2 comments about Warman's Cookie Jars: Identification & Price Guide.

1. I am a collector with most of the relevant guides. As this was a new one, which I felt was long overdue, I was very excited. However, this book falls far short. First, the author obviously accessed a few collections, and focused on those without seeking out many other jars, some more widely available, to include. Second, it seems to have taken the word of the owners of those collections as to current cookie jar values. You can take a look at Ebay to know the prices in this book aren't at all realistic. Third, there is no index, so if you don't already have an idea as to what a jar is, then you are out of luck. The best thing about this book is good photos.
   
   I'd still go with the Schneider book or the Roerig trilogy.



2. I am relatively new to collecting cookie jars and felt like I have all the books I can find about the topics. Many of them were published in the 1980's or the 1990's and so the price guides are off by quite a bit. This guide is Awesome! It has wonderful clear pictures, the current price, when to look for reproductions on a certain one, as well as all sorts of other helpful details. It is alphabetically organized and well written. By far the best book I have. I highly recommend to all. You won't be disappointed.

5 comments about Warman's Sterling Silver Flatware: Value & Identification Guide (Encyclopedia of Antiques and Collectibles).

1. This is an excellent guide for the identification of sterling flatware for the collector or the dealer.



2. This book happens to be laying on my business desk at this moment because of the frequency of its use. It is an invaluable resource and guide for Sterling patterns and values. My business sells a lot of silver and couldn't do without this research book.



3. This book is a very useful resource if you deal in sterling silver flatware as it provides actual photographs, not drawings of the handles of each patter. The other benefit this book provides is that you can identify the pieces based on size -- and accurately call a piece by the proper name. Each pattern has a list of many available pieces and their value. I use this book alot and bought one for by business partner -- anyone who deals in sterling flatware should have a copy!



4. easy to follow and while this does not have hallmarks or much history, does carry clear pictures of standard patterns and makers. Good for a start and considering how little is out there, not bad.



5. I wish I had read the above review before I spent my money on this book. I think if someone is going to sell an identification "guide" for a specific category of goods and they are only going to cover a representative selection of that category, they should at least be honest about it on the cover. The cover of this one should say "If you only need a few photos from each manufacturer and you don't need makers' marks to help you IDENTIFY your silver, then this book is for you!!!"

5 comments about The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing an American Legend.

1. After an hour leafing through Norm Flayderman's "The Bowie Knife: Unsheathing an American Legend" I had no doubt I had gotten my $75 worth. The effort that must gone into researching it is impressive, as is his expertise in analyzing the material. The photographs are artistically composed and are of the highest quality. There is no doubt in my mind that this will remain unchallenged as the definitive study of the bowie knife.
   
   This is not really a complaint, but I wish this were two separate books: one which contained all the beautiful, large format photos with captions, the other which contained all the text in a smaller format that would be more convenient to read at length. Usually, a "coffee table" book doesn't contain this much text.
   
   I would recommend that anyone interested in Bowies buy this book. If you think it's expensive, just look at it as an investment: in fifteen or twenty years it will have gone up in value just like your old Sheffield bowies.



2. Norm Flayderman has written an outstanding book on Bowie Knives. Of all the books that I have read, I feel this is by far the best. It contains everything from letters and excerpts from books and newspapers from the civil war days to present day. It is a book for everyone from serious collectors and historians to those who just want to look at pictures of great knives. I, as a collector of knives, highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed. Larry Parker



3. This book is fascinating! To be able to view these knives in full color, and see the old black and white pictures of soldiers of the Civil war is just a delight. I make custom knives, and this book gives me hours of creative enjoyment. A great bargain for the price!!!---Jon



4. Excellent Pictures and stories. I would like to see more information about the knife makers and markings applicable to each maker.



5. Many knife collectors will welcome this edition to their bookshelves. The high numbers of high quality knifemakers and eager customers in recent years has created a natural interest in the early beginnings of the uniquely American Bowie knife that needs to be satisfied. Mr.Flayderman has heard the calling and has delivered in abundance. There is something for everybody in this book. The quality of documentary evidence is commendable and I even liked the pictures but don't think of this as a coffee table book. There is more here than can be covered in this humble review. The owner of this edition will return to it again and again and will glean yet another glimpse of our American history when the country was young and wild. If knives are of interest to you this book will serve.

4 comments about The Ultimate Collector's Encyclopedia of Cookie Jars: Identification & Values.

1. I only wanted the book to identify and price an old cookie jar I have, so I really can't give much of a review, but I was dissapointed that the book didn't have more info (only the price) on my cookie jar.



2. The "Ultimate Collector's Encyclopedia of Cookie Jars" by the publishers of the old Cookie Jarrin' Newsletter, Fred & Joyce Roerig, I found a pure pleasure to peruse for weeks. It displays, in some of the finest photography of all the cookie jar books, many of the cookie jar classics. Along with smile fetching standbys (ABC Coffee Pot, McCoy Cookie Cabin, Twin Winton Sheriff Bear, etc.) are a feast of the best jars from the best producers.
   From American Bisque are the "Flashers", Little Audrey, Herman & Katnip, Baby Heuy, along with Umbrella Kids, Davy Crockett ((both) and Mohawk Indian (Little Mo). Brayton's Goose Woman, Maid and Ring Master are there. There's a picture of the old Brush Pottery Building along with their rarest including: Hillbilly Frog, Little Red Riding Hood, Hobby Horse and Puppy Police. On to California Originals there's their fun standards (Scarecrow, Little Red Riding Hood, Rabbit on a Stump, etc.) to their greats such as Snow White, Pinocchio(s), Bambi and the full color Woody Woodpecker. The section on McCoy is always fun with the Roerigs and this one does not disappoint. It begins with a full page Tony Veller and goes on to charm us with Two Kittens in Low Basket, Multicolored Leprechaun, Frosted Christmas Tree, Hillbilly Bear, Cookie Tug, Drum Majorette, two varieties of the Train Engine with Smoke, and a smorgasbord of their most popular jars. Again with Metlox there's the best of their regulars and a good mix of their "hard to find" jars including Ferdinand Calf, Flamingo, Mammy Scrub Woman, and Little Red Riding Hood. The Twin Winton chapter displays the entire Collector's Series, Shaggy Dog, and a good selection of their standbys. Conspicuously absent is any description of the Twin Winton Company. There's actually more dialogue on Don Winton in the Hirsh section than there is under Twin Winton. Treasure Craft's section focuses on their U.S.A. made jars with the exception of three jars made in Mexico. Even so, most of my Treasure Craft favorites are included.
   Among others there fun sections on Dorrane of California, Abingdon, L.A. Pottery, Cardinal, Maurice of California, Hull (including thier impossibly rare Little Boy Blue), Maddux, Roseville, Helen Hutula, RRP, Sierra Vista, NAC, Regal China and Shawnee. Among current producers/importers there's Clay Art, Vandor, Enesco, Fitz & Floyd (although their Table of Contents says Fritz & Floyd), and Lefton. Surprisingly missing here are Vandor and Warner Brothers. The "Unknown/Miscellaneous" section is only 2 pages long. Also absent are any of the studio producers (J.D. James, Corl's Kilns, The New Rose Collection, Happy Memories, Austin Curtis, Star Jars, McMe, etc.).
   To cover what's missing in the book would require several more pages. But the selection of cookie jars is what it is; the Roerig's opinion of what are the ultimate cookie jars and I enjoyed every page. There are updated prices that are as good as I've seen. Overall the jars covered are done so well that it's truly agonizing that the great producers are gone (McCoy, ABC, Twin Winton, Metlox, and on and on).
   I give the book my highest rating within the scope of what it strove to achieve. The jars included and the jars left out are a study in what the Roerigs are about. Always an interesting journey.



3. Great book for the cookie jar collector. The book will help you place a value when getting ready to purchase a cookie jar for your collection.



4. This fourth book by the author is very disappointing. Is a re-hash of the older books with no new jars featured. The newer manufacturers are completely ignored. The jars featured in this book have already been featured in the other 3 books. Price values seem low and anemic.

5 comments about The Complete Salt and Pepper Shaker Book.

1. Schneidly Whiplash has done it again! He and his wife have such a wonderful talent for showcasing the values of collectibles!!!!



2. Probably the best reference book to date on collecting shakers. Chock full of pictures and information cover to cover.



3. This book is what I would term user friendly. It is set up in such a way that you can easily access the information you need. In the back of the book is a listing of many importing companies and information on them. This is my favorite of all of the shaker books.



4. If you are going to own just one book on salt & peppers, this is the one in which to invest. It is quite comprehensive and very well organized.



5. Mike Schneider keeps raising the bar a little higher--so high that Sergei Bubka couldn't vault over it. When I got the book I showed it to friends and that was the acid test. Over and over I heard, 'My grandma had that pair,' or ' We have those in the basement...they're worth that much?!?' These people were enthralled with the book. Mike Schneider's book runs from routine shakers to really obscure ones to ones that are absolutely unbelievable. The prices are true and the colors are crisp. Mr. Schneider's previous work caused me to be sure I got this volume--and as always I am very pleased with his efforts. Schiffer Publishing has a rising star.

5 comments about Post 86 Fiesta: Identification and Value Guide.

1. Great learning tool about fiesta dishes. Good pictures showing colors and their names. Quality book.



2. I'm both a collector and a bibliophile, and this is the first time I've ever thought it necessary to this say about any collector's book: In my opinion, this book stinks. A shame, as it's clear that the author has in-depth knowledge to impart. Unfortunately, it's clouded by the author's apparent dislike of dealers, fellow collectors, and the Homer Laughlin China Company itself.

   The book designer's work is exuberant and cheerful, much as is Fiestaware; however, the author's text is mean spirited. I don't think I've ever seen an odder combination. I hope for better things from the obviously knowledgeable author in the future.




3. The idea for a book dedicated to Post-1986 (P86) Fiestaware® is a terrific idea and I was pleased to order it.

   What a poor execution! Racheter's attempt is inconsistent, sophomoric and diseased with his unceasing attacks on Homer Laughlin China Company. (Who cares why he hates Homer Laughlin? Not me!)

   The (little) new information and price guide for some P86 colors - the book's innovative features - are overshadowed by the pointless commentary.

   Unfortunately the book isn't worth keeping for the pictures either... Don't buy this book!...




4. This book is a good start, but so much has changed in post 86 Fiesta... items, colors added and discontinued, prices. An update is desperately needed. Also a bit less "filler" as far as stories and dramatic exposition and more emphasis on actual introductions and discontinuations in the new line. Also, so many competing lines are similar... a back of the book section showing other contemporary dinnerware lines that currently compete with Fiesta.

   My biggest suggestion would be a chapter showing comparison of old versus new items to show the evolution of design...1.e. the old casserole versus the new one, old cup next to new one. Many collectors of the new do not appreciate where the design evolved from

   Also, the only decaled ware shown is...well.. the less said the better about what is shown... where are the artistic and popular patterns like Sunporch, Happy Pumpkin and Moon Over Miami?




5. This book is better than the Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta. So save yourself about $... and buy this book instead if you want informations on POST 86 Fiesta.
   It is full of pictures and has easy to use information boxes with every mold/piece. You know what colors they came in, mold and item numbers and lots of detailed informations.
   The downside to this book is that you only find one picture per item (mostly) limiting your view by only offering one angle.
   The price list is extensive enough to not leave colors out.
   I personally enjoy the authors style of writing thoroughly with his light humor. Mocking Martha Stewart a little, because he seems to think that she's a stuck up snob that only wants the Super Old stuff and abominates the new colors for the most part. He tells funny stories about TV and where he's seen fiesta. However, a little more history and facts would sometimes be nice. I assume, people buy this book for information not funny short stories.
   I thoroughly enjoy that fact that he includes uses for some odd pieces. Looking at some candle holders they could be anything. He explains what the item was meant for and what else it is commonly used for.
   LAst but not least... unfortunately it seems like this author was not given the same acces to limited pieces and photographs in is therefore lacking some details on limited ed. pieces.

5 comments about Collectors Encyclopedia of Hall China.

1. A lady I know worked in Halls china in East Liverpool Ohio, she loves looking at the book and telling stories about the plant and the time she worked there. She has a lot of the china and I find myself collecting it. This book is a great help, and I am very thankful to have found it.



2. This is a must have for Hall China enthusiasts. The format is clear and easy to follow. There is so much great information with pictures and pricing info. for a wide variety of Hall China pieces. I carry the book with me whenever I am shopping at Antique Stores looking for Hall China.



3. The edition is as complete a guide for the mian lines of Hall China as you can probably find, however I think the photo layout and quality were better int he previous version.



4. The Whitmyers obviously worked for years and simply produced "The Informative Reference" to the wonderful Hall China Company and its long production of products. If you love Hall China, this is the book that you HAVE to have in your library. Packed with facts, photos, information found nowhere else but in this volume. Through the help of dealers, collectors and friends; they were able to show Hall's artistry and employee craftsmanship at its finest.
   The color photos pop from the pages as the digital up-to-date photo process allows for this volume. It is so wonderful to see so much Hall China and accessories one might never have a chance to see otherwise if it were not included in this book. Hats off to the Whitmyers and all those who allowed them to photograph such fabulous collections.



5. This is one of the best collector reference books I have ever seen. It is laid out in an easy to read and refer format and the pictures are fantastic. It contains well over 100 pages on teapots alone. Descriptions are clear, interesting and well written.

   This is a perfect addition to the Hall China or teapot collector's library.

2 comments about British Tea & Coffee Cups (Albums Series).

1. A very nicely done brief discussion of British teaware, mainly cups and coffee cans. The text is short but informative. The pictures are excellent, well selected, and clearly reproduced, with useful captions. Good on handle types. My only objection is the price which is steep for such a very short book, though I feel it was worth it to me because of the fine pictures which I will continue to refer to.



2. I found the book (40 pg. pamphlet) to be an abbreviated, superfical treatment of the subject. It has limited pictures and text. Perhaps the book does not satisfy my novice tastes, but I have difficulty identifying a constituency to which this book would appeal. If you are looking for a thorough treatment of the subject, try Jim & Susan Harran's book, Cups & Saucers - Identification & Values. Sorry to have wasted my money.

No comments about Kitchen Antiques, 1790-1940.

1 comments about 5000 Open Salts: A Collector's Guide.

1. This is a must have book for what you are collecting. If you have collected salts in the past or present, this book has the best and the largest variety of salt(s), in picures! Love it!