2 comments about Marbles: Identification and Price Guide (Marbles).

1. Great Marble book. Informative with detailed photos. This book is for collectors old and new.



2. Easier to use than some of the other marble "standards." It is well organized and the values, based on the condition of the marble, are with the marbles. Some of the other books have you constantly flipping from back to front to find a value. The different types of antique handmade marbles are logically grouped for the most part and the machine made marbles are divided by manufacturer.There is even a section with examples from contemporary marble artists. My one complaint would be that there should be an index to make finding of the great many types of machine made marbles easier. Until something better comes along, I carry this with me to auctions, flea markets, antique shows or anywhere else I think there might be an opportunity to buy, sell or trade marbles.

5 comments about Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe 1982-1994.

1. Very detailed and accurate (save for estimated items' worth).
   
   But, the pictures, especially the ones of the vehicles, are dull. Colors, angles and light are just enough to see what's depicted, never delightful.
   
   Looking forward to a new edition with better photos!



2. My husband has collected GI Joe guys since he was a kid. He bought this book after a GI Joe collector website recommended it and when he's not poring over it, he's raving about it. It's a great book for collectors old and new and features A LOT of detailed images and good information. A must-have for any GI Joe collector.



3. As an avid childhood collector of GI Joe 3 3/4 figures and vehicles, I can certainly say that this guide seems extremely accurate. Although most of my collection sadly did not survive my childhood, this book certainly brings back some memories. It also helps to appraise some the pieces that did survive. I'm only depressed now that I didn't take better care of my original collection as it would have been worth a lot. As a GI Joe geek, it was interesting to see Larry Hama's (the original author of the Joe's Filecards) comments and thoughts on the characters. As a kid, I can certainly say I never gave the ideas behind the characters much thought. I also didn't understand half the things written on the filecards as they had more military jargon than a Tom Clancy novel. It does contain numerous references to the GI Joe cartoons and comics to help illustrate complete character biographies - which is interesting only if you were (or are) well-versed in the comics, the cartoons, and the toys. Overall, this is a great resource for serious collectors and devoted GI Joe disciples, but it's probably a bit too technical for casual fans.



4. My husband and I enjoyed this guide and found it very useful for our collection. Great pictures with accessories. Just seemed very complete for the collector. Well done in my opinion and would recommend.



5. For those of us that collect this is an excellent reference guide. It details weapons, vehicles and just about anything you can think of. The only thing I was expecting was to have pictures of the figures/vehicles..carded. And thats one thing that would have made this book perfect, that aside its a great book and I am glad I picked it up. The pictures included are crisp, clear and the information on them is detailed. Enjoy...

1 comments about Hot Wheels Spectraflame: The Essential Guide.

1. I have grown tired of the hotwheel books that focus on the entire product offering through the years. The Tomarts guides did a good job of covering early redlines, but it's job was, once again, to cover all hotwheels. The Spectraflame book takes it back to the start, covers the beginning and ends it right there (~'72).
   
   For the redline enthusiasts, this book will be a welcomed addition; good photos, notes, and definite focus. Is it 100% authoritative as a source? Others may be more qualified than me to scrutinize; all I know is my first car was the custom camaro along with a barebones strip track, I remember when the superchargers came out, adding a whole diminsion to track layout. I remember stalking the local stores when the spoilers came out(especially the nitty gritty kitty) I was in the Hotwheel club and received my chrome heavy chevy, while my friend got the boss hoss that I had hoped would come in my box. I had the tune-up tower, the sky show, and a few of the heavyweights, etc etc.
   
   So, I may not be an expert, but I was there and have been collecting off and on through the years. I enjoyed the book.
   
   What it lacks is more information of the track design and concepts. But, by its title "spectraflame", it owes none of that info to the reader.

5 comments about Ty Beanies Tracker Third Edition.

1. This book is very accurate, informative and well put together. For some time now I've been looking for an up to date beanie list and price guide and this book is it! It's a great item for all Ty collectors!



2. This book is my bible when buying or selling TY beanies accurate price list, interesting facts and is a must for TY beanie lovers that love to collect these little guys.



3. Few 20th century collectibles have had as huge a success in the popular culture as those small plush toys known as Beanie Babies -- as well as Punkies, Pinkys, Girtz, and more!. Now in an expanded and fully updated third edition, "Ty Beanies Tracker" under the deft editorship of Beanie Baby expert Karen Holmes provides collectors, dealers, and the general public with a unique, comprehensive, illustrated reference and price guide for these popular toy collectibles. Featuring more than 4,000 color pictures comprising the complete Ty product lines (including variations and rare items), "Ty Beanies Tracker", with its Note Pages, Daffynitions, Attic Treasures, and NASCAR Beanies, is a simply indispensable addition to personal, professional, and community library Antiques & Collectibles reference shelves.



4. This new edition of Ty Beanies is a complete, very informative source for all "Beanie" collectors, old or new, excellent reference!



5. Beanie Babies were one of the truly remarkable pop culture phenomena of the last 15 years. I can still remember the first time McDonald's offered the Teenie Beanies and my wife and I spent the better part of the weekend trying to track down as many of the little critters for our son as we could. Beanies, however, suffered the same fate as many other collectibles such as comic books and sports cards, two hobbies I was very familiar with. First, it quickly became driven by speculators trying to make a quick buck. Next, corporate greed too over as Ty began churning out more and more product and started to try and manufacture collectibles with special releases. Today, we go to garage sales and Flea Markets and see people dumping their Beanies, often for as little as a buck each.
   
   Yet for its core collectors, those who got into it for the love, and not necessarily the promise of future value, Beanies are still around and viable. If you don't think there is still an active market out there for trading Beanies, just check out eBay. As I write this review there are over 21,000 auctions underway in the Ty category. The speculators have long since dropped out, prices have righted themselves, and Bangzoom has released the 2nd edition of their indispensable guide. The guide covers the Beanie scene right up through the beginning of 2006 and in its review of the marketplace it makes no bones about it...now is a great time to buy, but not such a great time to sell.
   
   The book provides a history of Beanies and their hang tags. A picture of generation's unique tag is included in the book with notes on variations and changes. The book also lists several different Beanie related websites that feature news, accessory sales, trading posts, and other information. The book lists Beanies alphabetically, and lists their birth date, introduction date, retirement date (if applicable) and their hang tag poems. The generation(s) is also listed as well as a current price. But you'll find more than just Beanie Babies In the guide...it also covers Beanie Buddies, Kids, Boppers, Teenie Beanies, Jingle Beanies, Pluffies, Punkies, and more, over 1500 different TY items. The back provides a handy index and checklist.
   
   While the craze of the mid-90's may be over, there are still millions of Beanie collectors and lovers out there and there is simply no better book on the Market than the Ty Beanies Tracker from Bangzoom.
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

5 comments about Matchbox Toys 1947-2003: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys).

1. i can track my collectible item from this catalogue.
   this book help me a lot
   
   thanks
   
   
   ari



2. I collect superfast Matchbox from 1969-present. This book only lists 1-75 (1/64th scale) Matchbox cars which is fine for my use. It is good becasue it lists all models in alphabetical order so you can cross-reference the number (1-75) of the model - most model numbers are not imprinted on late model cars so it is helpful in that respect. However, I found it lacking in the number of variations it listed. There is no consistent differentiation between wheel type (other than RW and SF), interior color, stickers/decals or other minor variations. This guide does not use the same numbering system as Charlie Mack's Encyclopedia (e.g. 14 A 3) making it difficult to have the references compliment each other. This guide does list more recent models where as Charlie Mack's guide is typically long overdue when a new edition comes out. But again, this one is not as complete regarding model variation so you may not know if you are collecting all the variations of a particular model you want in your collection. Another positive point of this book though is that not all pictures are of perfect cars -- the cars in the photos have a little play wear and is more reflective a practical collectors cars rather than some ideal collection most of us will never have. Lastly, in comparison to Charlie Mack's guide, I find it nice becasue most of this book does dedicate it's picture space to the 1-75 models. One of the dissappointments I have found with Mr. Mack's guide is that it lists a lot of subtle variation (i.e. light blue, mid blue and dark blue Soopa Coopa) but does not show pictures on how to tell the difference (neither does this one -- it doesn't even try to differentiate). Also, much of the picture space in Mr. Mack's guide is with models that no one I know really collects (i.e. NOT 1-75 series, super kings and models of yesteryear). I'm still not sure where 1/2 of the pics in Charlie Macks book come from (I've been collecting MB superfast for 20 years) -- perhaps thats why it is called an encyclopedia. Dana Johnson's book simplifies things but does not take it to the next level by any means.
   
   Basically, I use Dana Johnson's book as a supplement to find model numbers so I can look up varaitions in late model cars in Charlie Mack's guide. I do think Mr. Macks guide can be too complete, in that it lists more model variations than most people can possibly collect. However, Dana Johnson's guide is too incomplete. I prefer Mr. Macks guide becasue it lists all known variations and allows me to decide which variations I think are significant to collect.



3. It is amazing to see every single matchbox diecast ever made into production grouped under one title. You can easily assess the value of your cars and hit the road to find precious collectables with this very usefull guide.



4. Interesting book with a bias in its pictures towards Matchbox models released in the last 10 years. Great that it concentrates almost wholly on the 1-75 series Matchbox models which is all I collect. Very useful if combined with other books as a model identification guide, especially as this one is in alphabetical order and up to 2003 year. I would rate it as less than useful in terms its value to me as a price guide. There are better and more accurate books around reflecting international prices especially of the 1953 to 1969 series issues.



5. The benefit of this book is in its arrangement. For the first time in any toy car price guide, models are listed alphabetically by model name, making this the easiest-to-use Matchbox toy collector's guide ever published.

   The only compromise, due to time constraints by the publisher, is that the book only lists three-inch models, which leaves out Major Pack, Kingsize, Models of Yesteryear, Skybusters, and larger Matchbox Collectibles, hence the 4-star rating. This will thankfully be remedied with the release of Volume 2 in 2005.

5 comments about Standard Catalog of Lionel Trains 1945-1969.

1. This is an excellent reference work. The layout of the book is easy to use and the pictures are first class. This book surpasses many of the standard reference works available. Makes a great addition to a reference library on Lionel Trains.



2. this is the only book you will ever need if you collect older lionel trains it covers all the bases and lets me remember everything I forgot many years ago when I got my first train set extremely informative thanks I only wish there was a book to cover later years



3. Now in a newly expanded and updated second edition, David Doylle's "Standard Catalog of Lionel Trains' showcases Lionel toy trains made from 1945 through 1969. Surveyed in an authoritative collector's reference this new edition packs over a thousand color photos with its expanded catalog , which includes variations on Lionel cars and accessories. Many collectors of Lionels will find come to consider this a major 'must have' bible of information, packing in color photos and charts of values for Lionel trains in all conditions.



4. Excellent amount of information on post Lionel trains. The catalog contains the highest amount of information on Lionel trains, the value and rarity for each model. Plenty of photos to provide visual reference for your research.



5. The best or one of the best Lionel guides to postwar Lionel trains. The only guide that authoritatively lists all production variations over the years covered.

5 comments about Breyer Animal Collector's Guide: Identification and Values (Breyer Animal Collector's Guide).

1. I have used each edition of this book as my Breyer Bible. It keeps getting better with each edition and is very well formatted. Lots of great information on the molds / models as well as up to date values.
   And the photos are incredible. I wouldn't be caught without it!



2. Describes everything I needed to find out about the Breyers. Sometimes it was a little difficult since I had the horses and had to search individual pages until found... no ID no. on horse, or some other method



3. There is a wealth of information on the various types of Breyers and great descriptions. However, many of the color photos are off, with a lot of orange tinting. You need to go by the written description rather than the actual photo. Also, I was extremely disappointed in the pricing. As an avid collector and owner of over 180 traditional Breyers, the prices are rather low. You could not use this book for insurance purposes or buying prices. I have seen many of the Breyers listed in the book go for much higher prices than what is quoted in this 5th edition. It is still a good reference book.



4. This goldmine of information is necessary for both the serious collector and for anyone with interest in the Breyer collectables. It's straightforward pictoral guide is easy to use and the fair market values are just that...fair. Don't shop for a Breyer without it!



5. Lots of great pictures, but values are off. I would not use this to determine the value of what I'm selling. The values are often less than what the going price is, and occasionally more than they're worth. Great pics and book to see what is out there nonetheless.

5 comments about Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guide).

1. This small but concise volume is Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide: Values and Identification (2nd edition), which was released on October 30, 2007. It was purchased as a gift for an avid Hot Wheels collector, shortly after he had noted that it would be good to have a small and simple book to keep in the car as a quick reference book when casually shopping for cars for his collection.
   
   This new edition should not be confused with Warman's Hot Wheels Field Guide, which was published in May 2003. That older version features a Deora on the front cover.
   
   After a couple of weeks worth of use, he commented that its 500+ pages are chock full of good information. Though it's not the ultimate resource on HotWheels cars, it's perfect as a handy quick reference when shopping at the local chain and toy stores for that occasional rare car that does slip through. There's good info on Blackwalls, Redlines and the Number Pack details, and has over 500 color photos of some of the highly prized Hot Wheels cars, along with a decent "Wheel Guide" for easy identification of some of the rarities that pop up on the racks.
   
   If you're looking for something larger and more detailed, you might wish to look into Hot Wheels Variations: The Ultimate Guide (3rd edition), also by Michael Zarnock, and published July 6, 2007.
   
   All in all, this compact volume is perfect for what has been described by the publisher, and a good handy reference for the hobbyist, casual collector or avid Hot Wheels fan. Add to that, it's a great gift.



2. When I bought this book I was IN heaven It had all of the pictures I wanted to see except for the cover car.It hardly had any of my cars but Im okay with IT.



3. This little book fits right into your pocket. You can take it with you when you go on your "treasure hunts"



4. This book has some good information, but is very incomplete. It does not even contain the deora car that is on the front cover and title page of the book!!! This book only lists mint in package prices and many cars have been left out. It also contains very little variations. If you are looking for a complete price guide, look somewhere else.



5. It is not clear in the description of this book that only a relatively small sample of Hot Wheels are featured and the only values listed are for "mint packaged vehicles". Because of these limitations, this book was of little value to me.

5 comments about Hot Wheels Variations: The Ultimate Guide (Hot Wheels (Krause Publications)).

1. This was purchased for our 4 year old who is a major Hot Wheels fan. He and dad pour through the colorful photographs and line up all their cars that match those found in the book. I am sure from a collectors point the information of the value along with the detailed picture would be very useful. It is a nice thick, heavy paged book that will be around this house for a long time.



2. I find this book extremely helpful in listing a very large percentage of the current (1989 onwards) Hot Wheels variations. The book follows on from the earlier editions and I find it a very useful refererence source.



3. Awesome very fast shipping. Arrived in excellent condition. Will buy from again. Thanks so much.



4. If you collect variations of Hot Wheels, you have probably heard of the Godfather of Variations, Michael Zarnock. This guy is nuts about variations and has put together one of the top 3 Hot Wheels collector books ever published. I love the book and have loved it since volume 1 because it has fantastic Blue Card identification pictures and very accurate price guide. If you don't know if a variation is real or fake, just check the Grail, it will let you know if you are dealing with fraud or not. In other words, if it is not in this book you are probably not dealing with a variation. Indispensible to a serious Hot Wheel collector. Gratzi, Don Zarnock.



5. I just got got this book today and It was more than I expected there were tons and tons of pictures, mr. zarnock give yourself a pat on the back because you did one heke of a job.

1 comments about Matchbox Toys 1947-2007: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys).

1. Newly released September 2008, this comprehensive guide lists Matchbox toys alphabetically by model name, and cross-references alternate names for easy searching. Includes regular series as well as larger Matchbox toys.