1 comments about University of Notre Dame Football Vault.

1. I purchased this collection for my Father In-Law, a devout ND fan, for Christmas. It was highly recommended by the Notre Dame Alumni site and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who might be interested!

4 comments about Fine Indian Jewelry of the Southwest: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection.

1. Painstakingly compiled and with an expert, knowledgeable commentary by Shelby J. Tisdale, Fine Indian Jewelry Of The Southwest: The Millicent Rogers Museum Collection offers an impressively informative history and survey of the southwestern Native American jewelry that is represented in the collection of the Millicent Rogers Museum as the result of art patron and passionate collector Millicent Rogers who assembled a spectacular collection of Navajo and Zuni silver and turquoise, Hopi silverwork, and Pueblo stone and shell jewelry during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Of special interest is the chapter devoted to "The Origins of Indian Jewelry in the Southwest". Profusely illustrated and a very strongly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library Native American Studies reference collections, Fine Indian Jewelry Of The Southwest is enhanced for scholars and non-specialist general readers alike with the inclusion of a glossary, references, and an index.



2. I HAVE ORDERED SEVERAL BOOKS FROM AMAZON AND THEY ARE EXPEDIENT AND HAVE A GOOD BOOKS AT A GREAT PRICE. AVAILABILITY GREAT. I WILL CONTINUE TO DO BUSINESS WITH AMAZON AND THEIR SERVICE. THANK YOU, BECKY DYER



3. This is a glorious book of Southwest Indian Jewelry with interesting info on Millicent Rogers, who herself was a work of art.
   
   A must-have for collectors of Southwest Indian Jewelry.



4. If you like Indian Jewelry but can't get to the museum in Taos this is a great first book on the subject. If you do go to the Millicent Rodgers Museum, this is the book to help you savor that grand experience for many years to come. And it's a great reference work if you are contemplating investing in Zuni or Navajo jewelry.
   
   Wilford's Trading Post
   Gallup, New Mexico

2 comments about Barbie the First 30 Years, 1959 Through 1989 and Beyond: Identification & Value Guide (Barbie the First 30 Years).

1. This book is a good starting point for collectors. With information on vintage dolls and even some newer dolls too. This book explains How to use the price guide, since most dolls found are not truly mint or mint in the box. It also has lots of color photographs, to make identification of a doll easy. The layout of this book is nice too, there are different sections for dolls, outfits, cases and so on. Dolls are listed by year, making a particular Barbie or Friend fairly easy to find.
   This book is not as in depth as some other Barbie doll books on the market, you will not be able to find specific markings for each doll as well as a complete list of accessories - exactly what booklet, shoes, wrist tag, box (and so on) each doll came with. Also some of the photographs are fairly small, but that said, this is still a good book.
   I would also like to add that this book features many foreign dolls and accessories, Not sold in the US. (Lot's of Barbie stuff that were exclusive to Canadian and European, as well as other markets.)



2. this book does not go into enough depth to be of much use as you shop for dolls. you can use it to get some info on year produced, and to get a rough idea of where each doll fits into the larger scheme, but to do it right, you really need a book that includes much more.

2 comments about The Official Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide, 3rd Edition (Overstreet Comic Book Grading Guide).

1. Ladieees and gentlemen! New in this Third Edition! 10.0s with visible defects! 9.9s with spine stress! A 9.6 with a 1/4 inch front cover tear!
   
   ...and that's not all!
   
   You also get all the same internal inconsistencies that you got in the second edition, such as text descriptions that read "No creasing" accompanied by pictures of books in the same grade with visible creasing!
   
   So what prompted this THIRD edition of the grading guide? Apparently, they thought the addition of zoom boxes on a few of the defects here and there justified an entirely new edition! Well, that and a few pages of the same namby-pamby discussion of restoration, pressing, and disclosure that you can read on the CGC message forums for free.
   
   The bottom line is, if you need a grading guide, buy the second edition; don't buy this third edition. If you follow this third edition and try to sell someone a "10.0" that has visible defects or a "9.6" with a 1/4 inch front cover tear, I don't care what the guide says, you're going to have an angry customer.
   
   And if you already have the second edition of the grading guide, save your money and skip the third edition. This book is a complete waste of cash and paper.



2. I own the two previous versions of the Overstreet Grading Guide and have a few historical observations which may put the current work into perspective. First, the grading world was stood on its ear with the advent of third party grading companies that "certify" the grades of comics, by far the most prominent being CGC which began operations in 2000. Second, grading is not a science, it is an art. Like Robin Williams in "Dead Poet's Society" you can't grade a comic book on an axis like was suggested for grading poetry in the text Robin taught from in literature class.
   
   What you see here is Bob Overstreet's second attempt to incorporate more CGC-like grading standards into his publication. The attempt at grading uniformity is laudable but not always attainable. True the defects chart/graph in the guide shows that for a 9.8 grade, a book should have no more than two defects, yet a color plate of Infinite Crisis #1, shown as example of a 9.8 book, shows three defects indicated by arrows.
   
   CGC however demonstrates similar occassional inconsistency. In the Overstreet Grading Guide no bindery tears are allowed in 9.9 (Mint) books. I have owned and currently own a number of 9.9 and 10.0 CGC books. None have any bindery tears, except one 9.9 I previously owned which had a prominent and easily visible bindery tear in the upper left corner. I have tried to nail CGC down just what the difference is between a 9.9 and a 9.8 book, relied on their advice in my submissions, but to no avail. I have produced CGC graded 9.9 books from my submissions, but not when expected.
   
   This grading guide is just that; a "guide," to be used in combination with experience in the comics hobby as well as hopefully some education, training and dedication. It is not a bible to be referred to in attempts to discern the objective truths of grading; there are few. What it is, is a solid guide to introductory and intermediate level grading. To go beyond that you have to have enough knowledge to identify the inconsistencies in this guide and deal with them. If you have expensive, key issue Golden or Silver Age issues or high grade issues, you should strongly consider submission to CGC. CGC graded comics are most fungible in the marketplace and will always draw multiples of the bids placed on non-CGC graded comics in the same grade at auction.

5 comments about Antiques Roadshow Collectibles: The Complete Guide to Collecting 20th Century Glassware, Costume Jewelry, Memorabila, Toys and More From the Most-Watched Show on PBS.

1. The scope of the book is too broad and the depth of the topics considered is too shallow. Complex collectibles such as costume jewelry or art glass are given a few pages of attention, but the book tries to cover too many areas at the expense of giving adequate attention to any area. If you want a very, very basic overview, history, and details about popular collectibles, you may find this book of some use. However, your money would probably be more wisely spent on books that deal with your specific topics of interest. It's fun reading, but definitely not a "complete guide to collecting...".



2. If you are into collecting this is the book for you. It has lots of interesting facts and discussions about why people collect things and how to get started if you're thinking about a collection.
   
   It doesn't talk about EVERYTHING though, so if you are really into a specific collectible you would be better off with a book that addresses that collectible.



3. Most of the pages in this book are a drab black & white print, with a few (emphasis on few) pages in the middle that are glossy, full-color. I was thinking "coffee table book" when I bought it, but it's definitely not that fancy. I sent it back.



4. Nice book and provides considerable information. The author does cover alot of territory in one book. Should consider a series and provide more photos.



5. If you are just getting into collecting, this is a fun book to review. Lots of overall ideas of varieties of collectibles...for more serious colletors, I would suggest books oriented to the subject matter of interest.

5 comments about Sailors' Valentines.

1. I just gave this as a gift to my sister, who's thinking about designing and making a sailor's valentine. She's THRILLED! What a wonderful book for the collector, crafter, or antique fancier. Beautifully done. Fondas identifies many of the shells used in these examples. A breathtaking volume that's sure to become a collector's item in its own right.



2. This is a beautiful and different book. But, be warned if you are giving it as a gift to someone. The book comes wrapped in plastic and I did not flip through the book before giving it. There is a VERY inappropriate picture of "naked people up to something" in it. Fortunately the gift recipient thought it funny as opposed to being offended.



3. A very beautiful, high-quality book. I first saw it at a kaleidoscope show and after a look at a few of the pictures, you will understand why. The photos are exquisite and it all comes in a unique presentation box. Well worth the price.



4. Very interesting, good history,and enjoyable reading. I reccomend for ages 9 on. One will want to travel to the beach and begin a hobby in shell collecting just to build a Sailors' Valentine.



5. A cleaverly package book. Nice pictures of old Valentines, however using one with a questionable picture spoils the entire book.

5 comments about 100 Greatest U.S. Coins.

1. Pardon the pun but I couldn't help it. Why Amazon shows this as a just-released book is odd; I saw it in a bookstore some time ago. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautifully realized works to appear in some time. Its 200 pages are divided into description and a stunning photograph. The book appeals to all levels.
   
   At a dinner party its placement on the coffee table is sure to engender conversation..."May I top off your drink while we review the Earring Dollar?" As a historical tome it presents the social, political and economic forces at work when these were minted. And for the coin lover it is pure "gold", a work that is simultaneously interesting, informative and pleasing to the eye.
   
   The list, from a survey of the Professional Numismatists Guild, includes some well-known and some not so popular coins. One may argue with the list but it was composed by the best experts in the field and based on a criterion the uninitiated cannot understand. Of course there is the 1804 Silver Dollar (which we now know was not even minted in that year). There is also (in my opinion) an abundance of gold vs silver and copper. Yes, they are stunning coins and yes they are exorbitantly priced but they are not as well known. How many folks, for example, are aware that a four dollar gold piece was once issued?
   
   Needless to say, the coins presented here are beyond the reach of the ordinary layman - or even the extraordinary one in some cases. But you can look and dream to your heart's content with this edition.



2. My husband dabbles in coin collecting and while Christmas shopping for something coin-related for him at Amazon.com I found a review of this book that sold me. When my husband opened the gift he was thrilled, saying "this is exactly the kind of book I love!" As a long-time admirer of the beauty in coins, not just the collectability, he is in seventh heaven when perusing the pages of this well-written and beautifully photographed book.I would highly recommend it for anyone with an interest in coins.



3. Just an incredible book. Beautiful color pictures and very interesting information on each coin. A complete history on each coin, market value and a very detailed description of each coin. This book isn't just for coin collectors. This book is for anyone who has an interest in the history of U.S. coins. A truly excellent addition to anyone's library.



4. 100 Greatest Comic Books100 Greatest American Currency Notes: The Stories Behind The Most Colonial, Confederate, Federal, Obsolete, and Private American Notes
   
   I found this book to be a very interesting read. This book should be in every numismatist book collection. The updated version is a plus, what with the constant fluctuation of prices and weekly auction sales. Even top coin conventions are referencing this book when rare coins are on display and showcased. It was neat to see the "number 52 listed coin" at the recent Long Beach Coin Show. It put things into more perspective for me.. just a little bit more tangible that these coins "really" exist and can be viewed from time to time. Whitman also has top 100 lists for comic books and paper money that are very informative and fun to read.
   It would have been nice to see the published coins in their encapsulated form (if slabbed)in my opinion. Overall an awesome coffee table book.



5. Lovely book with ample and generously sized pictures (even tho I would love full-page sized!). This is indeed a beautiful coffee table book that will interest even the novice coin collector.

2 comments about The American Krag Rifle and Carbine.

1. If you need to know the in's and out's of the Krag firearm systems, this is the place to go. Perhaps not everything but pretty close to it. A good book for a good price.



2. THE AMERICAN KRAG RIFLE AND CARBINE by Joe Poyer is one North Cape Publication's FOR COLLECTORS ONLY series. This book is edited by Craig Riesch and is essential for those who shoot and/or collect .30-40 Krag Rifles and Carbines.
   
   It's also the only source available unless you can find a copy of Colonel William S. Brophy's classic book on the Krag. It'll set you back about $200, or so, but is worth it to dedicated collectors and shooters.
   
   I'm not quite that dedicated and am quite content with Poyer's book. Like all books in this series, it includes part-by-part descriptions of the various Krags which served our armed forces in Cuba, the Philippines and China (during the Boxer Rebellion). Despite its relatively short service life of 15 years, the Krag is an interesting and eminently shootable piece of American history.
   
   It's the first bolt-action repeater chambered for modern
   smokeless" powder and it replaced the obsolete "Trapdoor Springfield" which was a breech-loading single shot chambered for the .45-70 cartride, a black powder round.
   
   Poyer includes descriptions of the ammunition, accoutrments, etc. issued with the Krag and he has the best, most coherent discussion of the US Army's preference for cartridge cut-offs enabling the rifle to be operated as a single shot, thus preserving the five rounds in the magazine for close quarters. This tactical doctrine has always puzzled me, but Poyer's concise, coherent explanation of it finally caused the scales to fall from my eyes.
   
   This book would be even more useful if it had an index, but I guess you can't always have eggs in your beer. I was very impressed by this book and I gave it five stars.

2 comments about Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide: A Traveler's Guide to Buying Diamonds, Colored Gems, Pearls, Gold and Platinum Jewelry (Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide).

1. Profusely illustrated in full color, Renee Newman's Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide: A Traveler's Guide To Buying Diamonds, Colored Gems, Pearls, Gold And Platinum Jewelry is the most concise, definitive, informative, authoritative, portable, and "user friendly" guide for travelers seeking to buy gems and jewelry while on their travels. This little pocket-sized compendium offers invaluable tips for the non-specialist general reader on quality evaluation, fake and lab-grown gems, custom-made jewelry, customs regulations, gem treatment, and geographic gem sources. Whether acquiring gems and jewelry for personal use, commercial resale, or as a collectible, first read through Renee Newman's Gem & Jewelry Pocket Guide.



2. The latest great book from Renee Newman: this is another wonderful book written to help acquire the right knowledge when making the important decision to purchase a special piece of jewelry! Bravo!

2 comments about Fashion Doll Clothing.

1. The facts : "Fashion Doll Clothing" includes a total of 70 patterns in seven sizes for modern popular fashion dolls. There's three sizes for 10-inch tall dolls - "A" is tailored to Cocquette Jacqui, "B" is Tiny Kitty, and there's a general "10-inch dolls" size that presumably fits both. Patterns for 16-inch tall dolls are arranged similarly - "A" fits Alexandra F. Ford, "B" fits Tonner dolls like Tyler (straight arm) and Glinda (bend wrist), and a general "16-inch dolls" category that should fit both. American Model dolls, also by Tonner, are the sole occupants of the 22-inch size pattern group.
   
   You get 6 general 10-inch doll patterns, 9 to fit the "A" doll, 9 to fit "B". The 16-inch tall girls get the most - 12 for general 16-inch tall dolls, 11 "A" size, and 13 "B" size. AM dolls score 10 patterns. As seen on the cover, most are for dresses and skirts, but coats, pants, and tops are included in all sizes.
   
   And the patterns don't repeat. If you see it for Tiny Kitty, you may find something similar for Tyler, but it won't be the exact same thing. Author Mrs. Ionker wants her readers to experiment with adaptation - so each size, even `A' and `B' within the same scale, has all unique stuff.
   
   I found more photos of the contents by researching the book on auction sites - since FDC doesn't feature the `look inside' option - but you can't beat Amazon's price !
   
   The review : While the two dresses I've made went together easily and fit great, this isn't a book for beginning sewists. Very few step-by-step directions are found here. You get fabric advice, general sewing tips, and even a brief history of zippers, but very few garments have a paragraph or three of instructions. As long as you're familiar with basic garment construction, however, this book will give you few problems. I've added photos of my doll wearing the two dresses I've made from this book to the image gallery above.
   
   I did have a few confusing moments. There's lots of great photos that reference the patterns, but the patterns don't reference the un-numbered photos. I did it myself with a pen. A full cross-reference would have enhanced this book, I think. Sometimes I look at the pattern first, not the photo.
   
   On the pattern pages, Mrs. Ionker shows the altered sloper she used to create the final pattern. It's nice to see, but a bit confusing when the page has solid grey parts (sloper) under black lines (pattern). I wondered for a few minutes what I was supposed to use to make that great dress on page 20 ! I understand she wants her readers to learn pattern drafting, but usually, I wanna get going on my latest project before I run out of time ! Use the black lines. And get some great ideas from the altered sloper.
   
   I also found that the General Sleeve was much too tight to fit over my bend-wrist doll's hand. I had to resew it much more narrowly, and even then, had to wiggle and bend her thumb to get it on her for the photos. It's an easy fix, just wanted you to be aware of that possibility in your sewing.
   
   In conclusion - this is a great, reasonably priced selection of patterns that fit well and sew quickly. A great value, in my opinion - there's something here for the intermediate as well as the advanced. I only have one of the dolls she created patterns for - an '05 Tonner Wicked Witch known as Elphie - imagine how much more useful it'll be to you if you own Tyler, Tiny Kitty, and an AM !



2. I loved her designs. They were well done.