3 comments about The Big Book of Massey Tractors: The Complete History of Massey-Harris and Massey Ferguson Tractors...Plus Collectibles, Sales Memorabilia, and Brochures.

1. I got this book for my husband. So he is the expert on whether it is good or not. He thoroughly enjoyed the publication. Illustrations are excellent. Written material is good



2. This is basically a worthwhile book and provides an excellent history of the development of Massey Harris.
   The background for each branch of the company is detailed and gives insight into the founders' thinking and lives. New insight into the Harry Ferguson connection and Harry himself was especially interesting to me. I would like to have more detail and insight for the later company leaders.
   The tractors for the most part are covered adequately, especially the early models. Many of the later models were not covered in much detail. For example the 100 series is sketched only broadly. It is so brief(for the 135) it gives incorrect information and leaves a misleading view of this tractor. The engine options are missed, including the change to the Perkins 3 cylinder gas engine. The photograph for the 135 is a golf course model.
   In general the photographs throughout the book are excellent.
   As with most tractor books there are errors. In this book the most glaring are related to photo descriptions. Page 194 shows a garden tractor with a belly mower, but the caption refers to a rototiller and sickle mower. Page 199 shows a tractor pulling a wagon but the caption says it is pulling a combine. There several other mislabled photos.
   Even with these editing problems this Big Book is worth reading.



3. product exactly as described - very informative. makes a great gift for any massey buff!

5 comments about Oil Lamps: The Kerosene Era in North America.

1. Oil Lamps I has become the standard reference book on kerosene lamps. It is by far the most comprehensive and definitive book to cover the kerosene era. More than 1,000 kerosene lamps and accessories are shown in over 900 studio photographs. For the historian, student and collector, there awaits a carefully researched and organized visual record. First published in 1979, this newly released 1998 reprint is complete with an updated price guide. Often the first reference I choose.



2. This book was a big disappointment. I have several Bradley & Hubbard kerosene lamps, and there is not one word about them in this book. Bradley & Hubbard were one of the largest manufacturers of kerosene lamps during the 19th century, and are very popular with collectors today. The Smithsonian has a collection, with a curator and a web site, of B & H lamps and other items made by them. Strangely, there is one brief mention (with a photo) of a Rayo lamp, and the author fails to mention Rayo lamps were made by Bradley & Hubbard for the Standard Oil Co. I was considering buying Oil Lamps II by the same author, but I'm afraid it would be a disappointment also.



3. One book can't possibly cover every manufacturer, even the big names. However Thuro has provided history, research and extraordinary detail to offer well over 300 pages of pictures, descriptions, old advertising and assorted information that educates the individual on oil and kerosene lamps from North America.
   
   Of particular interest the author delves into specific new patents such as adding handles or modest change in designs to demonstrate how improvements were made over the years. Thuro covers railroad lighting, ships lamps, whale oil lamps and provides an excellent chronological history of lighting as it progessed through the years.
   
   In addition to dozens of color and black/white photographs, the author provides drawings and old advertisements to give the reader detailed information on dates and lamp design. Values are updated to 2004 but with the changing markets these become fluid rapidly. For education, collecting and identification this book will serve most collectors and dealers well.



4. This is an updated printing of the original book. I have the older one and it was nice to review the new updated information. This is a great book for any oil lamp collector, and it has a very reasonable discounted price. Betty Lonsdale, Florida



5. A great study of Oil Lamps and will be looking forward to other publications and updates from Catherine Thuro. A wonderful display of illustrations and photos.

No comments about The Big Book of Ford Tractors: The Complete Model-by-Model Encyclopedia...Plus Classic Toys, Brochures, and Collectibles.

4 comments about 100 Superlative Rolex Watches.

1. Research to locate each of the 100 watches is superb; photography is fine, but not exotic, amazing or memorable; layout is particularly consistent and important from not an artistic view, but from a watch comparison standpoint. Binding and paper quality are outstanding to excellent, respectively, and printing finish is good, too.
   
   But, the book lacks a few things I wanted to see: (1) price of each watch when new; (2) estimated current value of each, and (3) more details about the pluses and minuses author sees of each design, and more importantly, the same regarding each movement.
   
   Missing, also, are details on why, for example, only one watch was made of a certain design, or why one design may have been produced in numbered additions, and how some very wealthy Sultans managed to motivate the stoic "manufacture" to produce bespoke special models. It also lacked information on "why" some watches were made, or what the "manufacture" had in mind.
   
   For example, who was or is the targeted customer of the first production, and the 2008 production run of "Milgauss" models that withstand terrific amounts of magnetism? How many people, for example, are out there who buy $8,000 stainless steel watches who also are exposed to such vast amounts of magnetism? Workers at the massive, but new out-of-fix Swiss "atom smasher?"
   
   More written information from what clearly was exhausting effort does not appear. There's little explanation, too, of why so many different "Submariner" models were made and nothing of their respective attractions and values. Same is true with the "GMT" models and similarly many photos appear of "Daytona Cosmographs" in varied designs, but with very limited written information.
   
   Until recently, "Daytona" movements were not made by Rolex at all, but there are many photos of those varied Valjoux and I suppose, Zenith movements, but little attention, if any, seems given about the new Rolex-made movement.
   
   Obviously I've not spent much time with the book, but first glance suggests that the 100 watches were chosen simply because the author likes them and took pictures of them, but asked no questions of the owners. I'd like to know more of the five Ws and the H: who, what, where, why, when and how. I did see several "whens" in short cutlines, but little of the remaining Ws and H.
   
   In my pile of Rolex and other watch books, this is perhaps the "Patek-Philippe" of finish, but the "Timex" of facts, except a brief history of Wilsdorf and his watches. At the book's fairly steep price, I wanted to see more information within its elegant leather binding, not simply photos.
   
   Unless the author owns many of the models shown, however, it must have been an exhaustive undertaking to locate and photograph each example. I just wish he had published more written information, especially about the personalities and politics involved in bespoke pieces, and of course, the respective original and current values of each, and how many of each model shown were produced and why.
   
   Before I spend $300 on that Omega book, now available, I'm now motivated to ascertain its contents. Those contents, shame, shame, on the Rolex book were NOT available as they usually are from Amazon. I see why. Few of this edition would sell, I suggest, had buyers been afforded the opportunity to examine it more closely.
   
   Not that it's not a "nice book." It is. Very nice. Quite attractive. I simply expected more than an attractive, leather-bound picture book. That's okay, I suppose, if the photos were exposed by Ansel Adams, but not for a book on watches with color snapshots and little else inside.
   
   Similar to Rolex watches, as viewed by many collectors of really esoteric, super world-class, handmade jobs with multi-axis tourbillon movements and 6-7-figure price tags, the book is: Overpriced. Oversized. Overrated. (I own 7 or 8 recent Rolexes, among other very nice watches!)
   
   Of the book, save your money. Page through a copy in 15 minutes at the library and go home glad you saved toward your next watch, even if it's not a Patek-Philippe, or a Thomas Prescher that took a year to build, but a very nice watch, indeed: a Rolex!



2. I read a brilliant review about this book on Jake's Rolex Watch blog, which convinced me to buy a copy and I love it.
   
   Published by an Italian publisher to coincide with the centenary of Rolex it is a celebration of some of the most unusual and rare examples from around the world. The author, John Goldberger, who himself is a major collector and a professional photographer has had access to many watches that are very rare and have never been photographed before and the quality of the images is amazing
   
   The book starts with a clear chronological timeline of the Rolex brand with thumbnail photographs, making it easy to follow and understand the history of the brand.
   
   It showcases 100 special examples, but there are over 270 actual watches included in the book and over 750 photographs. Each showcased watch includes four detail shots as well the main image. Alongside technical information the captions tell the history of the more colourful watches. Some of the more unusual examples are: Rolex Zerograph (1937), Panerai Radiomir (1950), Black Dial Star Indices Super Oyster (1952), Rolex Centergraph (1937), Black Dial Star Moonphase (1952), Deep Sea Special (1953), Omani Sea-Dweller (1973), Limited Edition Day-Date with King Midas Styling (1977). These are watches with incredible history, including one given to the SAS by the Sultan of Oman, another made especially for Pan Am with white dials, one made for Deap Sea diving and used in August Piccard's Bathiscape, an example that belonged to the last Emperor of Vietnam, Boa Dai, and the Rolex Elvis Presley wore.
   
   Not only beautifully designed and leather bound, the book is a wonderful record of 100 years of history. As a visual reference book about rare and unusual Rolex watches this book is unsurpassed.



3. Some collectors have money to burn on books.If so, they should burn the money, then the book. It's a stretch to call this a book, because it contains almost no words. Great artists and photographers can get away with such a book because each image "tells a story." None "tell a story" in a watch book without words. I feel cheated. I do NOI recommend this book for anyone expect those who "get off" on Rolex pictures. There are many watches far sexier to look at than Rolex, and there are countless finer watches made, as well. But, if that's your fetish; otherwise don't waste your money. It lacks facts, but the photos are okay. By themselves, they tell no so story. If it were produced to display Weston, Karsh, Minor White or Ansel Adams photos, it could certainly pass as a good book. Their photos need no stories. Snapshots of watches do! The "Bible" of Rolex books costs less and provides much more. See my review on it elsewhere.



4. This book is offered in a great luxurious package. Nice ellegant binding, good paper stock, and great big format pictures.
   Very few Rolex admirers can reach a collection as that presented inside this book. It's great to have access, at least through these clear pictures, and study of each of these magnificent pieces.
   I enjoyed every page of it, and I only regret not having a little bit of more text explaining more details about the watches shown.

4 comments about 1000 Fruit Jars.

1. This is a great little book to help identify all the differences in your fruit jar collection. All the different embossings are drawn out for you to identify - like all the different Ball fruit jar embossings. It helped us beginning jar collectors! Also has prices for all the different jars.



2. Great little book for identifying all those jars you buy at auctions for a buck a box. Alphabetized, clear images exactly as they appear on the jars, even comparative values for many choices per brand by color.
   It's not a coffee table book, it's a throw it in your bag and take to the sale book. Perfect!



3. This book, One Thousand Fruit Jars, was just what I needed to sort out a horde of old fruit jars from my aunt's estate. Wonderful drawings and values. Helped me 100%.



4. This book is just what I needed on my many excursions to garage/estate sales. I have been able to determine better purchases for my collection by referencing my book on my outings. The images are in alphabetical order and are drawn precicely as they are seen on the jars. Info on jar colors for each embossed design is available too. A MUST HAVE for the avid jar collector!!

5 comments about The Official U.s. Casino Chip Price Guide.

1. This book was created with the chip collector in mind. It has great color pictures of many chips and explains the values very well.No chip is left behind in this complete softcover compact book. This 3rd edition is a must have for any chip collector.



2. If you collect casino chips, or are just interested in the history of casinos and casino chips, then this book is a must. Every conceivable chip from just about every casino that ever existed is displayed. Chips are all listed with an estimated value which is very useful, especially for the casual collector like myself. There is a thorough discussion of chip characteristics and grading criteria. The research that went into this book is phenomenal. Mr. Campiglia has painstakingly documented sales, scarcity and the history of each and every chip. The book is well laid out with color photos of each chip and many photos of the casinos they came from. There are also many interesting factoids and anecdotes pertaining to the history of casinos in America. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and refer to it often as I build my collection. I give this book my highest recommendation.



3. Was shipped fast and the chip guide is finely detailed, many color photos and very inclusive. A MUST have for a serious chip collector.



4. This is the best casino chip price guide currently available. It is incomplete in that it does not include any of the Silver Strikes or metal slot token issues.
   
   The price guide is a paperback, not a hardcover as listed in the title.



5. Actually the title says it all. While somewhat out of date (it's been 3 years since this was published) it is the most comprehensive guide to casino chips at this time. I wouldn't bid on a chip without first looking it up in this guide.

5 comments about Aurora Model Kits.

1. I should mention that if one is not interested in model aircraft, particularly the models built in the fifties, you should skip along to something else, but for someone who actually built many, if not most, of the kits in this book, this was a marvelous gift, memories of days when fun was the order of the day.
   
   The historical information was most welcome, and Graham gives the reader a look inside the business of a model company in the fifties, a company that made some great strides in some areas but whose products were never considered the meat of "true modelers." The kits may not have been accurate -- the Me-109 was simply awful, and cast in a metallic burgundy besides, and the "Mig 19" resembled no aircraft ever flown by the Soviets -- but they were invariably fun. They were actually better in terms of fit and casting quality than some products presently on the market. And as a special treat, they were the only source for armored knights, gladiators, and movie monsters. Even the movie monsters issued by other companies were actually molds from the defunct Aurora line.
   
   The only question is whether the book was more fun to read or to look at for the pictures.



2. I was so happy that Schiffer brought Dr. Graham's Aurora book back out. In fact, I sent in a card requesting they do so a few years back after I bought his Revell Model's book. I just loved the memories, especially seeing that just horrible "Yak-25/Mig-19" kit Aurora put out. Of course it was totally fanciful, but I remember 51 years later the day I bought it. There are kits in here that have disappered from existence for so long, like the model knights and the USS Halford, which I had thought was a Revell model until Dr. Graham was kind enough to answer an e-mail a few years ago. For any of us who grew up in the 50's making models, this book is a must. It is amazing, it brought back friends, times, feelings, the whole 9 yards. Dr. Graham is an excellent writer and obviously historian, you won't be sorry. Get this and his Revell book and just be 8,9 or 10 again.



3. Highly recommended to any afficiando of Aurora kits, particularly those who wish to recall the deeply statisfying pleasure of finding those great Aurora art work boxes under their Christmas tree in the 1950's!
   
   Apart from its enormous appeal to nostalgia,the serious student will find the work very well organized and a most reliable reference guide well worth the outlay.
   Dave Owen,
   Stevensville, Ontario, Canada



4. Wonderful value for the price. SRP is $29.95 and got it for $19.77 through Amazon. Tons of great historical information and lots of fabulous color photos of build-ups and original boxes. Price guide is "okay" as many prices are pretty far off compared to what they sell for on ebay, for example. All things considered, it's a great book!



5. 
   Thomas Graham's Aurora Model Kits is an informative tome fill with models of cars, planes, tanks, and the like; but it was the monster/ sci-fi kits that brought back many nostalgic remembrances of my childhood days- most of which was spent reading monster comic books like Dick Briefer's The Monster of Frankenstein and Zombie Factory, while waiting for the paint to dry on my glow in the dark monster models. If you were a kid in the 60's and want to see some of the kits you begged your mother to buy you at Woolworth department store, this 160 page "time machine" is for you!

No comments about Scott 2007 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: C - F (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 2 Countries C-F).

No comments about 2009 Collector Car Price Guide.

4 comments about Authenticating Ancient Indian Artifacts: How to Recognize Reproduction and Altered Artifacts.

1. Any collection strong in Native American history, studies or early artifacts will welcome AUTHENTICATING ANCIENT INDIAN ARTIFACTS: HOW TO RECOGNIZE REPRODUCTION AND ALTERED ARTIFACTS. Color photos of artifacts accompany clear directions on the entire authentication and identification process, making for a fine choice for college-level archaeology collections as well.



2. As the title of this review states this should be a book any serious collector should have for reference. The picture examples are worth the cost of the book alone. The information included along with the examples is just what I was looking for in a book about collecting Native American artifacts.
   The book is also very well written so that a person with very little knowledge could pick it up and understand what was being explained.



3. This is another great book by James Bennett, and covers many interesting facets of lithics and archaeology as well as authentication. Many people will shy away from this book thinking it only concerns authentication, which is not correct...it also has much good previously unpublished information on how lithics use patterns work, etc. I believe this book should be used as a supplement to James previously published softcover book which has MUCH more information on detecting fakes/fabrications in native american lithics. The softbound book previously published has many more photos, and covers much that this book does not. Therefore my suggestion is to get this book as a supplement to the first softbound book, do not think this book includes all from the other as it does not. However this book is well worth the money and is well done, highly recommened book, but the man who appears to have donned the mantle of the respected but now deceased authenticator Greg Perino.



4. It's a pretty good guess that everything between these covers was learned from Bill Jackson. To assert (as another reviewer has) that the author will "....don the mantle of Greg Perino" is similar to alleging that Barry Manilow will don Beethoven's mantle.