This book is a concise history of German stoneware, illustrated with 200 vivid photos, spanning from c.1300 to 1700 AD. German stoneware, high fired, nearly waterproof before light salt glazing, and extremely durable, has been described as "the most important and specific contribution that Germany made to the medieval European ceramic arts." This book interprets archeological remains in a bid to explore the spread of German stoneware to Britain, Continental Europe, and Colonial America. German stoneware has a story to tell. In 1300, the potters of Siegburg succeeded in fusing clay at an extreme high temperature to produce Rheinische Steinzeug, the stoneware of the Rhine, a virtually waterproof material. Rheinische Steinzeug became very popular and is considered to be one of the most important medieval ceramics. From the kitchens of medieval Europe to those of Colonial America, this fascinating story of German stoneware's dissemination and use is perfect for collectors, dealers, historians, archaeologists, museums, and anyone with a passion for the ceramic arts.

The furnaces of Caltagirone (Sicily) and Deruta (Tuscany) have produced pots that are worth their weight in gold today. These and their resplendent lusterware cousins of Manises and Valencia (Spain) are in demand on the collectors' market. This book features hundreds of photos of authentic Maiolica from the high period and catalogs reproductions from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, giving readers "the whole picture." Since the nineteenth century, Maiolica has been faked with a passion and naA-ve collectors are easily beguiled. This valuable resource describes the history of the production and use of Maiolica as well as the history of collecting Maiolica. Also included are a price guide and resources for collectors and dealers.

This is the ultimate reference to military headgear that appears today on the collector's market, from the Comb Morion to the Picklehaube, and from the Closed helmet to the Bicorne hat with particular reference to rare Napoleonic headgear. Collectors, dealers, and auctioneers from Japan, Belgium, the United States of America, Italy, The United Kingdom, Germany, Malta and Sweden have collaborated to compile this unique collection of photographs of exceptionally rare hats. These include extremely rare and ancient helmets, expensive sixteenth century open-faced helmets, Zischagges, Burgonets, unique eighteenth century headdress, French shakos from the First Empire, neo-classical helmets from the Napoleonic wars, early spiked helmets from the Crimean war period, Oriental helmets, and First World War headgear. The book is lavishly illustrated with close-up views that assist collectors in identifying aging characteristics. It also places collecting in the context of history by discussing the employment of Internet auctions, replicas, forgeries, and prices are also covered.

There is a healthy antique-collecting community in Malta and the contents of Maltese private collections are simply breathtaking. All the items which are being illustrated (except for most of the coins) have only one thing in common: they are found in Maltese collections and are hidden safely in the vast network of Maltese house museums scattered all over the island. Some private collecrtions seem to rival the state collections. Ninety-five percent of the items which are being illustrated are not family heirlooms but are items which have appeared on the market over the past twenty years.