Pop culture collectibles from the post-World War I and II (1920s-1960s) are brought to life again in this new reference guide. Relive the days of the novelty "must-haves," including Hallmark paper dolls, holiday ephemera, Vogue picture records, and vaudeville. See the impact ceramists Marc Bellaire, Howard Pierce, and Heidi Schoop had in their era and today. Get nostalgic while viewing early TV Guides with "I Love Lucy" and Liberace. Take a walk down memory lane through movie posters featuring such iconic stars as Shirley Temple and Ava Gardner. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at popular antique walks held in such places as Walnut, Iowa. With 682 images, this invigorating exploration of the tastes that shaped an era is sure to make you smile. This reference book is a must-have for lovers of American popular culture, historians, and collectors.

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.

California's last large pottery producer, Treasure Craft, became a major force in the giftware market from the late 1940s until 1995. The firm's Hawaiian plant and Pottery Craft stoneware art lines were enormously popular. Over 650 beautiful color photographs present widely varied ceramic collectibles produced by Treasure Craft from the late 1940s until 1995, including Disneyana items, over two hundred novelty cookie jars, Hawaiiana, figurines including Lucky California Sprites and their predecessors Naughty Gnomes, and dinnerware lines. Among the wares displayed are works by notable sculptors Ray Murray, Don Winton, and Robert Maxwell. This new book presents material on manufacturer's marks, and look-alike products. Values in the captions round out this thorough presentation.

Updated with nearly 30 high-quality vintage images, the second edition of this lavishly illustrated book provides irrefutable documentation of ladies' fashions worn in Victorian America from 1860 to 1900. Extensively researched using nineteenth-century fashion, beauty, etiquette, household, and medical literature, the book explores the fluctuations in clothing styles including undergarments, casual wear, sports clothes, common dress, evening attire, hairstyles, and jewelry, while tracing the fascinating impact fashion had on the mental, physical, and social lives of our Victorian ancestors. Chapters on personal hygiene, cosmetics, clothing manufacture, laundry, and the dating of vintage photographs are included, along with updated prices. The period photographs and detailed analysis provide a unique picture of the lives of Victorian women through their styles of dress. The second edition of this comprehensive and easy-to-read book is an invaluable resource to historians, theatrical costumers, genealogists, museum curators, and historical fashion and photography enthusiasts.

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.

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.

The rich past of Daytona Beach is revisited through rare postcard views of one of Florida's most scenic and historic areas. A wonderful selection of over 260 charming scenes display Daytona Beach when visitors went to the ocean in heavy woolen bathing suits and automobiles brought changes that transformed the area. \nAccompanied by an engaging account of local history and lore, the images document the first half of the twentieth century and illustrate architectural embellishments and unique designs.

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)

This is the first 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 1 includes 799 photographs of sculptures on 224 pages with essays on specific topics of identitication and caring for bronze. It incorporates lists of the sculptors whose work is shown, the founders represented, 24 different founders' seals and an index to this volume. The photographs are remarkably clear enabeling small details in the sculptures to be visible. With this reference series, collectors will be able to identify many of the old commercial bronzes found on the market today.

The revised and expanded second edition of this beautiful, popular, and easy-to-follow book is a thorough reference to antique and period jewelry, created over a 200-year period, in Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It presents the changes in construction techniques and jewelry styles through over 680 color photographs, including over 190 new images, with clear descriptions and explanations. From the Georgian through the Victorian, Belle Epoche, Art Deco, and Modern periods, the fascinating story of jewelry evolving with women's fashions is told. Great designers' work is identified along with their materials. Their findings, fittings, and makers' marks are fully explained. The value reference section of over 500 items has been updated and is organized to locate pieces easily without going through the entire book. Bracelets, brooches, and each other form are grouped together and in chronological order. Advanced collectors and appraisers will find this a complete and quick-reference tool. Novices will enjoy learning this fascinating field through the many illustrated identification tips.

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.

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.

Turning these pages, the reader plunges deep into a fantastic and spooky world inhabited by all manner of lively, animated vegetables and fruit folk that caper and dance under the Halloween moon. These figures, led by the ever-popular jack o' lanterns, are shown in over 580 color photographs in their many collectible forms, including Halloween figural candy containers, lanterns, and postcards. Assorted noisemakers, wall decorations, hats, masks, and party decorations are also included in this thorough presentation. These collectibles span quite a range from the very old to the modern. Also included is sound advice about how to collect your favorite Halloween characters and prices for all of the items displayed. This wonderful romp through the woody underbrush of Halloween will bring back childhood memories of trick or treats past to all who read it!

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.

This beautifully illustrated volume presents baskets woven from natural fibers over a long period of time and from diverse American, European and International cultures. Specialized baskets for work places, as architectural elements and for domestic and farm chores are shown in over 400 black and white and 31 color pictures. The text explores the origins of the plants which produce weavable fibres, localized preparation techniques, and a wide variety of weaving styles and forms. The extensive picture captions identify the use, origin, material and size of each basket and reflect the cultural styles. Detailed drawings of many weaves will enable craftsmen today to duplicate and experiment with a variety of materials and patterns.

Collecting of black memorabilia continues as an area of growing interest, attracting new collectors every day. It includes everything from household figures to artifacts from slavery, and covers both the stereotype and the reality of the black experience in America. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Jeanette Carson, a pioneer of black memorabilia, estimated that "of the 30,000 collectors of black memorabilia, the majority are black. "This is a way of preserving a heritage and educating a new generation about how things were." In her second book on Black Memorabilia, one of America's foremost authorities explores the use of black images in advertising, home decoration, office decor, and restaurant themes. Nearly seven hundred items are illustrated in full color and prices are given which reflect current market values.

When investigated with curiosity and enthusiasm, items that may seem mundane and commonplace can prove to be fascinating subjects! Commercial oyster cans have become important collectibles today. This book has over 800 color photographs of oyster cans, jugs, and bottles, and the text provides wonderful details and anecdotes about the history of the oyster industry in Europe and America.

Here's a little treat out of the attic. This may be today's penultimate guide for researching and pricing popular chairs from the past. This guide has hundreds of detailed illustrations of American wooden chairs ranging from golden oak to the Viennese-style bentwood. These chairs that furnished the nation's best-dressed homes at the turn of the century. An actual reprint of the detailed catalogue of the Phoenix Chair Company, each page is a careful reproduction of the Sheboygan, Wisconsin, company's own 1907-1908 list of wares for dealers. This time, however, it has current values for these treasured antiques. There is no more-authoritative guide to the chairs produced by this company, which helped set the styles that furnished a nation.

This beautiful book showcases hundreds of figural silver items that were used for many purposes during the luxurious Gilded Age. These endearing and sometimes whimsical designs, shown in nearly 600 color photos, include accoutrements for the dining room, the writing desk, the sewing room, the nursery, and much more. Among the items shown and described are spoons, tea balls, napkin rings, inkwells, pens and pencils, matchsafes, cigar cutters, thimbles, chatelaines, belt buckles, and baby rattles. Historical background plus valuable information on manufacturing techniques and marks is also included. With values provided in the captions and an extensive bibliography, this is a wonderful book for new and experienced collectors of figural silver novelties.

The power and beauty of traditional African sculpture has influenced 20th century art and design around the world. Found in many museums, its abstract forms, skillful rendering, and deep symbolism has also made it a welcome addition to the homes of private collectors. This new book offers a broad survey of the traditional sculpture that is available in the marketplace. The sculpture shown here covers a span of 100 years and focuses on masks, statuary, and architectural carvings in wood, bronze, and terracotta from sub-Saharan Africa with a sampling of the contemporary work in stone. The works are presented in beautiful color photographs, and accompanied by helpful, informative captions and a guide to values in today's market. The book helps the collector evaluate the quality and authenticity of African sculpture.

"The eyes have it," in this colorful selection of outrageously whimsical eyeglass stylings from the fabulous 1950s and hip 1960s! Whether dotted with rhinestones, molded into "cat's-eyes," or built up into tiara-like proportions, eyeglass frames with "specs appeal" are among today's hottest and most collectible fashion accessories. The 450 color photos and vintage ads shown here offer a dazzling eyeful of the best these eras had to offer. From harlequins to earring glasses, French "girl-watchers" to the original "rose-colored glasses," these eye-catchers capture '50s and '60s eyewear design in all its swooping, glittery glory. The jaunty, informative text includes identifying information, historical notes, and hints on how to adapt frames from the past for modern use. A current price guide completes this "blast from the past," sure to be the apple of every collector's eye!

Cast metal coin banks have helped millions of people save money. They were often premiums given away by companies and banking institutions when a new account was opened. Over 1,000 color photos show the diversity of Banthrico coin banks, made in Chicago from 1931 until 1985. They resemble famous people, animals, trophies, vehicles, architecture, and more. For today's collector, there is information about the company, materials, 900 styles, advertising, sizes, and rarity. An index will help you find your favorites. Bankers, antique dealers, and toy and bank enthusiasts finally have a reliable reference to this fast-growing area of bank collecting.