3 comments about Paper Dolls of the 1960S, 1970S, and 1980s: Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. If you grew up as a girle-girl who just adored spending hours with your collection of paper dolls, you will recognize many of the sets of dolls presented in this wonderful collector guide.
   
   The information and pictures are wonderful, and you will long for the dolls you played with as a kid. How I wish these collections would be reprinted today!
   
   This is an excellent gift for yourself or a friend who shares your passion for paper doll fashion!



2. The book is a history of paper dolls during the period indicated in the title. The paper dolls are of tv and movie stars. There are paper dolls of familiar dolls like Barbie and kewpies. The book consists of pictures of various paper dolls, some are no longer being printed. The book is colorful and interesting. It is a treasure for paper doll collectors and anyone interested in paper dolls.



3. Very nice paper doll book. I wish someone would do some reproductions. I would like to have them in my collection.

2 comments about Strike It Rich With Pocket Change.

1. I love this book, It is a great beginners book for coin collectors, easy to read and understand. Only down side is no color pics, all pics are Black and White..



2. This was a very helpful book,written by experts.
   I was able to increase my knowledge of variety coins
   and have some new directions in my collecting.

5 comments about Adventures at the Auction: The Ultimate Guide to Buying and Selling at Auction -- In Person and Online.

1. This book is good for what it is--but the Internet auction information seemed to be tacked on as an afterthought at the end of each of the four major sections. I think that the Internet auction information should have been organized in a section of its own.

   For example, the section on "Choosing an Auction House" discusses catalogs, commissions, marketing, etc. The Internet information included in this same section included selling basics, attracting a clientele, feedback, opening bids, and fraud disputes. These topics just do not fit into a chapter with live auction information.

   Another thing--the Internet topics are not even listed in the Table of Contents, giving me more reason to suspect that they were afterthought!

   One reviewer listed all the chapters and their contents, so I will not duplicate that.

   I did learn a lot about appraisals, estimates, "as is", and the top ten auction bargains including silver flatware, chandeliers, old books, and monogrammed objects.




2. The title of this book claims that 4 subjects will be covered: Buying at live auction, selling at live auction, buying online and selling online. Personally, I was hoping that the author, a real expert in selling things at auction, would share some tricks of the trade and tell me some things about selling that I don't already know.

   Unfortuneately, the only subject she really covers adequately is buying at live auction (and she does an excellent job at it). Her comments about selling at live auction boil down to how to pick an auction house. You can find much more than she tells you about buying online in the Ebay help pages. And she says even less on selling online.

   It's too bad! She could probably give us Ebay sellers some really good advice about how to present our articles and how to put together and split up lots to maximize appeal. She knows how to do these things and she writes very well. I get the feeling that she wanted to do a book that encouraged people to attend auctions (she founded a big auction house in the MidWest so she would be interested in that) but her publisher wanted to do the Ultimate Guide.

   She won the argument -- and we all lost out!

   Good for someone who wants to attend live auctions; practically useless otherwise!




3. I bought this because I did not know everything about auctions. However as was not going to buy a pig in a poke. The first thing going for it was the fact that I watched Leslie weekly on HGTV and this has helped me many times. Secondly I opened to the sections that I already feel comfortable with such as books and glass. She knew what I knew.

   Now that I have read this book ad applied some of its principles I can tell you that it is a keeper. If you already know the subject it is nice to have it restated in a different way. If you do not know the subject you can live on every word she says. There are very few color plats in the book; yet the descriptions are so clear that color plates are not necessary.

   Even online auctions are covered and I found the fact that there are very many online auction locations not just the big three of interest. For those people that have never been to an auction this book will give them the courage and the tools needed.




4. While I watch little television I do admit I like "At The Auction" on HGTV (House and Garden T V) with the author of this book Leslie Hindman.. The book is just shy 250 pages and has Chapters about:

   Starting Out: Types of auctions the top 10 auction bargains common myths and misperceptions Five auction blunders and how to avoid them and the 10 criteria for determining value of an item. i.e. "I can't afford auctions", "You have to be a real expert to buy" " I can always change my mind if I find something wrong with the item".

   Getting Ready: Why people buy at an auction The presale exhibition "As Is" and what this really means and Scoping out the Exhibition

   Buying at the Auction: Setting the scene and Bidding. Am I the only one who couldn't afford to bid on even lint at Jackie O's auction?

   Selling at the Auction: Where does the stuff come from and Choosing an auction house.

   Collecting: which deals with an introduction to collecting everything from Books Ceramics, Dolls, Fine Arts, Furniture, Glass (American cut, Carnival, Crackle, Depression, Mercury, Milk Ruby etc) And no milk glass is not the same as milk in a glass.

   Jewelry (no my cubic ziconia thingie wasn't listed) , Metalwork, Quilts (ours get used so they will never be collectors items), Oriental rugs, Silver, Timepieces (nope my trusty TIMEX wasn't listed) etc.

   Then the Glossary of terms and even Internet auction information and abbreviations and then a listing of U S auction houses. WOW did you know that Hyden Idaho has an auction house? No auction houses in Nowhere Nevada.




5. Anyone who has watched Leslie Hindman on the "Appraisal Fair" or "At The Auction" television shows knows that she's got to be fun, informative and professional. This book blends a good overall coverage of the auction world, many amusing anecdotes and a considerable amount of very helpful tips to the novice auction-goer. She covers both live auctions and on-line with a lot of really solid advice, but she keeps her sense of humor. If you like watching Leslie's television shows, you've got to get this book. It makes you want to meet her and ask all those pesky antique and auction questions you have--until you find out she answered most of them in the book!

5 comments about Ladies' Vintage Accessories.

1. This book was put together very well, there is so much to see and the pictures are all nice and clear.



2. This book is the generous sharing of Ms.Johnson's passion of 25 years - the collecting of vintage clothing and accessories. With overviews of all of a woman's favorite accessories, the book can easily serve as a basic primer for those with a new-found interest in vintage pieces. The information on documentation, age determination, and worth accessment is both helpful and inspirational. The numerous close-up photos of a wide variety of accessories, along with drawings, illustrations, and ads from old periodicals will delight both new and experienced collectors, as well as those simply interested in the past - for fashion, as always, tells us much about culture. Ladies' Vintage Accessories is written in a personable style and is full of both information and food for thought. Highly Recommended.



3. This book follows the current trend in vintage clothing books, in that it consists of photos of items belonging to one collector, presented as an identification and price guide. There are brief captions and a little explanatory text. The author has photographed her items flat or on stands, thus avoiding the jarring effect created in some other books by the use of very modern-looking live models. Most of the items represent everyday, easily purchasable vintage accessories rather than spectacular or rare collectibles. There are also many black-and-white period advertising pictures, possibly to atone for the relatively small number of pre-1900 items photographed from the collection. The prices (unfortunately!) seem low for the current market, and I found no indication of how they were derived. Unlike some other books, most of the time the author avoids gushing about her collection. However, she does follow the current trend of giving comparatively little practical information on how to restore and use vintage accessories (which many collectors want to do), on the grounds that they are "too precious." In fact, most of the items pictured in her book could be worn and enjoyed without much risk of damage.



4. LaRee Johnson-Burton's book, Ladies Vintage Accessories, is outstanding. The photographs were stunning, and the information imparted about the value and description of the collection was exceedingly valuable. Quite frankly, I feel this book is a must-have, not only for the serious collector of vintage accessories and garments, but for writers of historical fiction, who can use this guide to bring them back in time and make certain that their characters are properly adorned. From cobalt blue Victorian parasols to 1920 gold mesh bags, this is a valuable and beautiful crafted book, packaged impeccably by Collector Books, and written by an author/collector who is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about her field. --Karen Plunkett-Powell, author, Remembering Woolworth's



5. LaRee Johnson Bruton's Ladies' Vintage Accessories ...covers hats, purses, shoes, aprons, shawls and all kinds of vintage accessories, with full-color photos alongside the latest prices. The history is as involving as the color photos of spoons paired with their values.

2 comments about Robots: Spaceships and Other Tin Toys.

1. These are toys, the subject matter of a brilliant collection of the artifacts of Japanese ingenuity. Tin toys, produced by tin printing and punching machines, permit a peek into the Japan of the 1950's. Tin toys are mass produced but seem hand-crafted.
   
   There are robots and space ships. A robot tractor and bull dozer have particular charm. There is a robot seesaw. Also there are moon scouts, astronauts, capsules, space stations, and rockets. There are gear robots.
   
   Figures and scenarios are elaborate. Ball escalators are amusing. Skiers are pulled by a dog or turn on a sort of wheel. There is a ball kicker. A highly-wrought horse-race is presented, complete with painted spectators, seating, airplane, clubhouse, greenery. There is a Coney Island rocket ride.
   
   Popeye figures roller-skate, ride a bike, a plane. The pipe is always present, (signifier). There is a girl with a hula hoop, and one with a sewing machine. A remarkable piece is a boy with a camera--highly realistic. Other characters created by comics artists are present, such as Mickey Mouse, Batman, and fantasy figures.
   
   Finally, there are the cars. There is a TV crew bus and car. There is more than one Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, Lincoln, and Packard in the collection. This is magnificent.



2. Kitahara's world famous tin toy collection has been photographed many times, and featured in very small paperbacks and large coffee table spreads. This is probably the happy medium; a very inexpensive, large (nearly 350 pages) and visually inviting photoessay that lets the toys speak for themselves.
   
   As many books as there are on tin toy robots, they nearly all feature the same collections, and so the photography and presentation become paramount. Taschen has often featured Kitahara's museum(s) but never to better effect than in this inexpensive volume. Kitahara's collection also includes non-space themed tin toys, but this book concentrates on the robots and space toys from the '50s and '60s when Japan brought unbridled creativity and unparalleled design to tin toys.

2 comments about Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide.

1. Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide is a reference book featuring thousands of listings and hundreds of photos of jewelry of all styles. Featuring detailed overviews of every major type of jewelry produced in the past 200 years, Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide is divided into four major sections, each relating to a different form of jewelry: Antique (1800-1920), Costume, Modern (1920-1960s), and Watches. Each jewelry listing has a short, clipped but descriptive listing and a price, often with a black-and-white photograph for additional clarity. There is also a limited selection of color photographs. Economical, practical, and easy to use, Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide is a staple reference for any auctioneer, collector, or dealer in jewelry from the past two centuries. It is also an invaluable reference for theatrical costumers and historical fiction writers seeking detailed authenticity for their projects.



2. Brand new book featuring 304 pages with 400 nice black and white photos and a 16 page full color section. There is a useful introductory section describing the collectible. Each item description is quite detailed to help identify specific jewelry items. Major topics range from Antique (1800 to 1920) to Modern (1920 to 1960's). It is a very complete up-to-date guide that will be of interest and value to jewelry collectors.

1 comments about Guide to Stamp Collecting (Collector's Series).

1. Janet Klug is the Past President of the American Philatelic Society; its journal (a subscription includes membership) is the American Philatelist. She has written an excellent overview guiding a beginner through the steps of starting a stamp collection.
   
   She writes: "[I]t includes proper care and handling of stamps, locating stamps for a collection, using the tools of a stamp collector, and deriving maximum enjoyment from a stamp collection." As a collector for over 50 years, I give her the highest marks for achieving her objectives.
   
   There are too many excellent suggestions to summarize in this Review, but a couple will give a flavor of her writing.
   
   "Myth: Stamp collectors are nerdy and obsessive about their collections.
   
   "Truth: Most collectors of anything are somewhat obsessive. Collecting is a passion. Stamp collectors are not any different in that regard.... Rock 'n' roll singer/song-writer and former Beatle John Lennon collected stamps in his youth." Klug illustrates the cover page of Lennon's album; he drew beards and mustaches on Queen Victoria and King George VI.
   
   Klug argues that stamp collectors must form a collection of books as their collection grows. She recommends Fundamentals of Philately by L. N. Williams on the technical elements of stamps, for example. As your interests narrow, you will want to purchase additional reosurces; a collector of women on stamps will want a copy of Women on United States Postage Stamps by Anita Price Davis, for example.
   
   Klug worked closely with the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in creating her book; the Lennon album was acquired by the Smithsonian in 2005. It is well worth exploring the website of the Smithsonian or the American Philatelic Society if you have any further interest. Klug's book is beautifully printed on heavy stock with clear illustrations and an attractive format which could serve as a model for arranging your stamps on an album page in an attractive manner.
   
   
   Robert C. Ross 2008

5 comments about Warman's Barbie Doll Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides).

1. My 8 year old daughter loves Barbies and she loves encyclopedias about everything that she loves...so this book has been well loved!
   Great pictures. Easy to read and easy to take with us in the car or on trips. Fun to share with friends.



2. According to my little friend who received this guide as a gift, It is easy to understand, teaches you some very interesting Barbie history, and show great photos of early Barbie, how they progress and their value. She highly reccommends it.



3. This books size makes it convenient to carry around to garage sales or toy shows. But the content could be better, some dolls are depicted with inaccurate prices and some vintage doll's aren't pictured in their proper outfits with proper accessories. So this can become confusing for the beginner collector. However there are "warnings" listed with some vintage outfits stating that Mattel has made a reproduction (these are worth far less) of it. This is a great feature if you are not a Barbie expert.

   A good book for the beginner, but I recommend using this guide along with a larger more detailed Barbie book.




4. What a wonderful book! The Warman's Barbie Doll Field Guide is packed with useful information and great color photographs. And all at a super affordable price. I'm impressed. The book is designed as a take-along pocket guide, yet it's amazingly complete and thorough. It covers six decades of Barbie dolls, provides several hundred color photographs, a history of Barbie, critical identification information, -- including how to identify Barbie No. 1 -- fashion sets, designer dolls and a price guide to more than 1,500 dolls. It's perfect for a gift or for yourself, or even as a gift for yourself. I have several Barbie books on my shelves, and that's where they stay. But this little dynamo is never going to leave my side.



5. First thought upon getting this, it's tiny! I've been waiting at least two months for this book to come out and I was a tad upset that the price guide is not up-to-date. NOTHING that came out in 2002 is in there, nor are any non-collector dolls listed.

   If you need a pocket guide to carry to conventions, it's perfect. If you want something to help you figure out how much to bid on E-Bay, it's perfect. Otherwise, just get it for the vibrant color pictures (No black & white) , which strangly have dolls that haven't even been released yet.

5 comments about Collectors Encyclopedia of California Pottery.

1. Nice enough book, but it is so hard to really provide a complete guide to such a broad subject. I was looking for information about Brayton Laguna blackamoors, and the offering was sparse, nothing more than a line in the index, and a brief description in the text. Maybe the author will do a book on Brayton Laguna blackamoors one day. Anyway, I returned this book because it did not fit my needs. It is hardly an encyclopedia, but rather a pretty picture book with some expanded captions as text. If you want a real tutorial on California pottery, work the search engines at eBay or Google...you can spend hours reading and looking at pictures.



2. This is an excellent book that I use often to identify pottery pieces. Not only does it contain beautiful clear photos of pottery it also provides a wonderful brief, well written, history of the various potters and potteries. Very informative indeed! I also reccommend California Pottery Scrapbook by this same auther.



3. Great guide that covers a good majority of California Potteries with a good selection of works from each potter. Values are not too inflated and color pictures are wonderful. A must if you need a general guide to vintage California Pottery, a hot item right now.



4. Being that I live in Ohio, the big pottery names here are ones like McCoy, Roseville, and Weller. I knew nothing about any of the West Coast pottery companies. I desperately needed a source of reference. I chose this book and I have not been disappointed. It covers 28 companies,gives a biography of each,shows examples of the marks used, and very clear photos of items made by each.Descriptions and values of the items shown are also included.I highly recommend this book for any pottery buyers library.



5. I would recommened this book to anyone interested in collecting California pottery. This book has a large selection of photos of the various types of pottery produced and the different markings used on the pottery.

1 comments about Schroeder's Collectible Toys, Antique to Modern Price Guide - 2008: Identification & Values of over 20,000 Collectible Toys (Schroeder's Collectible Toys).

1. I have found this book to be very helpful in my study of toys. I am a novice and have learned what to look for in buying a modern or antique toy. This book has saved me from buying reproductions and how to guage a price for the real thing. I also just like looking thourgh it, takes me back to my childhood and revist Christmas past. Nice reference or just fun reading. Recommend.