Co. Ltd. in Tunstall, England. The company's finest work was made in the 1930s, but production started early in the century. This ware was exclusive when originally sold and its beautiful colors and exciting designs are now increasingly appreciated by discerning collectors. Colorful and informative, this book charts the history of George Clews' pottery during its fifty-five year existence, and gives a clear guide to collecting Chameleon Ware. Illustrated with over 250 color photographs, it includes a list of all known patterns with identifying numbers and a current price guide. This is an indispensable handbook for art pottery lovers.

Before the age of Pyrex*TM and plastic, attractive, utilitarian, enameled metal wares adorned kitchens and homes throughout Europe and America. Decorative and durable, enameled ware was made for almost every household purpose - brewing, storing, food preparation, cooking, serving, toting, pouring, and washing. This handsome book showcases, identifies, and explains the myriad of uses that enameled ware provided from the 1880s to the 1940s. Decorations abound - from plain and simple to bold geometrics and lively florals. Many of the most desirable patterns and designs, including the highly collectible End of the Day, Chrysolite, and the coveted cobalt blue pieces are featured here. Today, they provide charming vintage decoration to brighten interior and garden spaces alike. This book will be cherished by beginning collectors and seasoned decorators familiar with two previous books on the subject by the same author. The book includes over 475 color photos with identifying captions and values for the collector, dealer, decorator, and designer.

Welcome to the world of Transformers! These immensely popular "robots in disguise" originated in Japan, and the United States has only been one destination on their worldwide tour. Learn about fascinating variations between the Transformers of Japan, America, and Europe through hundreds of gorgeous color photographs of Transformers from all over the world. This in-depth guide delves into such Japanese toy lines as the Headmasters, Masterforce, Zone, and the Return of Convoy. There is discussion of many of the European figures including the Turbomasters, Predators, and the Obliterators. Also appearing are early Pre-Transformers like the Diaclones and Kronoforms. Fun to read, and with current market values in each caption, this is the book collectors have been waiting for. Transform and roll out!

This is the second volume of the definitive reference series dealing with commercial bronze sculptures in the period 1800 to 1930. This period spans the rise and decline of commercial industrial foundries in Europe, especially in France, and a wide array of international sculptors. Together, they produced millions of fine statuettes for the general public. Volume 2 includes 1025 photographs of sculptures on 272 pages with a numbered list of the sculpture categories and an essay on early twentieth-century sculptural styles by Tom Tomc of Chicago. It incorporates lists of the sculptors whose work is shown, the founders represented, and 58 different founders' seals. The photographs are remarkably clear enabeling small details in the scuptures to be visible. With this reference series, collectors will be able to identify many of the old commercial bronzes found on the market today.

Elegant and graceful, glass bells are favored by many bell collectors as well as collectors and admirers of fine glass. This stunning book showcases over 750 glass bells dating from the eighteenth century to the twenty-first century, with over 29 countries represented. Included are cut glass bells, blown and pressed glass bells, engraved bells, and the magnificent, highly desirable glass wedding bells. Among the companies and artists represented are Dorflinger, Hawkes, Pairpoint, Seneca, Sinclaire, Fenton, Fostoria, Val St. Lambert, Goebel, Rossi, Moser, Hofbauer, Wedgwood, Pepi Herrmann, Glen Jones, and many others. The bell type, country of origin, maker, and date (if known) are identified for each bell, along with a general description, size, color, pattern or decoration, and current value. Background information on the history of glass bells and special chapters discussing manufacturer attribution and the various owners of bell molds are also included. A splendid addition to the libraries of bell collectors, glass enthusiasts, and all who appreciate beautiful artistry.

Patriotism was rarely more fervently displayed in America than in the early nineteenth century. Enthusiasm for the new country was especially felt in England where goods were produced specifically to commemorate America. This book presents in detail the transfer-printed ceramic dishes made in Staffordshire for the American market from 1820-1860. Here are the patriots, historical events and breathtaking new landscape views captured by fine artists and transferred to ceramics by the best companies in England. Today these dishes are actively collected. Written with a close view of the cultural changes that contributed to the enormous popularity of historical Staffordshire wares, Jeffrey Snyder has documented the scenes and the thinking of the people who so enjoyed displaying American history on their dishes. The makers, their marks, and information about the scenes is woven into this book to identify each of the examples in 485 color illustrations.

The most popular 1940s styles, from couture to everyday workclothes, ensembles, sportswear, lingerie, and evening dresses, plus toys, needlework, and gifts, are presented here in 550 color photographs of pattern envelopes from companies like Advance, Butterick, Hollywood, McCall, Simplicity, Vogue, and others. A wide array of pattern-related items is presented, including publications and advertising, display dolls, tools, and various forms of packaging. The pattern envelope illustrations are wonderful period drawings of '40s fashions. All who enjoy these great styles will find Blueprints of Fashion to be a refreshing approach and an important first book on this growing field of interest.

The popularity of Japanese ceramics in the West caused a vast and delightful variety of wares to be made in the late nineteenth century for export. Colorful Imari porcelain in deep blue, orange-red, and gold, Fukagawa porcelain in imaginative designs, as well as the softly colored Satsuma earthenwares, are the best known of the old Japanese exports, shown here in hundreds of variations created by skilled decorators. This new edition has an updated values reference and additional items shown in each chapter, especially early Imari wares from the period c. 1700. Also presented are the exotic Sumida and Banko wares, relative newcomers to the field whose popularity has grown steadily over the last ten years. Makers' and decorators' marks, unusual shapes, design variations, and hard-to-find examples are all shown in 600 color photographs with identifying captions and concise text.

Dazzling handmade glass rarities from the Fenton Art Glass Company of Williamstown, West Virginia, are showcased, described, and illustrated in nearly 800 vibrant color photographs! These highly sought, yet rarely seen, items from 1940-1985, include experimental pieces, sales samples, and glassware made rare by brief production spans, ranging from baskets and cake plates to tankards and vases. Fenton artisans proving their skills made spectacular personal pieces collectors' treasure today. Those with rare colors, decorative treatments, and forms are the main features of this book. Also included are a company history, glossary of terms, and a bibliography. Current market values are included in the captions.

An introduction to the design, production and use of luxury embroideries in medieval England (c. 1200-1530) In medieval Europe, embroidered textiles were indispensable symbols of wealth and power. Owing to their quality, complexity and magnificence, English embroideries enjoyed international demand and can be traced in Continental sources as opus anglicanum (English work). Essays by leading experts explore the embroideries' artistic and social context, while catalogue entries examine individual masterpieces. Medieval embroiderers lived in a tightly knit community in London, and many were women who can be identified by name. Comparisons between their work and contemporary painting challenge modern assumptions about the hierarchy of artistic media. Contributors consider an outstanding range of examples, highlighting their craftsmanship and exploring the world in which they were created. Published in association with the Victoria and Albert Museum

Charleton decoration on glass and porcelain was prolific in the 1940s and 1950s on blanks from American and European manufacturers. Charleton hand-painted landscapes, fruit, flowers, geometric patterns and abstracts are displayed here in over 600 stunning images, many never before appearing in print. Histories of the decorating company (Abels, Wasserberg & Company of New York) and the firms that provided the blanks appear along with an extensive bibliography and current values. This book is a useful reference to identify decorated glass and porcelain and will inspire searches for its distinctive decorations.

This third volume by Larry Carey and Sylvia Tompkins focuses on character salt and pepper shakers. Featured in this book are popular television, movie, and cartoon characters. Also included are well-known mascots or symbols, such as the Loch Ness Monster and Smokey Bear. A large part of 1003 Salt & Pepper Shakers focuses on characters created by Walt Disney. The color, size, manufacturer, design variations, and value range for over 700 examples of character salt and pepper shakers is provided.

During the 1970s, the real Cher wore Bob Mackie designs for her TV show as well as for galas and other public appearances. Presented here are the fashions that Mego Corporation recreated, perfect little miniatures captured in doll-size. This vast array of designs showcases Mackie's flair for the dramatic, his gift of the glitz, and his love for the show-biz statement. Fans will be amazed by how many doll-size versions of the real Cher's fashions they recognize and remember. The 1970s live again in baring tops and billowy bell bottoms, slinky metallic gowns, and of course, stretch polyester. It's pure fun turning the pages to see each fashion, with names like "Herky Jerky," "Jumperoo," and "Midnight Blue," in scenes that works the name of the outfit into the action. There are over fifty designs for the Cher doll by Mackie and many more for the other Mego (R) fashion dolls like Farrah, Diana Ross, Toni Tennille, and of course, Sonny. With values in the captions, this is a must-have reference book for fans of Cher and all her celebrity friends!

This superb reference work provides a newly revised, comprehensive overview of the entertaining world of battery toys. Battery operated robots, animals, people, character toys, banks, monsters, and cars are shown, compared, and fully analyzed in this first specialized book on the subject. Vehicles and figurals from the mid-fifties and the sixties comprise the major portion of this book, but some choice examples from the late forties and the seventies are also included. A detailed desirability chart will enable enthusiasts to estimate the value of potential additions to their collections. Spectacular full view and closeup photographs in color and black and white will delight toy collectors worldwide.

This book was written for the novice. It contains good basic information any collector or dealer should know with over 500 beautiful color photographs of costume jewelry designed by nearly 100 designers. ABCs of Costume Jewelry will inspire a novice collector and new or small dealer, and increase knowledge of this fun-filled specialty field. Its non-technical terms and many illustrations derive from the authors' extensive experiences, both good and bad. It is written to improve your ability to recognize, value, purchase, collect, display, and clean your collection or inventory. After reading this book, if you make just one knowledgeable purchase, or avoid a bad one, you will more than cover the cost of your investment.

Christmas celebrations of the past forty years are shown through historical photographs, catalog pages, and over 530 photographs of artificial and real trees, Christmas ornaments, interior and exterior lights, candy containers, cards, tinsel garlands, and cheerful holiday figurines. Innovations in Christmas ornamentation, lighting, and display are presented--including artificial trees of the 1960s, country-style ornaments of the 1970s, 1980s chaser lights, and sophisticated 1990s European glass ornaments. Updated values are provided in the captions. With this wonderful book to inspire your search, you can carry the spirit of Christmas with you all year 'round!

This guide to collecting books on Japan, in English, is organized alphabetically and includes listings of major writers, together with historical and cultural notes. The work provides in an easy-to-use format, a list of obtainable books (both in print and out of print) which form the core of a serious collection. Additionally, the bibliographic listing, the biographic sketches of the more prominent authors, and cultural and historical commentaries should be useful to the researcher.