The most popular die cast toys in the world, Matchbox metal vehicles took on a new look in 1969 with the introduction of the Superfast line, and this new edition documents them all. The diversity of these tiny toys is truly amazing. Written as a sequel to another popular volume, Lesney's Matchbox Toys, Regular Wheel Years, 1947-1969 (Schiffer, 1992), author Charlie Mack has compiled clear color illustrations of the toys and accurate text to identify all the variations in details which make each toy so recognizable and collectible today. This 3rd edition features an updated Price Guide that is helpful to collectors who search for elusive and rare models at today's swap meets, toy and antiques shows, or flea markets.

Thanksgiving, the quintessential American holiday, is a time to rethink the values on which the United States was founded. Here it is presented through nearly 900 photos depicting 3,400 diverse images. Ranging from the nineteenth century to the present day, this comprehensive assortment includes platters, plates, decorations, postcards, candy containers, decanters, toys, turkey calls, and more. The turkey itself is exhaustively portrayed in ceramic, glass, pottery, paper, and wood. Also featured are items related to special Thanksgiving Day events, such as football games, parades, and "turkey trots." Informative captions serve as miniature history lessons and also provide current values. This book is the first of its kind and will be the ultimate reference for all who treasure the deep traditions of this cherished holiday.

In a society seemingly so obsessed with food - the preparing, eating, sharing and sheer enjoyment of what and how we all eat - the humble kitchen utensil and its evolution is an often overlooked aspect of Britain's heritage. Yet antique and vintage kitchenalia can tell us so much about Britain's culinary, scientific and innovative past. Cooking evolved from a fire in the middle of the homestead, with a crude container used to boil up every meal. Now there are shiny, gadget- and accessory-driven kitchens where complex, clever dishes are created by grilling, frying, poaching, roasting, baking, toasting, boiling, braising, slow-cooking, steaming and many other techniques. By investigating the objects themselves, Emma Kay uncovers the rich history of how Britain's kitchens became so versatile and, as the gadgets increased in availability, how cooking became far more accessible, labour-saving and even addictive.

Create your own cookbook! Keep all your favorite family recipes in one handy place with our blank cookbook organizer. Organized into 6 chapters from breakfasts to desserts...there are even 3 blank chapters to name your own, plus dozens of tips.

An illustrated, full-color value guide covering a wide range of bookend types and styles, with a detailed look at the three main processes used to create cast-metal bookends, a tour through the history of manufacturers who pioneered this art form, a special chapter on cast metal bookracks, sample pages from actual company catalogs, and more than 40 photographs of company identification marks and trademarks. Plus, an extensive identification and buyers' guide examines original and copy pieces side by side and helps to separate the treasures from the trash. This will serve as an important reference resource for years to come, and a timely one now as bookends are quickly becoming one of the hottest new collectibles in today's market.

With more than 2,000 cookie jars illustrated in full color, this is the most complete book on the subject ever published. That helps explain the popularity of this encyclopedia, now in its fifth edition. It also contains extensive research, written by America's foremost authority, making it the definitive reference. The book is organized by both subject and by artists and companies, including the popular McCoy, American Bisque, Hull, and many others. Additionally, there is information on distributors, importers, and retailers, along with guidelines to condition, counterfeits, and production techniques. Additionally, an extensive index and current market values make this edition a must-have for collectors and dealers.

A revolution in lighting took place in the last part of the nineteenth and the early part of the twentieth century. Nadja Maril explores the dramatic changes in lighting technology and form in this amply illustrated, informative volume. Using color photographs and rare catalog material, American Lighting concentrates on domestic lighting, making it an important work for home restorers and decorators seeking to capture an authentic look in their homes. The informative text and history of the American lighting industry makes it a welcome, valuable addition to the literature for historians, collectors, and others, interested in the development of American design and technology.

Those who grew up in the mid-20th century share many common memories. They had the same teen idols, wore the same groovy clothes, and played with the same toys, thanks to TV commercials. This book has brought out the sentimental streak in all of those people, and has fascinated collectors and students of popular culture. Now in its new and improved second edition, it includes clothing, toys, games, teen magazines, and furniture in color photos with important information and newly updated values. It is a useful book for collectors...and cool!

The distinctive potteries in Chester County, Pennsylvania, west of Philadelphia, have produced utilitarian goods for the farmers who settled here and influenced their descendents who moved West and South. In the 19th century, famous potteries in Chester County made redware, majolica, and semi-porcelains of note. This work records histories, shows examples, and documents early settlers.

An inspiring account of the superb collection of New England country arts of the 17th through the 19th centuries assembled "little by little" over six decades by Bertram K. and Nina Fletcher Little. This is the story of an exemplary collection and also of the joys, pitfalls, and philosophy of collecting. 372 illustrations, 147 in color.

This is the first book to combine a detailed history of surfing, surfboards, and related collectible items with an accurate price guide. It gives a complete overview of sport surfing from its ancient beginnings in Polynesia and Hawaii until 1969, the end of the longboard era. Included are several innovative features, such as a grading guide for surfboards, Duke Kahanamokus handprints, and collectible surfing books with their current valuations. The items pictured are from many of the best private collections worldwide, and represent the enormous range of popular surfing memorabilia. The great icons of the sport all put in appearances to make this the book that all surf fans will covet.

A nostalgic trip down the aisles of America's five-and-ten-cent stores, this book illustrates and describes the extensive variety of glassware that was available to everyday consumers in the Depression years. Once a staple item along "Main Street, U.S.A.," dime stores such as Ben Franklin, S.S. Kresge, McCrory, G.C. Murphy, J.J. Newberry, and F.W. Woolworth sold attractive, practical glassware at affordable prices, ranging from tableware, tumblers, and jugs to crystal stemware and artistic cut glass. Today this merchandise has become highly collectible and is escalating in both price and demand. Using over 240 images, many drawn from original catalogues and advertisements, author C. L. Miller provides an informative and enjoyable guide for both new and experienced collectors. A brief history of the dime stores' most prosperous years sets the stage, followed by a wide array of the glassware sold. Current values for all items are included.

The Kovels are the most trusted source for both the casual and expert collector. With 12,500 actual prices and 3,150 full-color photographs, the guide also features exceptionally well-organized, wide-ranging, and up-to-the-minute information, and includes more tips, marks, logos, and photographs than any other competitive title. Kovels' is the only guide with prices based on actual sales from the previous calendar year, never estimates. Unlike other guides, which focus almost exclusively on English or high-priced items, Kovels' covers all American and international items and includes reasonably-priced goods. The book is organized by categories most sought-after by collectors, including depression glass, dolls, jewelry, furniture, porcelain, and sports memorabilia. Indexes, cross-references, and expert commentary throughout empower readers to collect with confidence and price their own antiques.

Nearly everyone alive today has experienced cozy, welcoming kitchens packed with conveniences that we now take for granted. Sarah Archer, in this delightful romp through a simpler time, shows us how the prosperity of the 1950s kicked off the technological and design ideals of today's kitchen. In fact, while contemporary appliances might look a little different and work a little better than those of the 1950s, the midcentury kitchen has yet to be improved upon. During the optimistic consumerism of midcentury America when families were ready to put their newfound prosperity on display, companies from General Electric to Pyrex to Betty Crocker were there to usher them into a new era. Counter heights were standardized, appliances were designed in fashionable colors, and convenience foods took over families' plates. With archival photographs, advertisements, magazine pages, and movie stills, The Midcentury Kitchen captures the spirit of an era-and a room-where anything seemed possible.

Is hunting for hidden treasures at garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, auctions, and antique shops your idea of a good time? If you love to poke around these places but don't know the difference between something that is just plain old or something that is a bona fide antique, then you might want to make Antiquing For Dummies your next purchase. Written in Dummies-style plain English, this book is not your average highfalutin, highbrow book on antique collecting. Instead of getting a lot of attitude, you get loads of down-to-earth advice about talking the talk with antique dealers, participating in auctions, and using win-win bargaining strategies.

Authors Ron Zoglin and Deborah Shouse can help you develop a plan of attack before you begin your hunt. Even if you are already a dedicated collector, Antiquing For Dummies has plenty of sound advice and information to help you brush up on your collecting skills and broaden your knowledge. And whether you enjoy collecting furniture, glass, ceramics, or silver, you find sections in the book dedicated to each collectible that tell you how and where to buy them. Plus, after you've found that beautiful antique, you find decorating ideas and suggestions for integrating it into your household. Antiquing For Dummies is guaranteed to show you the pleasure and art of antique collecting.

The classic diner is an icon of the American roadside. As cars were mass-produced, so were these aluminum gems, whose metal bodies and neon signs came to characterize modernity in the mid-twentieth century. From the 1920s to the 1950s, these eye-catching eateries promoted themselves on many giveaway matchcovers and postcards. Today, these highly collectible pieces of ephemera provide a colorful visual record of diners from all over the country. Nearly 450 examples are included here, along with a history of the diner and related information about postcards and matchcovers of the era. Enjoy a nostalgic, state-by-state tour of architecturally unique, vintage American diners.

In the world of costume jewelry, the name Lea Stein Paris (R) is recognized as the most notable and innovative designer of plastic jewelry of the 20th century. Her use of sculptured laminated celluloid in many novel combinations of textures, colors, and designs resulted in her whimsical and colorful world of original animals, people, and geometric delights. Here you will find bracelets, pins, necklaces, combs, picture frames, boxes, buttons, and accessories in many shapes that amuse and fascinate. Foxes poised to secure their prey and running children are some of her best known designs. Beautiful color pictures and captions identify the pieces, dates, and value ranges. This book is a lasting reference for fans and collectors.