The best-known and most important manufacturer of plastic model kits in the UK, Airfix has been at the forefront of the industry since 1955 when the first Airfix aircraft kit appeared in UK branches of Woolworth's. The kits were made to a constant scale and covered a wide variety of subjects, from aircraft to birds and from tanks to dinosaurs. In 1981 the famous London-based company closed down and only the kits survived intact. For the next twenty-five years Airfix was run by Palitoy and later Humbrol, but suffered from a lack of investment. In 2006, Hornby Hobbies Ltd, the train and Scalextric manufacturer, bought the ailing company and transformed it. Money and resources were ploughed into the range, and today Airfix releases around twenty new kits per year, designed to an incredibly high standard. The old kits of the 1950s and 1960s are gradually being replaced by new state-of-the-art tooling, all bearing that most prestigious name - Airfix. Published to coincide with the sixtieth anniversary of the first Airfix aircraft kit, Sixty Years of Airfix Models, tells the full story, year by year, of the company and its products.

Swirl marbles comprise one of the largest categories of antique handmade glass marbles and come in many distinct and eye-catching types, ranging from banded and clambroth swirls to latticinio core and ribbon core swirls. With over 850 vibrant color photographs, this book displays swirl marbles in their many engaging types. The text explains swirl marble types, provides tables of current market prices, and directs collectors to marble clubs and meets across the country. This attractive and interesting book is a must for all who collect glass and are fascinated with marbles.

At long last, here is the figural whiskey decanter reference youve been asking for. Over 1,600 figural whiskey bottles are shown, both vintage and contemporary, including complete collections of Ski Country, Ezra Brooks, and McCormick bottles. Also included are bottles by Wild Turkey, Lionstone, Potters, Kontinental, Daviess County, Poncho Villa, and Louis and Clark. Weve even included the complete line of Dugs Nevada Brothels. Political figures, entertainers, historical figures, sports figures, and every imaginable animal and bird have been immortalized as a whiskey decanter. 620 colorful photos will help you identify and accurately price all the bottles and decanters shown. Experienced and novice collectors alike will find this reference invaluable.

You know you're hooked when you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach. Is it a shortness of breath or a flush that comes to your face when you see it in a case at an antique mall, or on someone's arm as you stroll down the aisle shopping at an antiques show? Has someone caught you staring intently at their wrist or lapel and mistaken your focused gaze for some sign of familiarity? If any or all of the above symptoms or scenarios seem familiar to you, it's possible you may have it! Yes, it's all too true, you may indeed be suffering from...BAKELITE FEVER! The Bakelite Collection describes some of the many differing collecting preferences of some of the nation's most prolific appreciators of fine Bakelite jewelry. Men and women, doctors and lawyers, modernists and traditionalists alike have fallen prey to Bakelite fever. Their stories, experiences, lovingly assembled collections will delight every Bakelite collector. The Bakelite Collection showcases these fantastic jewelry arrays in luscious detail, using full color photography. A price guide makes it a truly valuable book for all sufferers of Bakelite Fever.

Among rock-forming minerals, the vesuvianite group is best known through the many colorful crystals collected at the Jeffrey quarry, in Asbestos, Canada. Spectacular finds in China and Pakistan have added interest in this mineral group. The detailed text begins with an explanation of the chemistry and taxonomy of the group and a discussion of ongoing research into problems such as color, structure, and optically anomalous crystals. A section on their formation and geochemistry explains the kinds of environments where vesuvianites are formed. Each mineral has a detailed entry for information on important localities. Over 90 full-color photos show what good specimens look like and which minerals to expect to find associated with vesuvianites. Anyone with a passion for minerals will find this book fascinating.

This treasury contains all you ever wanted to know about amusing bear love, those charming toy bears, and some of the most famous bear makers over the years. Today, toy bears continue to enchant people of all ages as they have since the beginning of this century. The book celebrates over 400 of the most appealing toy bears and their makers the world over (including manufacturers Steiff, Bing, Schuco, Hermann, Gabrielle, Ideal, Knickerbocker, Farnell, Chad Valley...and talented individual makers found everywhere). Author Dee Hockenberry points you to the leading public collections in England, Europe, and the United States and guides you to find other enthusiasts at bear shows, conventions, and private shops. She defines and explains their components and terminology and comments on their values, including price ranges (some quite hefty!) as part of her detailed captions.

The most common marks that appear on antique American ceramics in today's markets are presented in alphabetical order. Pottery factories from the 1840s to 1930s and beyond are included. Each hand-drawn mark shown with the factory name, address and date range.

Celebrated artist and writer Rose O'Neill created the Kewpie in 1909, fashioning a roly-poly elf with a fat child's body, small wings, and a turnip-top head. Beloved by children and adults alike since then, the charming Kewpie image quickly spread to dolls, tableware, lamps, candlesticks, inkwells, clocks, jewelry and trinket boxes, hatpins, salt and pepper shakers, picture frames, and many other items all highly collectible today. With over 540 color photos, this extensive price guide features a wonderful assortment of early Kewpies in bisque, chinaware, and metal, Kewpidoodle (the Kewpies' dog), Scootles (the Baby Tourist who visited Kewpieville), and many other Rose O'Neill related items. Measurements and values for all pieces are included in the captions. An invaluable reference for collectors, dealers, and all who treasure Rose O'Neill's delightful Kewpies.

The Adjustable Spanner Volume II gathers together revelatory information arising from Ron Geesin's first book, and combines it with further detailed analysis of manufacturers and biographical details of inventors. Described with warmth, detailed knowledge and a dash of humour, and set against the backdrop of parallel developments of the Industrial Revolution, this book brings the enthusiast up to date with continued attempts at design improvements to this iconic absurdity. Celebrating the global influence of Richard Clyburn's transverse rack and worm design which set the modern standard for adjustable spanners and concluding with an overview of how the adjustable spanner is now manufactured and used worldwide, this book will be an invaluable asset to bookshelves of both the collector and the industrial historian.

With artistic sculpture and imaginative colors, lovely horses by Hartland have thrilled kids and collectors since the 1940s. They have held a special place in the world of make-believe horses. While hardships halted Hartland horse production in the 1990s, in 2000, these much sought after figures returned in style, with gleaming coats and expressive eyes. This new book picks up the trail with 358 bright illustrations of Hartland's revived production run. New-century American Saddlebreds, Appaloosas, Arabians, Mustangs, Paints, Polo Ponies, Quarter Horses, Tennessee Walkers, riders, saddles, and more are covered, with detailed descriptions, values, and plastic-horse hobby lore. Also included are gift-run models in sizes ranging from Tinymites to 11, test models, and other unusual examples. If you have a passion for model horses, you will love this book

This fascinating and bizarre collection compiles the most unusual, obscure books from the far reaches of the human imagination throughout history.

From the author of the critically acclaimed bestsellers The Phantom Atlas and The Sky Atlas comes a unique and beautifully illustrated journey through the history of literature. The Madman's Library delves into its darkest territories to hunt down the oddest books and manuscripts ever written, uncovering the intriguing stories behind their creation.

From the Qur'an written in the blood of Saddam Hussein, to the gorgeously decorated fifteenth-century lawsuit filed by the Devil against Jesus, to the most enormous book ever created, The Madman's Library features many long forgotten, eccentric, and extraordinary volumes gathered from around the world.

Books written in blood and books that kill, books of the insane and books that hoaxed the globe, books invisible to the naked eye and books so long they could destroy the Universe, books worn into battle and books of code and cypher whose secrets remain undiscovered. Spell books, alchemist scrolls, wearable books, edible books, books to summon demons, books written by ghosts, and more all come together in the most curiously strange library imaginable.

Featuring hundreds of remarkable images and packed with entertaining facts and stories to discover, The Madman's Library is a captivating compendium perfect for bibliophiles, literature enthusiasts, and collectors intrigued by bizarre oddities, obscure history, and the macabre.

The name Rolex is recognized around the world. It has become an icon of beauty, quality, accuracy, style, and taste. While there are other fine manufacturers of timepieces, none has reached this pinnacle of public respect and acclaim. The watches produced by Rolex over the last 100 years are celebrated in this lavishly illustrated classic, now in a revised and expanded third edition. Over 30 newly discovered wristwatches are included in this volume, along with new information and a revised value guide. In addition there are detailed looks at some of Rolex's legendary movements. Dowling and Hess, both acknowledged Rolex authorities, have captured the watches' beauty in color photography and present the most thorough and extensive history written of the company. The watches and the extensive information this book offeres to collectors make it a truly useful volume, one that will be cherished by watch lovers around the world.

The wide range of sixties fabric designs reflected the transition from the comforting tranquility of the early years to the bolder, more "hip" end of the decade. Funky Fabrics of the 60s takes you on a nostalgic tour of pastel and splashy florals, patchwork calicos, denims and stripes, wild abstract geometrics, and neon paisleys. Whether you admired Jackie Kennedy's elegant style or danced barefoot in a peasant dress as a "flower child", this full color book with hundreds of designs will bring back memories of a unique time.

The innovative designs in silver jewelry made in Europe and North America in the 20th century are fascinating and highly popular today. This new book starts with the end of Victorian styles, just before the turn of the twentieth century, and proceeds to display and explain the relationships in Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mexican, Native American, Mid-century Realistic, and Modern Abstract styles right up to the 1990s. Beautiful color photographs clearly show the details, makers' marks, and fine workmanship that make each piece of jewelry fascinating to so many collectors today.

Slip into the romantic world of a private dressing room. Here fancy and jeweled perfume bottles, powder jars, trinket boxes, hairbrushes, mirrors, and matching trays in sets of up to twenty items cover a dressing table or dresser top. Cosmetics, scents, and tools of beauty wait to transform mere mortals into memorable personalities, day in and day out. This book explores the feminine, fragile, and alluring vintage accessories that are collected today by many seekers of romance and history. Beautiful dressing table accessories convey an aristocratic atmosphere that has been popularized in film. Here are hundreds of elegantly designed matching dressing tools in metals, plastics, enamels, and glass presented in boxed, travel, and manicure sets. Even special boxes, lined with luxurious fabrics housing items for individual boudoir tasks, are included. Over 340 color photographs, including over 100 authentic catalog pages, are on display. They accurately portray the magnificent creative skills and use of fine materials for each elegant and glamorous item that has been carefully cherished and preserved throughout the years.

From Footlights to "The Flickers" is the long awaited fourth book in the collectible sheet music series by Marion Short. Two of the most popular collecting categories are covered in this colorful book-the music of the Broadway stage, and silent screen movie music. Over 560 full color photographs of sheet music covers from musical shows and silent movies accompany the informative text. The movie songs are arranged alphabetically by cover personality, and the section becomes a compendium of all the major silent screen stars from the earliest days of the "flickers" to the sound revolution in 1929. From Footlights to "The Flickers" follows the success of Mrs. Short's other books about sheet music, The Gold in Your Piano Bench (tearjerkers, black songs, rags, and blues), More Gold in Your Piano Bench (inventions, wars, and disasters), and Covers of Gold (sports, fashion, illustration, and the dance).

Nearly 900 beautiful color photographs display End of Day antique glass marbles produced, by glass artists after hours to prove their skill, during handmade marble's "Golden Age," from the mid-1880s through c. 1918. End of Day Cloud, English style, Joseph's Coat, and Onionskin marbles are presented in abundance. Among them are Paneled, Ribbon, Lobed, Shrunken Core, Mist, Submarine, and End of Cane examples, some featuring aventurine, lutz, or mica. As a bonus, examples of antique glass handmade marble Clearies, Lightning Strikes, Micas, Mosaics and Millefioris, Opaques and Semi Opaques, Paperweights, Patches, and Slags are also displayed. Rounding out this valuable resource are a glossary, bibliography, index, and tables providing current market values.

Popular carved wooden jewelry and novelties, from the 1920 to 1950 era, are attracting attention at antiques markets because they are delightful design images and happy reminders of a by-gone age. With over 425 color examples to delight the eye, this book gives readers a wonderful variety of items that often incorporate Plastics, Bakelite, and Lucite. The jewelry includes bracelets, necklaces, and charming figural pins in design themes encompassing of water creatures, military, cowboys, Indians, animals, fruit, nuts, and more. The related novelties include advertising and kitchen items, buttons, masks, clothespin figures, pictures, toys, and more. Value ranges are included with the captions.

That there was an influx of silver dirhams from the Muslim world into eastern and northern Europe in the ninth and tenth centuries is well known, as is the fact that the largest concentration of hoards is on the Baltic island of Gotland. Recent discoveries have shown that dirhams were reaching the British Isles, too. What brought the dirhams to northern Europe in such large numbers? The fur trade has been proposed as one driver for transactions, but the slave trade offers another - complementary - explanation. This volume does not offer a comprehensive delineation of the hoard finds, or a full answer to the question of what brought the silver north. But it highlights the trade in slaves as driving exchanges on a trans-continental scale. By their very nature, the nexuses were complex, mutable and unclear even to contemporaries, and they have eluded modern scholarship. Contributions to this volume shed light on processes and key places: the mints of Central Asia; the chronology of the inflows of dirhams to Rus and northern Europe; the reasons why silver was deposited in the ground and why so much ended up on Gotland; the functioning of networks - perhaps comparable to the twenty-first-century drug trade; slave-trading in the British Isles; and the stimulus and additional networks that the Vikings brought into play. This combination of general surveys, presentations of fresh evidence and regional case studies sets Gotland and the early medieval slave trade in a firmer framework than has been available before.

In the 1920s and '30s Art Deco influenced everything from art and architecture, interiors and furnishings, automobiles and boats, to the small personal objects that are part of everyday life. The items in this thematically structured book demonstrate Deco style at its most alluring. They were then the height of fashion, and are highly prized collectibles today. They demonstrate an era of close cooperation between designers and manufacturers, who aimed to produce goods that were not only fit for purpose, but also well made and beautiful. This informative showcase of portable classics of avant-garde modern design from Britain, Europe (particularly France) and the United States will appeal both to collectors and to anyone with an interest in Deco style and the history of fashion, taste and design. It is the first book to bring together the small collectibles - from cigarette cases and lighters to powder compacts and cosmetics accessories, watches, jewelry, even cameras - that demonstrate the style, glamour and sophistication of the Jazz Age.

Gracious table settings of the 1920s and '30s are a joy to behold. Coordinated glass dinnerware sets produced in the Depression era contained a wonderful assortment of specialized pieces, each serving a specific purpose for the family meal. Showcased here are centerpieces, candleholders, center-handled trays and bowls, tidbit servers, Serva-snack sets, relish dishes, candy dishes, cake plates, punch sets, and more. The informative text features an overview of each category, and captions provide specific descriptions, manufacturers, dates, measurements, and current values. Become familiar with these versatile accessories and enjoy using them to glamorize table settings today!

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.