No comments about Warman's Action Figures Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides).

No comments about Lesney's Matchbox Toys: The Superfast Years, 1969-1982 With Price Guide.

5 comments about Authoritative Guide to Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960 - 1969 (Lionel Postwar Encyclopedia Series) (The Lionel Postwar Encyclopedia) (The Lionel Postwar Encyclopedia).

1. This is the best coverage of Lionel's promotional sets of the period in print to date. Highly recommend to all Lionel collectors, and to those who loved these sets peering through various Christmas catalogues, warming a boy's heart in days gone by! Nostalgic and authoritative!!



2. Drawing upon thousands of authentic Lionel documents, "Authoritative Guide To Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1969 - 1969" is an 848-page illustrated compendium showcasing the more than 700 electric train outfits (also known as 'uncatalogued train sets') that the Lionel company created exclusively as promotional items for retailers that included Sears Roebuck & Co.; Montgomery Ward; Spiegel; Western Auto; A&P; Quaker Oats; and others. Because of the limited numbers manufactured, these promotional outfits are among the most valuable items in the history of model railroading. These outfits never appeared in Lionel's consumer catalogs and information about them simply unavailable -- until now. John W. Schmid has been collecting toy trains with his father for decades. After the 2001 auction in which the Lionel Factory Orders and other miscellaneous internal company documents were purchased, Schmid embarked upon years of extensive research in newly found documents and has now distilled that research into the pages of an impressively descriptive catalog. The result is "Authoritative Guide To Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960-1969", a work of meticulous scholarship that is unique in the annals of the enduringly popular hobby of model trains and railroads. Included is how all the engine and cars came to be individually packed; descriptions of the original outfit box (including outfit inserts and packaging); pricing for the complete outfit (and even the empty box alone); original production quantities; diagrams for packing the outfit in the outfit box; instruction sheets, packed envelopes, as well as peripherals (track, transformer, oil, wire, smoke, etc.) Also available in a hardcover edition (9781933600031, $89.95), John Schmid's "Authoritative Guide To Lionel's Promotional Outfits 1960 - 1969" is impressively informative and enthusiastically recommended for all dedicated model railroading reference collections.



3. Wow! This book is a must have for every Lionel collector and individual seeking to find their childhood train set...and the book is a bargain at ANY price. In 2001, the author, John Schmid, purchased internal, long-lost records from the Lionel archives for over $43,000. It took him five years to compile these records and photograph 100s of Lionel train sets into this unbelievable book value. This book contains all NEW information you will NOT find anywhere else.
   
   The book details over 700 of Lionel's most mysterious train sets (outfits), the ones it made exclusively for retailers and promotional firms. Names we're all familiar with: Sears, Wards, Penneys, Spiegel, Quaker Oats, S&H, Western Auto, etc. Since these "special" sets never appeared in a Lionel catalog, NONE the them have been fully documented before. Individuals and collectors have spent years trying to find out the value and contents of these long lost train sets. Now, thanks to John's painstaking research and beautiful photographs, everybody has access to this priceless information.
   
   The "Authoritative Guide..." provides everything that came in a train set, how many were made, who the trains were sold to, substitutions of items, pricing for the train set, pricing for the empty set box, and even how to pack the trains in its set box!
   
   It is also much more than a book about sets, over 60 pages detail new information about the items that came with each postwar Lionel set. Stuff I never knew including how to identify different train cars, engines, boxes, instruction sheets, accessories, envelopes, trucks and couplers, etc.
   Everything you ever wanted to know about what is included in a Lionel train set is provided.
   
   As a final bonus, I was able to relive my childhood memories of the retailers my mother used to drag me to. John provides a description of each of the retailers (many no longer in business) that Lionel provided promotional sets. Yes even the US Army sold Lionel trains.
   
   I could go on an on about how great this book is, but it is best to just buy it and see for yourself. You will not be disappointed.



4. One incredible source of Lionel information . . . way more than just sets. Covers promotional outfits with new information purchased from the Lionel archives. This is the first time this information has ever been published!!..."For every Lionel collector, 100s of individual item variations never before documented, a must have for any postwar collector, well worth the money". Written for all types of Lionel collectors . . . first time buyers to hard core collectors.



5. This book is exactly what it states in the title - "The Authoritative Guide". It surpasses any other documental guide available today because it does not only use marketplace data, rather, it uses actual Lionel data from the company archieves combined with field data to take it to the next level - a level of greater understanding of how and why these sets were created and to their scarcity and value. This book is a bargain at any price! With 848 pages and 700 outfits, it costs the same, if not less, per page, than any other guide. With this new, never before published information, the book will more than pay for itself in no time because now these previously unvalued sets have realized some serious collector values! For years collectors have been wondering what was in all those uncataloged sets Lionel produced in the '60's. Now the mysteries are solved. The volume of detail is incredible. In my 25+ years of collecting, I have never seen as much presented in one volume. Avid collectors will be conversing in terms as never before such as referring to product variations and paperwork by their stock or dash numbers instead of simply by their catalog number. Novice collectors will have the opportunity to quickly become as learned as experts that spent decades on information gathering at train meets around the country. This book will re-energize the toy train hobby and has single-handedly redefined the standard for information presentation. John Schmid's years of work on this book have certainly paid off and we should all be thankful he chose to share this information with the world. I'm already anticipating his next work, whatever it will be. In time, this book will become as much a part of Lionel history as the trains themselves. The renaissance has begun. Well done!

5 comments about Daisy Air Rifles & BB Guns The First 100 Years.

1. Very enjoyable. It brought back a lot of memories. I shared it with a
   friend my age, and it gave us a lot to reminisce about.



2. Nice informative paperback. No prices for us collectors/dealers. Does anyone publish a price guide for BB guns?



3. - A terrific book with outstanding photography and commentary on Daisy BB guns, toys, and advertising over a 100 year period.
   Gary Garber



4. The book 100 years of Daisy BB guns is excellent, great pix, very informataive and a must have for the Daisy BB gun fan, collector or shooter. I would have liked more written text but book is great and helpful as it is. I have a few Daisy bb guns but dont concentrate on them. Try it youll like it.



5. An entertaining and informative compendium of the products of the Daisy Company.

3 comments about Doll Values Antique To Modern (Doll Values Antique to Modern).

1. This book is missing antique dolls by certain leading German manufacturers. The book makes reference to a specific manufacturer but does not include dolls of the manufacturer.



2. This is another excellent entry in a series of very useful books. Good basic information on a variety of doll makers, good illustrations. I like the range of values given for dolls depending on the condition, since not all dolls are mint, and there can be an enormous difference between fair conditon and excellent.



3. The 9th updated and expanded edition of "Doll Values: Antique To Modern" is a justifiable best-seller because it is a 'must' for any dedicated doll collector. "Doll Values" nicely pairs clear, small color photos with the latest doll values, offers a starting point for building up a reference library, and helps classify different styles and types of dolls. "Doll Values" is a 'must' for any serious collector - and many a general-interest library holding will also find it an important and popular addition to their Antiques/Collectibles reference collections.

5 comments about The My Little Pony G3 Collector's Inventory: an unofficial full co illustrated guide to the third generation of MLP including all ponies, playsets and accessories from 2003 to the present.

1. The guide is beautifully done, with clear pictures and fantastic organization. There is clearly a lot of research and work that has gone into this labor of love, and it shows. This book is just brimming with valuable information.
   
   It's a great resource to have on hand. For those of us with extensive collections, it really makes all the difference when trying to organize and inventory ponies and accessories.
   
   As someone who owns both of Summer's books, I highly suggest getting one of your own--it's a great investment!



2. This inventory is a toy collector for all i got this book is great it have a lot on G3 my little pony toy for all of us to know if you a my little pony toy collector this collector book is for you



3. This inventory is a toy collector (or kid's dream) come true! Each page is full of high quality, colored pictures with the name and description of the ponies IN YEAR ORDER of when they came out. A picture of the new in box ponies of EACH one is also featured at the bottom of the page!
   
   This guide also feautres EVERY pony and My Little Pony piece from 2003-2007 when the book was published- If your little girl (or boy) loves the ponies, you would be at a loss to not purchase this book for them.
   
   Can't afford to buy or purchase every pony out there? Well this would make a great addition to the pony collection and doesn't take up as much space and money as owning all the ponies!



4. The pictures are nice and glossy with excellent descriptions of each item. SO many pages from the past few years of all the pony toys and playsets and she provides checklists next to each item! I was personally excited about getting this book and was lucky to get to meet Summer in person and have her sign it for me. :) I highly recommend this book. I will definitely be using it for years to come. Thanks so much Summer for a fantastic product!



5. This book is DEFINITELY worth it if you collect the current release My Little Ponies. Everything is very organized, with pictures of the different ponies both in their original packaging and removed from the box. Some even have detailed Cutie Mark pictures. There are notes about special European released items and the peculiar Mexican and Brazilian ponies, as well as those available for general distribution worldwide.
   
   The only error I caught was a picture mix-up involving Fancy Hair ponies Royal Beauty and Rainbow Treat on page 112. Other than that, everything was perfect!
   
   It is a fabulous paper resource to organize and catalogue one's collection.
   
   This could also make a very good gift for children who like the My Little Pony toys, due to the pictures and interesting information, but beware--they could fall in love with one of the RARE ponies like Rosey Posey! ;) Of course, perhaps that would create a budding collector!
   
   I can't wait to see a second or third edition as the My Little Pony line continues! Heaps of thanks to Summer Hayes for taking the time to get this guide together!

No comments about Living Dead Dolls: Value & Reference Guide to Collecting.

3 comments about Fashion Doll Wardrobe: A Collection of Designs and Patterns.

1. I got this when it was 1st released and was amazed at how horrible and amateur the patterns are. If you are new at sewing this may be a good start for basic, boxy outfits but don't expect to make anything really nice.
   And to add insult, all the patterns shown in the book are not included. You must order additional patterns to complete the set for extra $$.
   I kept the box to hold my own personally drafted patterns but couldn't even give the book/patterns away. I finally just donated it to a giveaway and I pity the person who received it.



2. This set consists of two parts: (1) a book of photos of various fashion dolls wearing the author's designs, and (2) patterns for some of the outfits. The photos show outfits that are very boxy and amateurish. They reminded me of clothing I made for my dolls when I was ten. The few interesting outfits do not come with patterns. It seems that to get patterns for all the outfits in the book, one must purchase two additional sets of patterns; however, the box is large enough to hold all the patterns.
   
   The only pluses I could find in this set were the thumbnail biographies of each of the dolls, and the chart of the dolls' vital statistics.
   
   While the patterns are very basic, the directions are not, so this would not be good for a beginning sewer. The experienced sewer would not want to waste money on this.
   
   Had I been able to look this over before I bought it, I would have saved some money.



3. Personally I think this book is a rip off. It has lots of great designs, but the author only includes one category of design patterns. If you want the other two categories, you have to order and pay more cash for them seperately by sending a request to an address at the back of the book. I thought that all the design outfits that are in the book would have patterns, but it doesn't. I cannot believe that this author entices you with some fantastic clothes designs for the larger dolls and then says you have to dish out more money for two more sets of patterns listed as other catergories.

4 comments about Warman's Pez Field Guide (Warman's Field Guides).

1. I highly recommend this guide to everyone who collects or sells pez. It is well-organized and easy to follow with full color pictures and detailed descriptions. I can't believe how much information is packed into this pocket-sized book!



2. This book is a must have for true pez seeking people, the colored illustrations and information is a useful tool, and continues to be at my side always, to look up and review pez's that I am interested in.



3. While I am not one to criticize any comment regarding my books, good or bad I do take isssue on the comment- "This does not have foreign pez in it" - much to the contrary. There are a large number of foreign Pez in this book. Everything that had been produced up to the publish date is included in this guide, domestic AND foreign release . This guide does not get into the mini Japanese dispensers, those are licensed by Pez for Bandai not an actual Pez produced item but a licensed item. There are LOTS of foreign Pez in this guide. -Shawn Peterson



4. Great book for the pez collector. It lists the American pez releases with some of the variations and a possible value. They are in alphabetical order. Shows some from private collections that you will never see or have...lol...
   Has an index for easy look up and a list of terms used in the pez world for the non-pezheads. It IS indeed small enough to put in your purse or backpack to take along on those trips to antique stores, swapmeets, or garage sales. No matter how many times i look at this book i still cannot remember the values so i have to look them up constantly.
   
   This does not have foreign pez in it, but is still an excellent guide. The best of its type on the market i believe.

3 comments about The Small World of Antique Dolls' Houses: Six Decades of Collecting Mansions, Cottages, Shops, Stables, Theaters, Churches- -Even a Zoo!.

1. The first and last word in the history of dolls' houses
   A long time coming, and well worth the wait. Brought to us by the author who wrote the very first history of dolls' houses in the US, this comprehensive volume, in the works for the past 6 years, was finally published just before the author's death. An overview of her considerable collection, it is a dip into another world- fascinating, richly illustrated- with words as well as gorgeous color photographs. It is an engaging and indespensible resource for anyone interested in architecture and historic preservation, social history, or the decorative arts, as well as those interested in the history of childhood playthings and miniatures. Weighing in at almost 5 pounds, every ounce is worth every penny!



2. Flora Gill Jacobs shares her collection as though you were able to spend months with her personally. If you ever wished you could get in to the archives, to really and truly speak with the expert, to understand the particular details of other time periods, to hear the adventures of acquisition, this book will will be deeply satisfying. This is no dry catalogue. Anyone with the slightest interest in the architecture and artifacts of the eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth century will be enchanted. Surely those who have the imagination to mentally inhabit a small scale world will appreciate the beautiful photography. Collectors will find the pictures invaluable. The images present the objects as you might view them yourself. First the overall view and then many of the fine details separately. Mrs. Jacobs writing draws the reader close, whether you are a child transported by imagination or an adult collector searching for information. If you are interested enough in this topic to read the reviews, then you certainly will be satisfied with this book.



3. The book itself is perfect, a must for every collector of antique dolls' houses. Shipment was extremely well cared for, communication superb. Many thanks, I'll buy again soon, it was a great pleasure!