This informative book is full of wonderful international fountain pens and pencils, showing a great variation in more than 1,300 illustrations. The limited and standard production pens of the famous makers Montblanc, Parker, Pelikan, Sheaffer, and Waterman are presented along with their particular numbering systems. Many smaller companies' pens are also included. Clear drawings and patent applications from 1884-1994 show what is inside the pens and how they work. Many period advertisements for pens put them in their social settings. Current market values are included. This book will be cherished by all pen collectors and enthusiasts.

Foreword by Christian Louboutin Vintage Shoes recounts a century of shoe history, from Andre Perugia's designs for society women in the 1920s to Christian Louboutin's red soles. Accompanied by archive images, stunning fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of rare period footwear, the most collectible and fabulous footwear designs are showcased. An invaluable reference as well as a visual delight of times past, the book explores the key designers, technical developments and cultural influences that shaped shoe fashions, presenting exquisite footwear from such trailblazers as Salvatore Ferragamo, Charles Jourdan, Roger Vivier, Beth Levine, Vivienne Westwood and Manolo Blahnik.

Pandora would have had the best of times between these two covers. For those who just can't resist a peek under the lid, like the author, there's endless full-color satisfaction inside. An intrepid collector and antiques scholar and dealer, Burgess gives the inside scoop on every manner of containers, from apple boxes to their zinc decorations. Inside empty boxes, she finds the hopes that filled brides' chests, weaves a story about the sewing chores of housewives of yore, gives you a taste of what snuff the men were made of, and sheds light on where candles once awaited nightfall. Inside boxes ranging from Shaker plain to the outrageous constructions of wooing gentlemen, Burgess takes the lid off life in the nineteenth century.

The Illinois Watch Company has long had an honored place in the annals of horological history. From their founding in 1869, through their commitment to timekeeping excellence in the early 20th century, to their development of many wonderful Art Deco/Moderne-inspired wristwatches in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, Illinois was a leader in its field. Today their watches are highly sought after by collectors, both for their engineering and beauty. Here is the history of the company covered in great detail and with solid research. Included are historical documents, vintage photographs of the people and manufacturing processes at the Illinois Factory, old advetisements, and a compendium of their wristwatch production from their beginning until their sale to Hamilton Watch Company. But the best part for the collector and historian alike is a visual record of nearly every wristwatch design ever created by Illinois Watch Company, and their variations, in beautiful full color photographs. Each is accompanied by complete information about the watch and its production. In addition, scattered through the book are historical references that place the Company's evolution in the context of the general history of the period, and notes about the collectors of these fine timepieces and the adventures they have had in pursuit of them. Taken together this is an exciting and informative new volume for those who appreciate and cherish old timepieces.

Driven initially by Ivor Walklett's flair for design and desire to build his own car, the ginetta marque quickly developed from a hobby into a business. The marque synonymous with the four Walklett brothers then grew from its humble roots to become a serious force in motor racing and a volume road car maker. Ginetta - Road and Track Cars traces the story of a marque born out of sheer enthusiasm for cars and racing. With over forty different models designed and built between 1958 and 2005 by Ginetta, this book examines every element of the design innovation, shrewd business management and model line-up that made Ginetta unique among its competitors, and includes the full development history and technical specifications of each major model.

This beautifully illustrated collector's guide lists and describes over 300 timeless cameras at all levels of development--from the early plate cameras of c. 1900 to the pocket cameras of today. Informative captions provide dates of production, specifications, and current values for each camera. A helpful introduction to the hobby provides information about the development of photographic technology, the history of important manufacturers, and an overview to the whole spectrum of photographic collectibles. Also included are many useful tips for the care, repair, and preservation of these classic cameras. Photography enthusiasts and collectors alike will enjoy this fascinating look at some photographic gems.

Complete with essays on the East Asian art collection at the MCH Foundation, the collector Magdalene C. Hammonds, and the development of East Asian textiles, this inventory catalog traces the development of complex silk fabrics in China and Japan. Splendid costumes of the No theatre, robes and obi belts of elegant ladies, and Buddhist priests' opulent garments provide fascinating insights into the technical sophistication and abundance of Chinese and Japanese patterns displayed in the collection.

Creating the V&A tells the definitive story of the formative years of London's world-renowned Victoria and Albert Museum and the gathering of its early collections in the decade between the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The story of the V&A's genesis is often centred on the first director and first curator (Henry Cole and J. C. Robinson), and their competing agendas for design reform and connoisseurship. And yet there is an untold story of how the young royal couple for whom it is named were highly instrumental in the establishment of the museum, as public supporters and large-scale lenders before a permanent collection was in place. The book is also full of fascinating and colourful stories of the strategies deployed to harvest treasures on the market as the young museum sought to fill its rapidly expanding buildings and compete with the British Museum and the Crystal Palace. For anyone interested in the history of collecting and curating, and for all fans of this legendary London museum, Creating the V&A explains how the foundational collections established parameters which still inform the museum's collecting policies, role and identity today.

Ever since 1897, when the first "Delicious and Refreshing" glasses of Coca-Cola were poured, Coca-Cola trays have become magnificent pieces of advertising art. The evolution of American popular culture is found in their images. From ribbons-and-lace girls of the late Victorian era through Roaring Twenties flappers, World War II war brides, and the working women of today, Coca-Cola has called upon images of glamour girls and girls-next-door to sell Coke. Warm family scenes, baseball, and children at play are also favorite tray illustrations. A price guide is included. Through the 260 color photos, including several new to this edition, you will come to understand the charm and appeal of these trays. The price guide is also newly revised to reflect today's market.

During the 1930s, the first Looney Tunes*r series debuted at movie theatres as part of Warner Brothers Vitaphone Shorts. This classic series achieved overnight success for its brilliant animation and pre-recorded sound. It proved to be the perfect diversion for audiences looking to escape the harsh realities of the Depression Era. At the start of World War II, Bugs Bunny*t was introduced. His patriotic character instantly became an American icon. Even after almost 70 years, the Looney Tunes*t characters still dominate the limelight. As American classics, they have inspired literally thousands of quality products to be manufactured. These items are sought after by eager collectors because of their humor and fine craftsmanship. Can you believe that memorabilia like a Bugs Bunny*t waffle iron, Tweety Bird*t lawn sprinkler, and Pep- Le Pew*t perfume bottle actually exist?!! Yes, it's true! These collectible items are shown among the 450 plus color photographs, along with descriptions and values. If you are "Looney for Tunes," this book is a must for your collection.

Craft is at the very heart of British identity, from stained-glass windows in country churches to the Enid Blyton charm of thatched houses; from Harris Tweed (R) (famously poached by Coco Chanel) to the ceremonial livery worn by horses at Buckingham Palace. The burgeoning of digital craftsmanship is also enriching ground-breaking technologies, including microbial weaving and bespoke-made vessels for growing human tissue. Craft Britain brings together watchmakers with saddlers; bell casters with neon benders; shoemakers with silversmiths; potters with orrery-makers; stonemasons with weavers; embroiderers with basket-makers - and a myriad other craft traditions. This book aims to beat the drum for craft, waking people up to the fact that they need to support the country's rich seam of incredible craftspeople and so encourage new generations to master the skills needed to preserve and continue craft traditions. Craft Britain proves that craftsmanship in Britain is neither dying nor dead, but is a continuing and exciting exploration of process, materials and ideas spanning architecture, interiors, fashion, art and design.

A fascinating and increasingly popular field for the collector is to be found in playing cards. Their history in Europe dates back 600 years, when it seems they had their origin in Italy. Such was their appeal then they quickly spread and were manufactured throughout much of Europe, including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Russia and Great Britain. The story of their arrival in America is particularly interesting as they came firstly via the Spanish sailors and later via the colonies of France and England. One of the principal points brought out in the author's account is the great diversity found in playing cards. They reflect the traditions of many countries and vary greatly in style, size, numbers, shape, artistry, colour and usage. In addition to the standard packs used for gaming, there are a host of non-standard packs which usually have a secondary purpose such as to educate or to publish political or religious propaganda. The chapter on tarot cards is of special interest. The origin of these cards is obscure and because of their hidden meanings they are sometimes referred to as the 'magical tarot' cards. Thematic ideas for a collection are discussed as well as the preservation and presentation of packs. The author additionally gives valuable hints about where to obtain packs, collector's societies to join and the various printing techniques used for playing cards. There is also an extensive bibliography, and over 290 playing cards are illustrated, including 123 in full colour. Colourful and pictorial, playing cards present a kaleidoscope of artistry and a study of history in minuscule. In this one volume, the enthusiastic collector will find all the information they need to know.

The cowboy is a mythic figure in American life. From his emergence in the west in the late 1800s, he has caught the imagination of young and old alike. His adventures have been the stuff of countless stories, in print and on film. The legends surrounding the old west are told and retold, growing more exciting with each telling, so that it is, at times, hard to separate the myth from the reality. A growing and enthusiastic group of collectors is finding the cowboy and the wild west an exciting area of concentration. In Cowboy Collectibles and Western Memorabilia, Bob Ball and Edward Vebell, focus on the reality of the cowboy's life. While not immune to the myth, here you will find the artifacts that were essential to life in the west. They include rifles, pistols, saddles, clothing, boots, hats, blankets, gun rigs, and even barbed wire. This is the gear that the ordinary cowpoke used, wore, rode upon, ate from, and slept under. And while these items are becoming increasingly scarce, much of the equipment and clothing shown here can still be found at reasonable prices, if one is willing to search the antique shops, the flea markets, and tag sales. Surprisingly, collectors are almost as likely to find it in the east as in the west. For the lover of old west and the collector of its artifacts, this is a wonderful book that helps make an era come alive. A price guide is included.

The Palladian style in Rhode Island furniture, eighteenth-century Newport cabinet shops and the furniture-making trades, the influence of Windsor chairmaking in early Federal Rhode Island, Rhode Island influence in the work of two North Carolina cabinetmakers, the accounts of Job Townsend, Jr., Providence provenances and pitch-pediments, serpentine furniture of colonial Newport, plus the usual book reviews, and bibliography of recent writing.

This new edition of the classic reference is enhanced with hundreds of new color photographs depicting a wide array of collectors' treasures. Victorian hatpins, required to fasten large hats, and the holders used to store them when not in use, are presented in close views with extensive text to interpret their use and place them among popular historical fashion accessories. Precious and everyday materials alike are found in hatpins, and the holders are generally glass or porcelain. This new book will be a valuable aid to collectors and all who are interested in period costume, jewelry, and memorabilia

More than 500 color photos display marbles of all types in this informative, highly popular, revised guide. Most of these photos, over 400, are new to this edition and the text is entirely rewritten. Covered in this reliable guide that has stood the test of time are handmade and machine-made marbles of all types, including Indians, Aggies, Steelies, transitionals, M.F. Christensen & Son, Akro Agate, and more...every major category of marble is presented. Included among the handmade marbles are old marbles of glass, earthenware, minerals, and steel; machine-made marbles are identified by their manufacturers; and contemporary handmade glass marbles by artisans recapturing the old styles and creating exciting new styles all their own. Today's marble pricing is explained in detail. The author describes the four factors to look for when determining the value of a marble, and presents an accurate guide to the modern market. This book is a reliable source book for anyone with an interest in marbles.

Lanterns shown here were designed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to light primarily homes, barns, railroad sidings, and maritime locations. The images shown were compiled from patent drawings from 1871 and 1872 as well as sales catalogs dating from 1894 to 1922. Today, many people collect and own lanterns without knowing their history. This book sheds light on their styles, manufacturers, variations, and value ranges on today's market.

A century ago Sears, Roebuck & Co was like Amazon and Walmart combined. If you needed something, clothing, furniture, jewelry, kitchen utensils, and more, you bought mail order. This facsimile offers a unique peek into the America of 1908, fascinating for historians, designers, screenwriters, antique dealers, and more. The Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog was the Amazon.com of its day, giving American families across the country access to thousands of items from clothing and furniture to buggies and hair tonic. Whether they could buy it or not, people would pour over the massive volume that represented an icon in American retail. The 1908 Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalogue offers an amazing look at life in early twentieth-century America. Sears, Roebuck & Co. have defined and innovated American retail for years, As the company grew from humble beginnings, its catalog selection exploded to include almost every item a home would need: Work clothes Dress clothes Pianos and other musical instruments Fishing and hunting gear Cookware Furniture Bedding Wall art And much much more With merchandise ranging from ordinary to fantastical (and almost all of it priced at the pennies-on-the-dollar rate of the time), browsing through this vintage collection is fun, inspiring, and educational.

Records Renaudo's formidable production with detailed information for the collector.

In this thrilling journey from "Peking to Paris," a woman tries to save her car, her marriage, and her confidence from breaking down.
In May 2007, leaving China's Great Wall is Car 84, one of 125 antique autos racing in the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. The 1940 LaSalle is guided by Dina Bennett, the world's least likely navigator: a daydreamer prone to carsickness and riddled with self-doubt. She's married to the driver, a thrill-seeking perfectionist who is half-human, half-racecar. What could go wrong?
Funny, self-deprecating, and marred by only a few acts of great fortitude, "Peking to Paris" is first and foremost a voyage of renewal. As Dina and her husband, Bernard, nurse their car across the Gobi, Siberia, and the Baltic states and south to Paris, she wrestles with nuts and bolts, along with the absurd hope that she can turn herself into a person of courage and patience.
Writing for every woman who's ever doubted herself and any man who's wondered what the woman traveling with him is thinking, Dina brings you with her as she ducks rock-throwing Mongolians and locks horns with Russians left over from the Intourist era, endures a sandstorm facial, and is reduced to tears of joy over a bottle of red nail polish. It's a rollicking ride, one that shifts the line between possible and impossible, and gives new meaning to the phrase "off the beaten tourist path."