3 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Early Noritake.

1. I inherited my grandmother's Noritake china set when she died, and wanted to know the year of production and what it was worth. The pictures of the maker's marks and patterns were very useful. I discovered our pattern was made in 1931, and was worth about $2,500! Not that I would ever part with such a sentimental gift...It's just nice to know the history of something. Thanks to the author for her research!



2. I found this book to be very useful. It's very well organized and well written. An only suggestion for the next edition is to have glossier/brighter/clearer photographs.



3. I found this book to be logical and informative. The foundation of this book is based upon the chronilogical use of each mark. The patterns are then listed alphabetically within the time period that "mark" was used. Because of this book - all my freinds and colleages think of me as a "Early Noritake Expert" - I dont have the heart to tell them that I am not! I highly recommend this book to any and all collectors and/or dealers of Noritake!

2 comments about English Pottery (Fitzwilliam Museum Handbooks).

1. First of all for the price I thought it would be better; it's my fault I didn't look too closely and didn't notice that this is a paper back. I also thought that it would show pottery marks and be more than just a book of pictures with some information.
   
   The book is just three eighths of an inch thick and when it arrived I thought it was the supplement.
   
   The pictures are accompanied by the history of the type of item in the picture; for example item number 3 on page 16 is 'flagon;' underneath it says 'probably Derbyshire or Staffordshire 1630-60.' Then it says 'Dark red stained earthenware covered with glossy black, iron stained lead glaze. Height 29.4cm. Glaisher Catalogue 23-1928.'
   
   On the opposite page there are a couple of paragraphs on the history of homely pottery known as Midlands Yelloware and Midlands Blackware and then at the bottom of the paragraphs recommendations for further reading - and that's it on every page.
   
   As I said not what I was expecting; there are some wonderful photographs, one per item and there are sixty four of them, but I am not likely to come across any of these items unless I am watching the Antiques Road Show or visiting a museum.
   
   The introduction gives a fairly interesting brief history of English Pottery and there is a glossary of terms where you can learn that `grog' is ground up fired clay and that `earthenware' is Opaque, porous pottery fired at temperatures between 450 and 1100ºc.
   
   But it is a museum book and not really for the antique collector.



2. I acquired this book solely for its superb illustrations. Each piece is given its own, full-colour page, opposite which is a description, not only of its use to the society which produced it, but of the body, glaze, and decorative technique and style. I found much information therein which had been ignored by longer and heavier books on the subject of English ceramics. Also included with each description is a brief selection of titles which will ease further research. This is a beautiful little book (like all the Firzwilliam Museum Handbooks) which would make a very welcome gift for any ceramic historian or collector.

5 comments about Head Vases, Identification and Values (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. This book has a lot of good information for a beginner to the collecting of head vases. The only thing is--it's so old, 1989. I have since purchased more current issues.



2. The pictures were very nice but it is not easy to find your head vase by maker or number; you have to look through entire book. Not all makers represented. Disappointed overall.



3. Although this headvase book is not as comprehensive as some of its peers, the collection is vast, displaying a wide variety of headvases, particularly some rare finds which you would not see elsewhere. Excellent companion to the Barron collection !



4. Great book..Swift and smooth transaction and packed well.



5. There is no other way to find out about head vases except to refer to Kathleen Cole's book. This outstanding book is a MUST for collectors, (buyers and sellers) of head vases. It clearly presents information and pictures about unique and collectible head vases. As a buyer of head vases, I would not be without my Kathleen Cole book. Highly recommended source of valuable information!

1 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Pickard China: With Additional Sections on All Chicago China Studios.

1. This book is almost as Wonderful as the Beautiful Pickard China! If you've never touched a piece of Pickard China or read this wonderful book, then you're missing so much! It's a Must Have Book that's packed full of Lovely Photos, as well as some of the history behind this Beautiful China! Go get yourself this book, Ya Hear!

1 comments about The Royal Winton Collector's Handbook: From 1925 Cottage Ware, Art Deco, Lustre Ware, Pastels, Etc.

1. Miller is well known in collector's circles for the Miller Guides. This small book is an excellent start for new Winton collectors, and a good resource for seasoned collectors.

   While this book does quite a good job of listing a number of the sytles and patterns to be found within the Royal Winton range, its use as a price guide is VERY limited due to the fact that it is not a comprehensive guide.

   All in all, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in collecting Winton.

1 comments about Knowles, Taylor and Knowles: American Bone China : With Price Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book is an excellent adjunct to the more commonly seenMary Frank Gaston's Encyclopedia. Kearn's book contains over 150photos of Knowles, Taylor, Knowles pottery, with a strong focus on the famous Lotus Ware (sometimes referred to as American Belleek), and Meredith and other jugs.

   Kearns went straight to the source, the Ohio Ceramics Museum in East Liverpool, Ohio, for information about this pottery's wares. He gives us a history of the company and the different types of pottery it created when it ran, and tonnes of photos of the various pieces still available to the collector today. His prices do not reflect the impact that online auctions have had on the collectables market, but that is a common problem with reference works today, and should not deter you from buying this book.

No comments about RumRill Pottery: The Ohio Years 1938-1942, Identification and Value Guide.

No comments about Collecting American Belleek (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

No comments about English Pottery 1620-1840.

1 comments about The Beswick Colletors Price Guide, 5th Edition (Beswick Price Guide).

1. This is a very well put together and compact book which provides a comprehensive listing of a variety of Beswick pieces and their values. If you know the name of the piece you are trying to find, this book is useful. However, it does not photographically catalogue all pieces, which makes it difficult to look up a piece if you aren't certain what it is.