In 176 pages of gorgeous color and black-and-white photographs, Nancy Schiffer pays homage to baskets as functional objets d'art and includes hundreds of baskets from all over the United States and some from abroad. This pictorial survey of splint, wicker, and coil baskets will familiarize you with baskets used for storage, carrying, winnowing, gathering, and trapping. A section on baskets in use as decoration provides ideas for those who love the warmth and character provided by baskets. Updated prices are included with the captions.

Just as the Victorians once traveled the shorelines in search of scenic lighthouses, collecting postcards to document their discoveries, people today react to the allure of these lights that draw tourists, collectors, and maritime fans. This book examines the postcard keepsakes that lighthouse lovers have collected since the turn of the 20th Century, documenting lighthouses from California to Alaska, and the Florida Keys to Nova Scotia. You'll see lighthouses from land, air, and sea levels in hand-tinted photographs and line drawings produced at the turn of the century, beautiful linen prints of the 1930s and '40s, and contemporary photochrome productions. Along with the images, lighthouse history and facts are conveyed, along with publishing information to help collectors identify and date their own cards. Values are shown in the captions.

This great resource has new information and great photos of it all, sleds, wagons, and related salesman's samples, U.S. patent models, and much more. Taking up where the author's first book, Flexible Flyer and Other Great Sleds for Collectors, left off, it has all new sleds and wagons and updated and expanded information about the major sled companies and their products with additional new companies. It is the first major study of children's wagons, often manufactured by the same companies that made sleds. Great examples of both of sleds and wagons are offered with detailed color photographs that will aid in identification. Catalogs, advertisements, old price lists, patent drawings, and other ephemera provide the historical context and aid in dating. Don't be left out in the cold! Staying on top of the current trends and market valueswill make you "King of the Hill." Sled enthusiasts, dealers, collectors, and anyone who yearns for a nostalgic trip back in time to the good old days, this book is for you!

In this comprehensive text, C.L. Miller chronicles the long history and many products of America's best known home delivery company. W.T. Rawleigh Company collectibles are presented here in over 590 photographs and advertising images. This vast array of packages, tins, bottles, and notions of all sorts begins with William T. Rawleigh's original 1889 products and continues up through the Rawleigh Company's late twentieth century product lines. Included are many old-time essentials for the home and farm, such as medicines "for man and beast," food products, spices and extracts, cosmetics, toiletries, brushes, cookbooks, calendars, and the Rawleigh Good Health Guides and Almanacs. Also provided in this colorful and informative guide are helpful hints on locating and evaluating Rawleigh products, the proper care of those collectibles, and prices for the items themselves. This book will be a delight for everyone interested in the home delivery products of days-gone-by.

Souvenir plates have long been representatives of America's history, whether commemorating special events or depicting places. Souvenir plates make attractive collectibles for several reasons, including their affordability and the fact that they come in a variety of designs and shapes. Popular Souvenir Plates has captured the versatility of the souvenir plate with examples that date from the 1880s through the present. More than 530 color photographs document plates depicting all fifty states and Canada, along with a sampling of European designs, each with its current market value. The work of American firms represented are Harker Pottery, Homer Laughlin, Kettlesprings Kilns, Edwin M. Knowles China Co., Sabin Industries, Salem China Co., Syracuse China Co., Vernon Kilns, and many others. The work of noted English potters such as Staffordshire, Adams, Jonroth, and Rowland and Marsellus are present. A chapter on foreign plates shows a variety of foreign-made souvenir ware including the beauty of "Made in Bavaria" and "Made in Germany" souvenir plates. This book and price guide is a valuable reference for anyone with an interest in souvenir plates.

Wee Warriors & Playtime Patriots engages the reader in a fascinating history of children's military-inspired fashions - handmade and commercially made replica uniforms, equipage, and toys dating from 1860-1976. An extensive collection of photographs features children in military dress from countries around the world. These touching images of a never-before-chronicled military collectibles field will mesmerize readers. Also included are dozens of nostalgic catalog pages from Sears Roebuck & Co., and Montgomery Ward touting commercially made children's uniforms that date as far back as 1918. Wee Warriors & Playtime Patriots fills a major gap in the study of nineteenth and twentieth century military clothing styles and is a must, not only for military and patriotic enthusiasts, but for anyone interested in a bit of thought-provoking history.

The ancient and wonderful art of direct stone sculpture is brought to life in this comprehensive new book by the noted sculptor, Milt Liebson. After a brief, informative historical overview of stone sculpture, he leads the reader through the hands-on experience of sculpting in stone. This is an invaluable book for artists and would-be artists in stone. The types of stone used in sculpture are covered, as well as the basic tools for hand sculpting and the techniques for their use. For the advanced sculptor there is detailed information on power tools and their use, the methods of lamination and repair, the business side of stone sculpture, and other helpful information gleaned from years of experience. Detailed photographs take readers from rough stone to the polished and mounted piece. Already a standard reference, **Direct Stone Sculpture now includes 47 new pictures, updated stone-working techniques, and a gallery of students' work.

A dazzling cross-section of turtle figures from a diverse group of cultures are gathered here--including Waterford crystal from Ireland, Native American pueblo pottery and fetish carvings, and Japanese netsuke carvings, among many others. Nearly 350 color photos display turtles' intrinsic beauty captured by artists from around the world in materials prized since the beginning of time. Mythology, anthropology, biology, and environmental concerns are interwoven in a way that will both pique your interest and hold your attention. Realistic pricing information is included for each item. Upon reading this fascinating book, you will never again be indifferent toward turtles.

Thousands of tablecloth manufacturers from the 1930s to early 1960s produced countless styles of popular printed tablecloths in various colors, fabrics, and themes. This book identifies not only who produced your favorite tablecloths, but when they were made. Showcased in over 450 stunning photographs are colorful floral designs, nostalgic fruit and vegetable themes, conversational motifs, and eye-catching geometrics. Measurements and current values are provided in the captions, while a must-read section covers proper cleaning and storage techniques that will add decades to the life of your textiles. A wonderful resource for interior designers, antique dealers, and textile collectors.

Looking through the pages of Fun Fabrics of the 50s will transport you back to the days of Beaver Cleaver shirt plaids, cowboy heroes flannel pajamas, early American rec room drapery, splashy lounge chair tropical blooms, housewives' duster florals, and festive south-of-the-border kitchen curtains. The decade's fascination with geometric shapes, bright colors and "foreign" motifs results in interesting, sometimes strange, combinations of design. For designers and 50s fanatics alike, this full-color book offers hundreds of fabric styles that reflect an innocent era.

"In 1957, Don Featherstone sculptured the first three-dimensional pink plastic flamingo, thereby making affordable bad taste accessible to the American public"--from Pink Flamingos. This is the tale of a wonderful bird, named by his creator phoenicopteris ruber plasticus; a new avian species, now known to all as "Pink Plastic Flamingo." The more than one hundred pictures and the text in this volume are the result of Featherstone's request that adoring owners of the pink birds send original photographs that demonstrate their affection for phoenicopteris on its 40th birthday in 1997. An overwhelming response included such masterpieces as: "Biker Birds," "What a Pear," "The Wedding Party," "Anyone for Bridge," "Purple Passion," "Beachcombers," and the sweetly romantic "Flamingo Honeymoon." If you're a believer, or even an skeptic, take a look, see for yourself. This book is one of a kind, the documentation of American genius, homage to an icon, or, perhaps, a rare opportunity to observe a culturally tolerated symbol of taste gone awry. It's great fun!

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.

An overview of Swiss wristwatch designs in the 20th century with nearly 650 photo illustrations. The many forms and styles of casings, dials, and hands are covered, along with manufacturers' literature, advertising, and catalogs. The firms of Omega, Longines, Tavannes-Cyma, Breitling, Doxa, Universal, Movado, and Zenith are represented, and a price guide makes it a valuable reference for collectors of wristwatches.

Not only is the kitchen the center of the home, it is also a place that encourages great designs and inventions. This is why it is such an exciting field for collectors. Some specialize in gadgets, some in ceramics, plastic, or cast iron. Others seek salt & pepper shakers, electric appliances, or aluminum ware. All will find this new book delightful and fun. Jan Lindenberger has gathered together an eclectic and excellent collection of kitchen objects dating from 1890 to the 1970s. All are illustrated in beautiful full-color photographs with vital information and current market values. This is an convenient and useful field guide that will fit nicely in pocket or purse. It is sure to be loved by all.

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.

The tradition of rug hooking is alive and kicking in the Heart of Dixie. Through 844 images, meet the people behind these hooked rugs of art, including a Hollywood great that gave it all up to hook rugs in Georgia. Be incarcerated with Mississippi hookers at Jail House Rock. Visit a Tennessee home with an all rug-hooking dcor. Meet a Southern Tasha Tudor who is "the" expert on natural dyeing. Take a look back at rug hooking in rural Alabama between the two World Wars, and see what was considered elegant and all the rage in 1940s Louisiana. Rug patterns and original designs are also chronicled here: lush floral motifs, intricate geometrics, Oriental and Persian styles, impressionistic portraits, scenic landscapes, and glimpses of the Old South. This is a great reference book for all rug hooking enthusiasts, fiber artists, folk art lovers, collectors, history buffs, and lovers of anything Deep South.

A nostalgic glimpse at the glass counter jars, tins, boxes, and display racks which held American's favorite cookies, candies, and snack foods in America's country stores. These items are chronicled and illustrated in over 390 color photographs. Histories of over 75 companies which used them, covering over 100 year, from Adams Gum and Dixie Biscuit to Planter's Peanuts and Wise Potato Chips are provided along with detailed listings of the variations among their distribution jars and lids over the decades. Mergers among the snack food giants are recorded and mention is made of over 200 companies that profoundly affected every type of snack food from chewing gum to cookies. Major marketing and distribution trends and the dates associated with them are also revealed. Values for the counter jars and their variations are provided.

Collecting toothpick holders is about to become easier and more rewarding than ever! Here is the only publication to focus exclusively on toothpick holders made of porcelain. Over 600 beautiful color photographs showcase toothpick holders from around the world, including major ceramics manufacturers from Austria, Bavaria, Czechoslovakia, England, Germany, and the United States. A large section on Prussian toothpick holders shows the many different molds used by the manufacturers located there, and includes line drawings to show mold details. The section on Royal Bayreuth shows examples of nearly every shape and decoration known from that company, and the Japanese (Nippon) section shows the wide range of shapes, hand-painted decorations, and quality that originated there. Many manufacturers' marks are included. Information on contemporary and reproduction toothpick holders is also included, as well as tips on collecting, displaying, and insuring your collection. The book is organized to be easy-to-use and is an indispensable reference for everyone interested in ceramics from the late Victorian period through the 1930s. Current value ranges are given for all items pictured.

This comprehensive book showcases the advertising legacy of over two hundred New England breweries, featuring a multitude of exquisite lithographs, trays, signs of all types, cans, bottles, foam scrapers, tap knobs, and other items produced during the last 100+ years. A foreword by noted breweriana author Will Anderson starts off this beautifully illustrated book, while the text provides background information about company history as well as the items presented. Dimensions, dates, and values are provided in the captions. Among the wonderful array of companies included are Cremo, Largay, Wehle, Frank Jones, Eldredge, Haffenreffer, Hampden, Van Nostrand, Narragansett, and Hanley. Breweriana and advertising buffs alike will delight in the colorful memorabilia from brewers of the past who once fiercely competed for market dominance.

Journey across the State of Michigan, rich in history, to read over 40 tales of the strange, the unusual, and the haunted of centuries past. Discover the spectral cries of the lost souls under a bridge, spirits who haunt a Westland school, the beloved Civil War horse whose spirit lives on, a wrongly accused town witch, UFOs that frighten those at a Michigan farm, and Michael Jackson's elaborate gravestone gift to entertainer Jackie Wilson. Listen to the waves that crash against the stony cliffs and catch a glimpse of a grisly murder or climb the steps of Joe Louis Arena and discover why Al the Octopus is so important to Detroit's sports fans. So settle into a comfortable chair, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and explore the depths of Michigan's Haunted Legends and Lore. And don't worry; we understand if you need to leave your lights on tonight.

Hollywood Collectibles: The Sequel features beautiful, full-color photographs of memorabilia from 29 of the greatest Hollywood stars, including Lucille Ball, Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Roy Rogers and Elizabeth Taylor. This book also pays special attention to the most famous child stars from 1920 through the 1940s - Judy Garland, Jackie Cooper, Jackie Coogan, Roddy McDowall, Mickey Rooney, Our Gang and Natalie Wood - with a large section on that most famous of all child stars, Shirley Temple. Dolls, paper dolls, coloring books, puzzles, comics, still photos, magazines, books, toys, ads and other items are all pictured in 600 vivid color photographs, all for the collector's delight. Informative passages accompany each section, outlining lives and careers.

Dee Hockenberry brings home some of the world's favorite storybook characters and cuddle partners in a pictorial review of teddy bears and dolls. Enjoy Raggedy Ann and Andy, Beatrix Potter's delightful creatures, the Golliwog, all the absurd characters from Alice in Wonderland, and Winnie-the-Pooh and his adventurous pals. Explore the bear's evolution since first made famous, and welcomed indoors, by Teddy Roosevelt. Punkinhead, Paddington, and storybook characters like The Three Bears and The Busy Bears are pictured and described. A collectors guide, this book provides current values for memorabilia about these lovable characters in their many incarnations.

Enter an ultra-patriotic era of "military mood" fashions, replete in red, white, and blue. One in a series of books from Schiffer Publishing documenting fashion trends in America, this is an invaluable resource for fashion designers looking to revive and rework retro styles, for costume designers working to recreate an era, and for collectors and historians wanting to document vintage clothing. A visual treasure chest, this book offers more than 400 full-color photographs, with thousands of items of clothing, shoes, and accessories pictured, along with detailed descriptions. A guide to retail values for these items on today's market is featured as well.

This volume presents the eclectic side of Valentine collecting, special categories, from party favors to paper dolls to brand-name advertising on hundreds of Valentine cards. The author discusses Novelties, OEAs (Other Ephemeral Artifacts), and Postcards in her usual enthusiastic style. Kreider offers hints on collecting for love and for value. If you want to know all about eclectic Valentines in the market place and in your collections, make sure you read the documentation carefully. All the photographs are in color; captions include price guides.