FUNK & JUNK_®

Book Reviews

Go to Table of Contents by Title

Go to Table of Contents by Date Posted

Title: Garage Sale and Flea Market Annual

Click for larger picture

This guide has taken some interesting changes in the last few years.

In bold print on their cover it now reads "Cashing in on today's lucrative Collectibles market" and "Today's Collectibles, Tomorrow's Antiques". While others continue to hold on to the concept of Collectibles falling under the category of Antiques, this guide has taken the natural progression and rightly so.

I used to talk about the beginning of the divergence of Collectibles towards it's own stand alone entity but I no longer need to do so....it's a fact. Now more than ever there is not only a clear line between the two businesses but more and more businesses are opening with the "Collectibles" sign with little or no mention of Antiques.

I have to admit that I haven't visited this guide it quite a few years so this change in direction could be editions old. The fact is that prior to this edition I had always found it lacking with respect to the other Antique or Antique and Collectibles guides that were then on the market but I'm glad I've checked in. When the collected pictures in a guide look identical to the interior of our shop it has to be good!

Granted the idea of making some of the finds mentioned in the preface of the book for $5 and under is becoming closer and closer to a myth everyday but they are not unheard of as illustrated by the editors handful of recent gems on the cheap.

So it isn't that incredible finds still don't happen, they do. Its simply that the days of wandering into any thrift store or Saturday yard sale and finding something of value nearly every time are gone (ah, the good old days!). Part of this is because people simply know more and are more aware of collectibles as a concept. This awareness is only fostered by the multitude of television shows either entirely based upon or based in part on collectibles and/or yard sales.

Now the key is to be prepared and to be able to recognize the dwindling supply of money makers and/or bargains. The easiest way to do that is to have a guide that focuses on Collectibles as a group rather than having all of the popular collecting (Antique and Collectible) categories of the day. Until very recently there have been no guides that have scratched that itch.

The book itself is set up much like most other top level guides. Category after category is covered with a brief introduction to each to provide background and references. Straight forward text listings of items within the category follow along with its near mint value. Pictures are featured in most categories but the bulk of the guide is packed with information.

Bottom line - Collector books is competing with themselves somewhat since they also publish one of the entries already on most of my "must have" book lists for dealers and collectors ("Shroeder's Antiques"). That isn't to say that you can't buy both (and you should if you can.)!

However, I think in terms of the collectibles dealer must have list this guide is a better call than "Shroeder's Antiques" simply because of its focus. Remember, these lists are put together for the budget conscious who want minimal reference book investment with maximum benefit.

Though both the "Shroeder's Antiques" guide and this one would make for a rounded general or non-specialized dealer/collector I will change the listing to and/or for the budget conscious. Your areas of interest will dictate which guide(s) to buy.

This guide is a wise investment for the Antique dealer as well if they are to survive the long haul.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2003, 512 page hardback, 8 3/4" x 11 1/4"
Editor: not credited
Price:$19.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Glassware, Collectible from the 40's, 50's and 60's

Click for larger picture

From the Anniversary pattern to the Yorktown pattern, this guide takes you through a detailed tour of the beautiful, and often artistic, glassware of the 1940's, 50's and 60's. Non traditionalists do not fear, this guide also stops off at Pyrex, Ovide and a 20+ page look at Fire-King.

Pricing sections feature high quality full color group pictures of various pieces within each pattern. The accompanying identification/pricing chart includes the corresponding piece and it's Mint condition value. A healthy introduction for each pattern is a personal one from the authors and includes details on recently discovered pieces, their comments on the pattern and a look at the current market.

This guide includes a nice layout on "Swanky Swigs". You've probably seen these glasses but may not be aware of the name. Briefly they are clear tumblers of various sizes decorated with cute animals, characters or flowers. They were produced by Kraft and other companies and once held condiments such as mustard. I have only seen one other guide, long out of print, that provided any detail or pictures on these glasses. I highlight this section not only due to lack of previous coverage but the fact that a small section like this often provides all the value of a guide to a particular collector.

Bottom line - With few exceptions much of the glassware on the market is identified by its pattern name. Obviously knowing how to identify a particular pattern is the key and this guide provides so many photos that many suspected valuable pieces can be identified simply by flipping through the pages.

The comments made throughout this guide by the authors is a welcome addition and provides almost as much information as the straight pricing itself with its insight into the current market and trends. In addition, these comments make what might otherwise be a dry read interesting and compelling.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2004, 255 page hardback, 8 3/4" x 11 1/4"
Author: Gene & Cathy Florence
Price:$19.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Toys & Prices (Toy Shop)

Click for larger picture

I've always said it's the little things that keep me going and the latest package from Krause is just one of those little things. Like a great Christmas present, this package contained two of my favorite titles not only for their reference value but just for sheer enjoyment on my part. Stay tuned for the other guide in this package.

With this edition this guide pops back up to over 30,000 toys! That's an additional 5,000 over the last edition!

I'm sold on their format change that got its start in their last edition. It is easy to read and almost always includes three price points to use for evaluating your toys. Introductions for each section have gotten more robust and include background on the collecting area along with current trends and news.

Though it is fairly minor since I have done some random spot checking of values and find them to be sound, I do have one criticism. With this edition Toy Shop has changed their information on how prices are determined for the guide in such a way that their methodology really isn't explained. What is explained, instead, is the ever changing toy market and the variations in prices. Though that, too, is important information to impart the value determination procedures are critical.

Given that their pricing methodology (which also changed with the 10th edition) has remained the same I certainly think it should be mentioned (as it should with all guides). It was a sound methodology and I was hoping this edition would further expand their procedures since I was a little on the fence about totally blessing them last edition. Assuming it is unchanged, here is a brief quote from the 10th edition; "...various collectors, dealers and in-house experts compare prices on items, check out the shows, talk to contributors and finally settle on an average (value)." An assumption I made last edition was that this new methodology would bring more actual sale (versus advertised prices that they used to rely heavily on) information into the guide through the dealers and experts.

Again, though it is impossible to say all the values are right on I do find, and have found in the past, that Toys & Prices does a good job of approximating values. With a guide this good its truly hard to find any negatives.

Lots of great Black and White pictures along with a nice glossy color center section keep the pages turning and I defy you to stay focused on your particular toy category. This guide is made for browsing.

Bottom line - The edition of this guide has changed but its placement on both my must have guide list for every level of general collector and my collectibles dealer must have list has not.

If you keep up with my reviews you'll remember I reminded you to get every edition of this guide since they often add/drop categories. Your lose if you didn't heed my advice.

Gone with this edition are sections on Beanie Babies (thank god!) and Erector Sets. Sections on Guns are back and so are the Rock 'n' Roll and Western Toys sections. With the loss of some Vehicle manufactures, comes the addition of others and an overall increase of 50% of the makers covered.

Get this guide.....read it!......love it!!!

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 762 page paperback, 7" x 10"
Editor: Karen O' Brien
Price:$19.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Kewpie for Collectors

Click for larger picture

Plagued by a permanent cowlick, these little cuties are recognizable by all and loved by many. For those who love them, here is a guide that makes a good attempt at documenting and picturing the various forms of Kewpie collectibles.

The detailed life story of their creator, Rose O' Neill begins this retrospective of these now ninety year old characters. Clearly they take good care of themselves though they might want to cut out the junk food or hit the gym every so often.

Armed with Ms. O' Neill's life story the guide then fully dedicates itself to the exploration of 3 large collecting categories; Action Figures & Novelties, Dolls and Porcelain Kewpies. Don't let this small top level number fool you, the category breakdowns are numerous.

In addition to the collecting categories there are also large sections that reproduce both O' Neill's numerous postcards and even more numerous magazine pages. The condition of the originals, and because of that the reproductions, is impeccable, and with full color large format pictures you could even frame them.

As with the postcards and magazine pages, all the pictures in this guide are in color and they accompany the listings which provide the items details which can include size, markings, materials used, and year(s) of manufacture. Along with the individual listings, each section begins with yet another history lesson on the production of that particular category.

Bottom line - I'm pretty sure this guide takes no selling. If your into Kewpies you've either bought this guide already or you busy opening another browser window to order it from Hobby House.

Half the battle in putting together a collection is the knowledge of what's out there and reference books such as this have a natural spot on the bookshelf next to price guides.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher:Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information:2003, 192 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: John Axe
Price:$27.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Flea Market Trader

Click for larger picture

When you enter into the top level price guides you had better be ready for some competition. There are quite a few of them being produced and a couple of king of the hill contenders so it helps to have an angle.

This guide has found just such an angle. First it is purposefully smaller than most of the other guides to lend itself to purse of cargo pocket storage for on the spot reference which can be difficult with a five or six hundred page guide weighing in at five or six pounds. Secondly this guide has really geared itself to the flea market venue with categories that tend towards the Collectibles market (though Antiques are in there too) and feature many categories that are often overlooked even by other Collectibles guides.

No format surprises since this formula is followed by most top level guides to include a brief introduction to most categories followed by a short description and, in this case, suggested mint condition values.

Bottom line - this was actually one of the first guides to get involved in what is now the full fledged Collectibles market. Granted they may not have known it but the flea market venue can be credited with the huge growth and eventual establishment of what we know as the Collectibles market today.

All things being equal I think most people interested in Antiques and/or Collectibles should have as many top level guides as they can since it provides a broad base for generalizations in markets he/she may not be educated in.

Though this guide is a good choice for many, those interested in Collectibles exclusively would do well to buy this guide for its coverage in a still sparsely covered market.

Its compact size is nothing to sneeze at if you've ever been to a market and seen something that looks familiar (and valuable!) but you just can't recall the details. It makes it a great guide to keep in your car or in your flea market bag.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2004, 431 page paperback, 5 1/2" x 8 1/2"
Author: Editors
Price:$12.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Girls' Series books, all about collecting

Click for larger picture

Turn about is fair play so this time it's the classic girls series books that get the spotlight.

From the same author who brought you the Boys series volume it is clear that his knowledge base is not a sexist one and here, too, you get an in depth history not only of the common Nancy Drew or even Cherry Ames sets but the lesser known series such as Kay Tracey or Connie Blair.

As with the boys series guide the format is nearly identical and each section begins with a detailed history of the author and his/her series. This is followed by details on the various volumes and their differences with tons of full color pictures.

Again one of the most valuable features of this guide is the detailed breakdown of the look of the various volumes. From the look of the covers, inside front page, spines, etc. the guide clearly highlight the differences between the various publishings. Since many of these books have been repeatedly reprinted, this knowledge can mean the difference between buying a book worth a few bucks to one worth hundreds.

As with the previous review I again have to note the lack of fully useful pricing contained in the guide. With ranges that can span from, for example, $5 to $50 the novice collector might have difficulty determining the value of individual volumes without a complete understanding of the book market and acceptable conditions. These ranges might not be as big a problem in other markets but it is particularly difficult with paper items and even more difficult with the often super picky book collector/dealer. Knowing if your penciled in name and few stray marks makes your book "good" or "very good" in the competitive market is difficult at best for the beginner and even if more detailed notes on condition determination were included it wouldn't be easy. To be fair this drawback really only counts once since the author really did the boys and girls volumes at relatively the same time and with the same format.

Bottom line - Once again even with the potential pricing issue it would be difficult to find another guide that provides such a wealth of information on these series. The detailed history, identification points and full color examples make it a useful guide. A little real market experience will quickly overcome an price determination issues.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information: 2002, 160 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: John Axe
Price:$27.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Toys, O'Brien's Collecting

Click for larger picture

As promised , here is the other of my toy favorites we recently received from Krause. Not coincidentally, they share the same editor.

This book actually makes a nice companion to the previously reviewed Toys and Prices as this guide has its highest concentration on the older, antique, toys while Toys and Prices has a decidedly Collectibles lean.

In fact, as Karen has taken over the reigns from Richard O'Brien she has made a concerted effort to make the Antique slant even more apparent by removing some Collectible categories such as model kits and action figures. Don't worry though, she's also added chapters to make up for the lose while adding considerable detail to some along with more pictures just for fun.

Each of the included categories is overseen by a contributing specialist or expert in that field. A brief introduction to the category is followed by straight forward listings that include values that follow the standard "C" toy grading system showing values for "C6" (good), "C8" (very good) and "C10" (mint).

Many of the sections covered in this guide are either not covered elsewhere or exist in guides long out of print and/or well removed from the current market. Sections of note in this edition include BB guns, catalogs and the most recently added section on mechanical sparkler and plunger toys.

Bottom line - I see no reason at all to remove this one from my must have book list for Antique dealers as it has only improved. Other Collectors and dealers would do well to have this book on hand as well as its coverage is wide and individual sections are as detailed as many books available on the individual subjects. For that reason this guide also places well on my must have guide list for every level of general collector

As I have mentioned, this book is just a plain blast to read and it is one of the few guides that I absolutely read from cover to cover.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 760 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Editor: Karen O' Brien
Price:$29.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Dawn Dolls Official Encyclopedia & Price Guide

Click for larger picture

I've always considered Dawn a little bit hipper than Barbie, even in her hippest days. Let's face it, there has to be something to a doll that makes her debut in a Go-Go dress!

If your into collecting of just reminiscing about your Dawn family dolls than there really isn't any other book to buy.

Despite being virtually the only game in town, this book is extremely complete and well done. Full color pictures throughout illustrate not only the dolls themselves but boxed outfit as well. The identification of the outfits can be of great value to collectors since it is more often than not that Dawn clothing and accessories are found loose, often in combined bags. Identifying the outfits and who they were made for adds to your collection and helps sales too.

Those who aren't too familiar with Dawn or have seen only a doll or two might be surprised how big the Dawn family is. The author provides yet another valuable tool in the form of close-up head shots of Dawn in her various incarnations along with her friends, Angie, Dale, Gloria, Jessica, Kevin, Gary, Van and many other pals.

The author who is an admitted Dawn junkie just can't leave well enough alone and the book goes on to include large sections on little covered Dawn related items such as advertising, included booklets, catalogs, store displays and even copycat items that may fool the novice.

A full price guide at the back of the book includes detailed information on various grades of dolls/items along with factors that may lower value. Each items has a Mint and Mint in box value.

Bottom line - This book is put together equally as well as any other doll encyclopedia I've seen including Barbie's. In fact, it may be given the large number of pictures and accompanying coverage of non-doll items such as advertising.

Barbie who?

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information: 2001, 160 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Benita Schwartz
Price:$24.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Bar Ware, Vintage Identification & Value Guide

Click for larger picture

Finally! A guide after my own heart! Or is it Liver?

Start with one part history, one part patent illustration followed by multiple measures of cocktail shakers, bar tools, serving pieces and ice buckets and you have a concoction to satisfy even the thirstiest bar enthusiast.

Bar items have rarely lost any popularity and value and right now they are super hot along with smoking items. I suspect the recent waves of super conservatism fuel those "rebels" out there who enjoy a vice or two. I've always said that if your going to drink then do it in style. Even if it's just for two there is something much tastier about a drink made with vintage accouterments.

The book includes an amazing amount of background information on the history of the cocktail shaker including probably heretofore unseen patent illustrations for a number of cocktail shakers. The bulk of the guide is dedicated to shakers (both glass and metal) and broken down by company or place of origin.

Each section begins with an equally informative section on the company followed by many full color illustrations of shakers and sets with values noted.

Don't be fooled by my term "bulk of the guide", there are still about 60 pages dedicated to classic bar accessories, serving pieces and other memorabilia. In this section you'll find just about everything from cocktail pick sets, trays, drink stirrers and much more.

Clearly the author is not only an experienced bar ware collector but an experienced buyer/dealer as well. His brief but to the point section on pricing and its pitfalls is one of the honest and one of the better ones I've read.

Bottom line - Your probably lucky that bar ware continues to be very popular and this 1997 guide was revamped in 2000 since this is again one of those guides that may be the only reference material produced on the subject. Don't bet on this guide being reissued again or you may be sorry. If you collect bar ware then this guide is a necessity and waiting may result in paying collector price for the guide itself (yes, it happen all the time). Beautifully put together, this guide serves equally well as a coffee table book for guest to leaf through as they drink their libation.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2000, 239 page hardback, 8 3/4" x 11 1/4"
Author: Stephen Visakay
Price:$24.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Tools Price Guide, Antique Trader

Click for larger picture

I have to say that I can barely hammer a nail in straight but I've always had a fondness for tools. I think I get this mostly from my Grandfather who was the handiest guy I've ever known (with my Mother placing a close second!). His tool chest was always immaculately kept with beautiful tools with polished wood handles. True to my collecting nature I have a large selection of tools that even when I can find them go little used.

This guide focuses on just those tools that my grandfather owned from as early as the 1700's to the mid 20th century.

The guide is broken down by the type of tool such as Drills, Hammers, Machinery and more. In addition to these pricing sections the book includes a brief look at tool collecting including areas to focus on (e.g. company, function, etc.) and trends in the market.

Descriptions for the items are generally very complete and include size, date of manufacture, markings and often additional notes on rarity and the like. Values for the tools are the best possible to have in a guide and represent actual sales results for every tool. Though there are still other factors to consider (e.g. condition, location, etc.) this is absolutely the best base to have in determining the value of other examples. Over 500 pictures are included in Black and White with an additional small color center section. Unfortunately, you really have to hold some of these gems to appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship.

Additional sections at the back of the guide highlight some examples, with values, of tool chests and tool ephemera.

Bottom line - This guide is well put together and highlights most of the major tools collected today for a total of 2000 listings. With actual sale results, the values can't be questioned.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2003, 267 page paperback, 6" x 9"
Editor: Kyle Husfloen
Price:$19.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: My Merry, Collector's Guide to with Values

Click for larger picture

The chances are high that you've seen one or more nondescript pieces from the "My Merry" sets in random boxes at yard sales. However, your chances are significantly lower in finding boxed sets of these make believe/dress-up (mostly) sets.

In fact, many people may be unaware of these sets for the simple reason that they were generally heavily used either by the children themselves or on their dolls. These sets, which were initially produced as doll and dollhouse accessories, were detail oriented with actual, and often name brand, products being included in the sets. Later sets were kid size for great make believe action.

The pre-1960's sets tended to be generic, though charming, sets that included make-up sets, store theme sets and the like to emulate grown-up living. It is after 1963, however, that My Merry introduces cross over collectiblity. Most notable of these sets are Barbie and Skipper make-up and play sets which make up the most valuable Merry sets out there. A close second to these are the paper doll sets which included TVs Donna Reed.

This full color illustrated book is wonderful to leaf through and illustrates some really charming children's toys the likes of which are not seen today with their attention to detail and colorful display. Highly detailed descriptive text includes not only the year of production and the original price but also often lengthily descriptions of the contents. Price guide is located at the back of the book with high and low values.

Bottom line- This book is great if for no other reason than to remind you how great life could be for a kid in the 1950's and 60's. The guide is extremely well put together.

If you had one of these sets or just love their simple play methodology then this may be one of the few places you can see them in their original charming packaging. I have actually never seen a complete set in all the years I've been collecting and selling and very few near complete sets at that.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information: 2001, 160 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Fred Diehl
Price:$24.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Heywood-Wakefield Modern Furniture Identification and Value Guide

Click for larger picture

When you think of "Blonde" furniture you have to think Heywood-Wakefield. No modern decor is complete without at least one piece of smooth line HW furniture. Good news is there's a lot to choose from!

Though modern furniture is not how Haywood Wakefield got it's start it is, generally, what they are best known for and this guide focuses mostly on the mid-40's and 50's pieces. Each page is filled mostly with large Black and White photos that are often full sets from old catalogs. Below these pictures are descriptions that include the pieces original line name, sizing, year(s) of manufacture and any possible finishes that the piece was available in. Again, "Blonde" is a general term used to describe the hard to match light finishes HW was famous for but this color is really called "Wheat" or "Platinum" and other finishes include "Champagne" and "Modern Walnut", to name a couple.

The price guide portion is located by the back and organized by noted model number. Prices reflect a shallow range of retail prices in Mint or Near Mint condition with some brief guidelines for variations.

Bottom line - In case you didn't know, this stuff is valuable! If your going to be buying this relatively high end furniture for your period pad you had better make the small investment in this book.

Although many people know what they like it is often the case that labels on those pieces that aren't clearly stamped are missing and this guide provides a great visual tutorial for some of the lesser know and non-distinct HW pieces.

An additional small, but very useful, piece of information that this guide includes is the amount and size of material needed to reupholster cloth covered pieces.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2004, 352 page paperback, 8 1/4" x 11"
Author: Steve & Roger Rouland
Price:$18.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Antiques & Collectibles, Answers to Questions about

Click for larger picture

Judging from our "Ask Elle" question and answer feature the number of people out there struggling to identify what they have, how much it's worth or how old it is is huge.

Since there are only so many hours in the day it is a case of the more the merrier when it comes to appraisal services. You don't want just anyone, however, you need true experience and Kyle brings that with him after over 30 years working at, now as Editor, "The Antique Trader".

In addition to his other responsibilities, Kyle has been responding to readers in his column "Kyle on Antiques" in the "Trader" since 1995. If your like me (and I hope not!) you have all of his articles since then by virtue of having all of the past issues of "Trader" in your reference library. Since most of you don't, Kyle has compiled hundreds of the best of these inquiries, categorized them and put them all together in one compact book. Every item includes a Black and White photograph which is of the utmost importance not only to the proper evaluation but also to relating it to your items as you read.

Bottom line - If you simply cannot get enough information about Antiques and Collectibles your going to love this jam packed book. For the novice this is a good down to earth top level introduction not only to the fields themselves but also to the process for properly identifying pieces.

General guidelines at the front and elsewhere in the book provide generalizations so you don't get burned by fakes or newer than they appear pieces.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 296 page paperback, 6" x 9"
Author: Kyle Husfloen
Price:$14.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: McCoy Pottery, Warman's

Click for larger picture

Judging by the number of new guides and updated guides being released on McCoy it appears the market is heating up again. It is a pottery that has never really cooled down and continues to make gains in value. Still one of the most affordable of pottery to collect these days it's appeal is greatly enhanced as other higher end pottery lines surpass many peoples checkbooks.

Because of the huge numbers of pieces released by McCoy, capturing them all in one guide is impossible if you hope to lift it without getting a hernia. It is the categories covered and how well they are covered that differentiates a good single volume guide from a bad one. It's quite easy to produce a guide that has very little overlap from others already on the market and it is often the case that a collector will benefit from having more than one on his/her shelves.

This guide features some pieces that I have seen little coverage on in other single volumes and may open the new collector to many other little known items such as lamps, dresser caddies and pet feeders.

Unlike some other single volume McCoy guides, this one does not shy away from providing information on McCoy's cookie jars. There are so many McCoy jars that a guide just for jars is easy to put together. This section provides not just a brief overview but a fairly robust guide unto itself. Included in this section is a focus on some rare jars with values and includes some interesting history on each jar including what differentiates the rare version from the regular, though still valuable, version.

The book is well constructed with the majority of the pages being filled with full color photographs. Accompanying these photographs are descriptions that more often than not provide a wealth of information in addition to the normal sizing and dating information. Production notes, rarity, color variations and historical notes of interest to collectors are just some of the tidbits included in the often lengthily text.

Bottom line - This guide provides a great top level overview of much of the McCoy lines including their cookie jars and serves as a nice single guide for the novice and expert alike. Just because you have another McCoy guide you shouldn't shy away from taking a look at this one with it's unique mix and coverage of McCoy.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 256 page paperback, 8 1/4" x 10 3/4"
Author: Mark F. Moran
Price:$24.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Dolls of the 1960's and 1970's Identification and Values, Collector's Guide to

Click for larger picture

Talk to me about doll collecting and you might see a yawn or two along the way. That is until you get to the 1960's and 1970's, that's when I perk up!

The 1960's and 70's doll offerings went well beyond what most would think of as dolls and these decades are chock full of my favorites, character dolls. Though this guide covers many dolls from these periods it is the character and Pop culture dolls that dominate it's coverage.

I'm certainly no expert on doll manufacturing companies of the time but I could easily believe that the author at least touches on the majority of the producing companies. The guide is organized by manufacturer and over 40 are listed. You'll probably have a hard time trying to actually read this guide since your likely to be mesmerized by the colorful pictures of your pals from the past. I'll through out a few names to wet your appetite and just plain tease you; Casper, Bozo, Poor Pitiful Pearl, Kiddles, Captain Kangaroo, Flatsy, Crissy, numerous television characters, Tammy, Effenbee dolls and so much more.

Once you snap out of your stupor you'll find that the accompanying information, with updated pricing for 2004 of course, often provides additional insight to the collecting world to include important information such as rarity and original clothing and accessories. The latter information is more important than you may think since dolls often show up in different outfits put on during play by their previous owners. Original outfits and accessories always add value and should be taken into account both during purchase and sale.

I actually own the previous edition of this guide and on more than one occasion those unidentifiable, and therefore usually cheap!, estate sale finds have been transformed to money making purchases through their identification from simply slowly leafing through the guide. I shudder to think of the number of these lesser known but valuable dolls that have unfortunately made their way to the dump simply due to lack of knowledge. The fact of the matter is that it's purchase has more than paid for itself.

Bottom line - the sheer coverage of this guide is hard to match and it has great cross-over collector appeal.

If you collect television character toys...you'll want it. If you collect dolls...you'll want it. If you collect Pop culture, yeah you guessed it....you'll want it!

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2004, 271 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Cindy Sabulis
Price:$24.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Fashion Doll Restoration, From Worn to Wonderful Step by Step Guide to

Click for larger picture

Condition is everything when it comes to Collectibles. Often times even minor non-destructive repairs of a good cleaning can enhance your fashion dolls (e.g.. Barbie, Tressy, etc.. and even make them more valuable.

I say non-destructive, however, since you can't just take them into the shower with you and, as ludicrous as that example might sound, you would be surprised how easy it easy to lessen the value or even ruin a doll by improperly repairing or restoring it.

This compact guide begins with a little showing off of actual projects the author has completed on various dolls including the steps taken which are outlined in the chapters to follow. You'll learn some basic steps to clean, removes stains, retouch facial features, repair vinyl damage and even re-root hair and eyelashes.

The general ideology through the guide is try the least potentially destructive methods and then proceed to more extreme methods if the desired results, say for cleaning, are not achieved.

Bottom line - by the time you finish reading this little book you will be well armed with a small arsenal of tips to improve your fashion dolls and with a careful eye for the worst offerings out there you might even find a diamond in the rough that you might have previously passed by.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information: 2001, 96 page paperback, 6" x 9"
Author: Aimee Eckert
Price:$14.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Roseville Pottery, Warman's

Click for larger picture

We've all made mistakes in this business. Whether it's not buying an item(s) that turns out to be a gold mine down the road or by simply selling an item well below it's fair value.

I have a couple of Roseville nightmares to this day.

Many pottery lines can utilize some generalizations that are fairly accurate when estimating value but making those same generalizations within the Roseville lines may spell disaster in the form of lost hundreds of dollars (believe me!!).

Too many of the general pottery line price guides do not provide enough information for determining the Roseville pattern. Too often line drawings or written descriptions are the only reference points given and unless your very familiar with the many designs Roseville utilized it is easy to misidentify what you have. I myself have had a number of pieces that based on my experience automatically made me think Roseville based on the look but it took a good deal of research and time to narrow down whether or not I was right.

Additionally, many of Roseville pieces were actually produced without markings or with foil labels that are, more often than not, missing or worn.

This guide takes a lot of the guess work out of piece identification through the use of over 1500 full color pictures and features over 2000 pieces. A very good start.

The author provides size and glazing notes along with a small value range for each piece. It is noted at the front that many of the values of pieces shown were auction results but individual pricing notes are not given for each piece. Keep in mind that retail values are different than retail values. What I find beneficial with utilizing auction results is that the pieces show some minor defects and sometimes even small repairs, all of which are noted in the descriptive text. This is a reflection of the reality that finding this relatively fragile pottery in mint condition is nearly impossible.

For those pieces that are marked the author provides over 2 pages of marks used by the Roseville company.

Bottom line - while I was reviewing this guide I discovered a vase I had which I had long thought was a lesser line (though I thought attributed to a known artist) was in fact Roseville. Auction value is $250-$300!

It really goes to show you how good an investment a price guide can be. Some might say I should disqualify myself from this one because of my windfall but I think since I'm a collector/dealer as well I have to believe my experience will validate my recommendation of this guide.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 255 page paperback, 8 1/4" x 10 3/4"
Author: Mark F. Moran
Price:$24.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Aluminum, Collectible an Identification and Value Guide

Click for larger picture

Aluminum looks good in almost any decor and its almost a necessity if your decorating in a 1940's or 1950's motif.

This guide provides the largest variety of aluminum pieces and manufacturers I've seen to date. Every piece is pictured with appropriate Black and White pictures and very detailed descriptions. Descriptions Include the manufacturer, when it is known, along with a corresponding hallmark identification number that corresponds with the 10 page listing of hallmark illustrations at the front of the guide.

I have to take exception with many of the values in this guide. Thought the author doesn't identify how the prices are derived (e.g. retail, auction, etc.), many of the prices are even lower than you would expect in a reasonably savvy thrift store or even yard sale these days. He does note that this is purposeful to illustrate how plentiful aluminum pieces are because he feels that retail prices are simply too high for the market but here too I must take exception. Though aluminum is one of the few collectibles that still regularly surface at thrift store their prices have risen, even in the thrifts.

Additionally and realizing that certain name pieces command more than a similar unmarked or lesser known (though nearly identical) piece the disparity between many of them appears significantly overstated to me. Just an example, a hand hammered Italian (Vasco) casserole with lid and ring handles shows a value of $2.

Bottom line - guides can certainly function in a number of ways; as a price guide, as a reference guide or as both.

In terms of a visual reference book on aluminum this is probably the only one in existence, certainly with such a large number of illustrated items and worth having for an aluminum enthusiast. However, as a price guide it appears hit or miss.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2003, 157 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11 1/2"
Author: Everett Grist
Price:$16.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Barbie Structures and Furniture

Click for larger picture

Ah Barbie, she seems so together, so carefree. Did you know she had a mortgage just like the rest of us? What did you think, she was living on the street?

Far from it, as hip as her clothing and friends are her homes and furnishing were equally cutting edge. From 50's modern to over the top Pop, Barbie has seen it all.

Often overlooked or breezed over in other Barbie guides this guides only focus are Barbie's digs and carrying cases from 1961 to 1975.

Blazing color pictures illustrate each set/piece along with a complete itemized listing of all of the original accessories. The back of the guide includes a full listing of sets along with their original stock number and price ranges for Mint and Mint in box values.

Bottom line - not to knock the price guide in this volume, to me this guides real value is in the detailed listing of original accessories which is generally unknown to the vast majority of collectors. With toys in general the original parts list which is often not on the packaging is lost and known only by those few who own or have owned original mint or sealed items.

Knowing the completeness of any collectible is yet another key to knowing the true value.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information: 1997, 144 page hardback, 8 3/4" x 11 1/4"
Author: Marl B. Davidson
Price:$24.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Barbie Doll & Her Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World of Fashion 1967-1972 Price Guide

Click for larger picture

One of the big things holding me back from selling my rather large collection of various Barbie outfits and pieces is simply lacking the documentation for all of the original sets. Coincidentally I just recently made a small score of dolls along with a sizable bag of early outfits. Frustration quickly set in as I scoured the library shelves determined to make a day of putting together my many pieces into sets and partial sets. Certain that I had an appropriate guide I was met with only disappointment after searching for a full hour or more.

Flash forward to the next morning and my preparation for a new book review and, surprise!, there is the guide I had buried deep in my memory. I always strive to review the latest titles from our associate companies so this great guide has sat a little longer than the others. I specially requested it despite its older date since it is as useful now as it was then. This one just might accidentally disappear from the review library!

It may surprise some of you but Barbie outfits, and even pieces of those outfits, often times mirror the vintage value of comparable actual pieces of clothing. In fact, they may often reach the heights of well known designer pieces.

Being the fashion plate that she is, Barbie never did things halfway. Her outfits more often than not included such items as hose, shoes, purses, hats, panties and other accessories and matching pieces that can make a world of value difference. This guide takes the guess work out of knowing a complete from a partial set with its inclusion of every gift set and outfit marketed in the U.S. from 1967 to 1972 including the all important original outfits included with the early dolls.

Campy and fun full color pictures of the dolls wearing the various outfits are accompanied by another picture with the full outfit/accessories laid out along with a bullet listing of those included pieces. The top of the page includes the original stock number, name and year(s) of manufacture. Additional notes are included for super rare finds, color and fabric exceptions and an occasional humorous note by the author who clearly had a ball putting this one together.

The price guide can be found at the back of the book alphabetically by outfit. The guide includes two brief ranges of value; NRFB (never removed from box) and Mint and complete. I'm glad to see that the author took the extra leap to include that second column of values. Too often the Mint or near Mint value is only noted with no mention, or at best a percentage factor, of complete set values which are found much more often than rare boxed sets.

Bottom line - this guide is a must for all toy, doll and collectible dealers and collectors alike. It WILL come in handy some day and the results could be hundreds of dollars worth of what might be overlooked value.

I know from experience. Some time ago I somewhat hesitantly plopped down $60 or so for the "Ultimate Barbie" book which highlights what was then every Barbie and Barbie relative doll with close-up head shots and other information. It was money well spent and I have not regretted it since and have used this book often for subtle information on identifying vintage dolls.

This guide is certainly just such a valuable guide and at a fraction of the the cost. Don't let the earlier publishing date stop you, buy this guide now. Without checking all of the values I believe that they are still well within the current ballpark.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information: 1996, 224 page hardback, 8 3/4" x 11 1/4"
Author: Joe Blitman
Price:$26.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Antiques, Secrets to Affordable

Click for larger picture

Granted the prime motivation for my choosing the path towards Collectibles and Vintage Clothing over Antiques some years ago was the bright energy and life the items (and buyers!) held, one of the other reasons was the sheer cost of purchasing many of the nicer pieces in the Antique world. It became harder and harder to make a decent living as prices continued to rise in many areas.

Much of this book provides the base ideology and methodology to use when shopping for Antiques at a bargain but it also provides lots of basic good advice. I'll share just a couple of these points but suffice to say that the book is heavily peppered with similar advice.

I've said it myself, if everyone held out only for mint examples of items then few of us would have long term success. Accepting some defects in exchange for price/value is an important point in today's market. Again, with prices almost continually on the rise for Antiques it's time to take a look at those not so perfect pieces. We're talking chips and scratches here not completely destroyed examples. Since many dealers still significantly reduce prices for what the author believes to be minor defects, there are many bargains to be found and the items display equally as well or are as functional as their mint counterparts.

Along with some of his basic ideologies the author has an interesting slant on starting out finding the affordable pieces. He advocates a "training" period during which you essentially don't spend more than $35 for all/most items. Sure this limits you to some extent but while your learning how to do it it limits your potential loses significantly. It's sound advice for the beginner, there's lots to learn (always!).

Bottom line - the establishment of the Collectibles market as one unto itself is due in large part to the increasing value/cost of Antiques. However, there are still many bargains and sleeper items out there but you have to know how to find and identify them.

If you want to remain competitive as a buyer or seller then, once again, knowledge is the key. This book provides down to earth advice on finding and buying Antiques on the cheap. I find it to be excellent reading for the beginning buyer.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 296 page paperback, 6" x 9"
Author: Frank Farmer Loomis IV
Price:$17.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Vernon Kilns, Collectible Identification and Value Guide

Click for larger picture

Though I certainly knew the Vernon Kilns name, I had no idea how diverse the offerings of this company were until I opened this guide. From beautiful art pottery to fantastic Disney figures to everyday dinnerware and commemorative plates, Vernon Kilns was there.

The amount of information above and beyond the normal descriptive text, and pricing is staggering. In-depth history of even the most mundane dinner sets is done in great detail as are the indexes which include additional information such as years of production and artists designing the pieces (along with full biographies in a separate section).

In addition to the full coverage of the pieces manufactured the author also takes you behind the scenes of the company providing a detailed history, full listing of marks used and even the manufacturing process. Even though some of this information seems basic, you would be surprised how many similar guides lack even a clear listing of marks.

All of this information is accompanied by the Collector books normal wealth of full color photos on heavy stock glossy pages all hard bound to survive the toll we collectors can take on our library.

Bottom line - this guide is likely to open the eyes of even semi-experienced Vernon collectors with its depth of coverage of the company and the many items they produced. If you collect now your horizons are sure to be broadened.

If you don't then this guide will likely make you wonder why not.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2004, 320 page hardback, 8 3/4" x 11 1/4"
Author: Maxine Feek Nelson
Price:$29.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide, Warman's

Click for larger picture

Warman's general guide has become one of the best at instructing the collector on just how to use their, and other, guides and how their values are determined. More thought is put behind the preface to the guide than most I've come across. In this time of misinformation about values and just plain hype it is important to have a word of warning about what "book prices" really mean in the markets today. Many of these "rules" and caveats to prices in guides are things we've gone over many times before but if your not a regular reader of my reviews or our "Ask Elle" feature (first question is WHY NOT!) then it is well worth reading.

It appears that this edition has included even more photos to accompany the various sections. It's always the hardest task since these large guides cannot possibly include pictures for every items like specialized guides do but Warman's does a nice job of giving you just enough to accompany the descriptions.

Here, too, the descriptions appear to have been made more robust in many cases. When warranted it appears that Warman's now puts down information for particular items until they essentially stand alone. Good descriptions are of the utmost importance in these large guides especially when pictures do not accompany the items.

Warman's overall format is largely unchanged and that's a good thing. Their large print layout includes often lengthily histories of each collecting field, reproduction alerts, additional readings and other notes.

Warman's still maintains most of its focus on the Antiques market (vs. the Collectibles market) but I bring that up for information only, it is not a fault with the guide. Few realize just how new the Collectibles market in and of itself really is. All of the major top level/core price guides are dealing with this change in their own ways. Some opt to produce two separate guides while others begin the slow integration of the two markets.

Bottom line - With another year of improvements in the quality of this guide, instructional information on its use and additional pictures I'm ready to put Warman's on my must have book list for Antique dealers as I threatened at the release of the last edition. They continue to improve and expand their scope.

Collectibles dealers will benefit as well from the guide and I've always held that with money not being an issue most dealers should have all of the better top level guides.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 638 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Editor: Ellen T. Schroy

Price:$19.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Antiques, Schroeder's Price Guide

Click for larger picture

2005 already?? Well it is in the Antiques world and the 2005 general price guides are either well in the works or, in this case, jumping the start gun. If any of them are going to hit the shelves early it's Shroeder's that you want to see.

A long standing member of both my must have book list for Antique dealers as well as must have book list for Collectible dealers its position of honor will remain unchanged.

Holding the 22nd edition right next to the 23rd you might be hard pressed to tell the difference. Same page count. Same great price. Even the covers show similar category pictures.

So what's difference? Well, almost everything. Most of the lead ins to the categories are similar or the same but the similarities stop there. It is the first time I've done as intensive a comparison with this guide as I did this time and I was surprised at just how few old listings were included.

Schroeder's can do this almost complete rework because of their methodology which utilizes a group of experts in the various fields that act as mini editors to the various categories. By breaking up the listings in this manner with often as many as 500 experts (and very arguably so) they are able to pull together an almost total rework year after year. Their methodology is what makes even older editions of this guide a valuable asset.

Since this guide is otherwise the same I invite you to read the last editions review for a summary of the layout and pricing ideology which remains unchanged.

Bottom line - The problem with an icon in the business such as Schroeder's Antiques is that I'm hard pressed to come up with new information to pass along about each successive edition. Sometimes change IS a bad thing.

Why mess around with what continues to be one of the best general price guide for Antiques. Everyone should get this guide but for beginning collectors and dealers it is a must.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2005, 602 page paperback, 8 1/2 x 10 3/4"
Editors: Sharon and Bob Huxford
Price:$14.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Fiesta Ware Identification & Price Guide, Warman's

Click for larger picture

The popularity of Fiesta never seems to waiver for even a second and it remains one of the most recognizable dinnerware lines out there.

This guides format is straight forward and its biggest strength and concentration are the large full color pictures of examples of the various pieces and colors. Broken down by item and size, each section features a brief description of sizes, bottom marks and the degree of difficulty in finding the piece. This is always followed by a breakdown of value with color variations.

Though this guide makes the important distinction between the true vintage pieces and pieces from after the resurrection of the line in 1986 and features most/all of the newer colors, I would have liked to see color swatches next to the text listings for the new colors. The newer pieces are very often a point of confusion for new collectors that can result in paying too much for many pieces.

Bottom line - basic and to the point this guide provides most of the information you need not only to pay a fair price but also not get caught in the new vs. old Fiesta trap.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 256 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Mark F. Moran

Price:$24.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls

Click for larger picture

There is a good chance that your familiar with Nancy Ann dolls and don't know it. Her plastic dolls may appear like many of the other dolls of the period without close inspection of the quality of the outfit and doll itself. The bisque dolls, however, are unmistakably Nancy Ann.

This guide should be subtitled the Nancy Ann Encyclopedia for its sheer completeness in detailing the Nancy Ann lines from the late 30's to the early 60's.

This nicely bound guide features almost 500 pictures and collectors can easily catalog their collection while at the same time dreaming of other unfound beauties. Each picture is accompanied by arguably the most detailed descriptions for dolls I've run across. Some of these descriptions get down to such minutia as the width of a piece of lace trim on the already detailed description of the outfit. I would much rather have too much information than too little and details such as this can really differentiate between condition categories (e.g.. Mint, Very good, etc.) for found dolls and, therefore, their value.

So I don't mislead you with that last statement, there are no values listed for the dolls. This is reference guide not a price guide.

Along with a detailed life story of Nancy Ann and the life of her business, the guide provides reprints of original, and scarce, Nancy Ann furniture patterns so you can make your own accessories for you collection.

Bottom line - I'm probably preaching to the choir if you a Nancy Ann collector since you will undoubtedly already have an edition (or two!) of this guide. Beginning collectors will get a great start with this overview.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information: 2002, 232 page hardback, 8 3/4" x 11 1/4"
Author: Majorie A. Miller
Price:$29.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Restaurant China Identification & Value Guide for Restaurant, Airline, Ship and Railroad Dinnerware Volumes 1 and 2

Click for larger picture

Sometimes I'm simply blown away by how little I really know about Antiques and Collectibles. Sure, I can keep up a glib passing conversation at a party, over coffee or even on the occasional Television or Radio show but from time to time I'm really humbled. Such is the case with these recent guides on commercial or restaurant china ware.

Though I've always been aware of great glass and ceramic restaurant ware from the 50's and 60's and bits and pieces of Railroad and Airline china I simply had no concept on just how broad these categories truly were. It is the publication of guides like this that really keep my blood flowing and interest high in all things Collectible.

It's actually hard to know where to start in describing these guides since they are so jam packed so I guess I will just jump right in.

Volume 1 is dedicated mostly to Airline, Ship and Railroad china but also touches other restaurant areas but saves the majority of this coverage for volume 2.

The introduction materials before each section really get you in the mood for the area covered and feature extended history of the service (e.g. airline),old photos of pieces in use both in Black and White and Color, characteristics and manufacturers, show information as well as other reference materials to check out. By the time you've read and looked at the introductions you ready to travel but you'll have to be content with marveling at how others enjoyed their meals in the past.

If the introductions were the appetizer then the price guide sections are certainly an 8 or 10 course meal. Each page features 6 full color photos of pieces along with dating information, manufacture, stock number and a brief range of value (which will more often than not probably surprise you). With the high quality photos and provided details all the guess work has been eliminated and value determination is a snap.

Within these guides there is really another hidden guide that could stand alone, commercial china markings. The details along with clear photos of markings are as good or better than any other marking guide I've come across.

Volume 2 features almost twice the page count of its predecessor and is organized by commercial china manufacture versus the service area and features 3 full pages or manufactures in the index. Again it is not only the sheer amount of pictures and represented items but also the great accompanying markings pages and historical background that make this guide one that likely will never be able to be beaten. You'll also find a good deal more in terms of advertising and original catalog pages and company history to put everything into perspective.

I was surprised to find little or no overlap between the volumes and when you look in the index, for example, for Railroad china you are referred to Volume 1. A further testament to the completeness of coverage.

Bottom line - These guides are spectacular. The scope of this pair of guides is staggering. Chock full of history, markings and beautiful color pictures they will open a whole new world of collecting both for those who think their "experts" as well as those just starting out.

These kind of pieces are out there, for the most part, in abundance and you can probably still find some nice Flea Market bargains in this category but not if you don't know what to look for. Granted, it's a significant, even daunting, task given that both of these guides are the size of a challenging college course text book but your rewarded for reading them page after page.

Huh?, what do you mean you can't find the Restaurant china guides on the Funk & Junk® library shelves??! I certainly haven't seen them

No.... I don't think there is a need to check my personal library. They wouldn't be there!

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information:Vol. 1 -1998 with update for 2003 values, 367 page hardback, 8 3/4 x 11 1/4"
Vol. 2 -1999 with update for 2003 values, 655 page hardback, 8 3/4 x 11 1/4"
Author: Barbara J. Conroy
Price:$24.95 and $39.95 respectively

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Costume Jewelry Identification and Price Guide

Click for larger picture

You don't have to have your finger on the pulse of the fashion industry as some of us do to know that costume jewelry is once again blazing hot. Simply turn on the television and you'll see these colorful pieces not only on the runway but on all the stars both on the screen and out and about.

The 1940's, 1950's and 1960's pieces are the most talked about right now but the renewed interest is far reaching and all eras of vintage jewelry are heating up. This guide mixes it up just about right for the current market with about 1/4 of the guide dedicated to the previous mentioned costume pieces, both signed and unsigned, and the other 3/4 covering history, stones, foreign pieces and Victorian to Post War modern.

Given what you have to work with, it's hard to get tricky in the make-up of jewelry guides. The key to a good jewelry guide is the inclusion of detailed, full color pictures and firm price points. This guide has them both and the author really puts it on the line with a single price point.

Though she doesn't say particularly what condition the values are based on, one can assume from the close-up photographs that quoted values are generally for excellent to Mint examples.

Bottom line - if you haven't looked at vintage jewelry lately your likely in for a surprise (a pleasant one if you own some!) in terms of the value of even the most basic costume brooch or necklace. Gone are the days of seeing these pieces on a regular basis at thrift stores and yard sales and even though this market has high popularity points and low ones it is the values that rarely dip and almost always increase

If you kicked yourselves a couple of years ago when, once again, everyone wanted costume, you'll do it again soon if you don't jump in sometime. Though old guides may serve as a reference point, you really need a timely one to properly gauge what to pay in the current market.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 224 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Leigh Leshner

Price:$24.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Dolls of the 1960's and 1970's Identification and Values Volume II, Collector's Guide to

Click for larger picture

I was excited when I received a note from my contacts at Collector books after completing the review for volume 1 of this guide that volume II had then just been released. I rarely find a guide that I don't like but some get me more excited than others and the excellent coverage in volume 1 put that guide into that category.

While the review of the first volume of this keeper set is still fresh in your minds I wanted to post this one since these volume should not be separated.

As the author notes in the preface, the inclusion of a good number of the dolls in this volume were to provide that elusive identification and value for dolls that many of us have seen in our collecting travels but knew little about. Having this kind of connection with your audience is what can set your book above the rest. Though I can't really fault them, many authors focus on their own interests and passions rather than the those of the collecting group as a whole. At the risk of exposing my geekiness, Spock said it best, "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few"!

Getting above and looking down at the collecting category puts you in the right place to make a universally useful guide and it's not easy to do right but the author succeeds in a big way.

Both volumes of this guide provide beautiful detailed color photographs of hundreds of dolls and accessories and are great just for leafing through. It is, however, the descriptive text that really shines as it provides little known information on many/all of the original accessories included with the dolls, variations and other tidbits. It is the inclusion of the accessories information that will enable collectors and dealers to put together complete sets with or without the original packaging. Barbie accessories are well documented but few other 1960's and 1970's dolls are and completing a doll with his/her original equipment can significantly increase the value.

Bottom line - the urgency that accompanied my recommendation that you pick up the previous volume of this guide is only increased with the release of volume II.

You are well armed indeed with both volumes in hand and with no duplications you would be foolish to buy one over the other. Keep this one on the eye level shelf for years to come, you'll use it over and over again.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2004, 238 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Cindy Sabulis
Price:$24.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Antiques & Collectibles 2005 Price Guide, Antique Trader

Click for larger picture

20 years in this business is nothing to sneeze at and a celebration is certainly due. Antique Trader celebrates in a way that benefits us all, they revamp their general price guide to include over 5000 COLOR pictures. It is a trend in top level guides that I understand is soon to be followed by the other competing guides. It takes this book from being just a useful guide to something that's just fun to leaf through.

Just because they are starting a new trend with their full color edition doesn't mean they are leaving behind the other great practices that make Trader such a good guide. The addition and deletion of categories to match the ever changing markets is just one of these practices that make this guide a keeper year after year.

I often refer to older editions of this guide for research (taking into account the changing market values of course) since some categories that are covered by Trader are rarely, if ever, covered anywhere else. As an example, this edition has a section on Wedding memorabilia. I've sold Wedding cake toppers for years but this is the first section featuring values for these and a few other miscellaneous wedding items I've never really considered. It is the addition of new categories that keep your eyes open for the new and up and coming items of value.

This years guide also includes Hawaiiana, Horse collectibles, Matchcovers and boxes, Pinball games, Pocket knives and View Master and Tru-Vue.

Bottom line - I know I sound like a broken record ever time I review one of the better top level guides but they are simply a necessity in a well armed library.

With this great 20th Anniversary edition I'm putting this guide on my must have book list for Antique dealers. It is a great guide for Collectibles dealers too but has a concentration in Antiques, as most guides still do. Collectibles dealers will really have to make their own choose on general/top level guides to buy but picking this one would certainly not be a mistake.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2005, 1006 page paperback, 6" x 9"
Editor: Kyle Husfloen

Price:$17.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Celebrity Dolls, Collector's Guide to Identification and Values

Click for larger picture

It's a well known fact that I'm a Pop Culture junkie. In fact, what little I learned in school is slowly being replaced (there is only so much room up there to start with!) by knowledge others might see as frivolous. I have covered my dimwittedness cleverly by getting into this business!

My command of this "useless" knowledge is not without effort, however, and specialized guides such as this one play no small part in the real world dumbing down of me.

With character dolls, face recognition is everything. You need a guide that provides not just a listing but a clear close-up picture for identification. This guide provides provides both.

The clear color pictures also provide important details such as accessories and original clothing for that next "worthless" bag of doll clothing you find at that old couple down the street yard sale.

Three price ranges are listed and the author carefully explains his price determinations and caveats and I have found the vast majority of prices I have reviewed to be well within the market.

Not only do other general toy guides provide only limited information on character dolls but they almost always exclusively cover only Movie and Television related dolls. This guide provides sections on rarely covered dolls such as Historical figures, Biblical characters, Circus stars and other miscellaneous characters. Granted, some of these sections are small but your not likely to see any coverage elsewhere and there are collectors out there willing to buy these dolls.

Bottom line - This guide provides a wealth of details on not just well known character dolls but, more importantly, the lesser known dolls. Not only are some of the dolls themselves and exception but so too are the areas covered (e.g.. historical figures, etc.)

It is the scope of the guide within the relatively small page count that makes it a valuable one.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2002, 182 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: David Spurgeon
Price:$24.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Toys & Prices (Toy Shop)

Click for larger picture

Christmas came a little early for me this year with the arrival of one of my favorite guides, "Toys & Prices". It's not so much that it is a perfect guide, though it's pretty close, but it is just so much fun to leaf through. It literally takes me weeks to properly digest this guide and I love every minute of it.

This edition somehow adds about 60 pages to its already hefty guide to include another 1,000 toys. The last two editions together added over 6,000 toys and I hope this guide becomes too heavy for me to carry someday.

The evolution of this guide doesn't stop with the addition of new toys, categories and pictures but also with its design and direction.

A bit more finessing of the page design and headers makes the guide even easier to read. This may seem like a small point but with a guide of this size that includes so many listings it can be a chore to easily find and read relatively small listings. With the headers at the top of the page and additional chapter bars on the sides you can more easily navigate not only to the chapter but to the page closest to what you want based on the header text that now indicates the last entry on the current page.

Toys & Prices has also taken another step towards focusing this guide mostly on Baby Boomer era toys. Ms. O'Brien accomplishes this not by eliminating value listing per. se. but, instead, breaking out the listing between this guide and "O'Brien's Collecting Toys". When Karen took over the reigns from Richard O'Brien she didn't waste any time in putting her own individual touch on both of these guides. Now more than ever both guides are distinct and necessary. If you want earlier, pre-World War II listings then Collecting Toys will be the guide to grab. If you like me, however, the O'Briens have cleverly roped you into buying two guides!

Bottom line - If there is a King of the Hill competition for my must have guide list for every level of general collector and my collectibles dealer must have list then this guide is a strong contender.

My recommendation for this guide goes unchanged yet another edition....buy it, covet it, absorb it!

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2005, 824 page paperback, 7" x 10"
Editor: Karen O' Brien
Price:$19.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Sheet Music, The Reference and Price Guide

Click for larger picture

I always stop to at least briefly rustle through a stack of sheet music if I come across it for one main reason, cross-over collectibility. Sheets with sellable themes (Patriotism for example), Movie stars and Movie tie-in and cartoon characters have appeal well beyond the realm of sheet music collecting.

For a devout sheet music collector, however, it becomes a little more complicated. Often times the focus is on the musical performer or composer and even the cover artist.

The truth is that the vast majority of fairly common sheet music has yet to see a real boom and can still be found in the $0.25 to $10 range but, as is the case with other guides, it is that extra leap of knowledge that allows one to make a profit or snag a rarity for his/her collection.

This guide is designed as a useful tool and dedicates itself mostly to listing as many titles as possible utilizing an understandable chapter organization for collectors. There are a few nice color pictures here and there but this is not a retrospective of the field.

The bulk of the guide is a straight forward listing by song title, the most obvious of searches you would do in the field. It is the back section, however, that focuses on the serious sheet music collector who has begun to specialize his/her collection in some of the above mentioned categories.

The last 60 pages of the guide delve further into the various breakdowns within sheet music; Cover artists, Performers and composers and various collected categories.

These sections essentially act as a cross reference to the named and priced sheets in the front alphabetical listings and, together, make the guide useful for whatever reason you may collect sheet music. The authors have taken this one step further and have made these cross reference notes in the alphabetical section as well so you can see if a sheet has, for example, a notable artist doing the cover or somehow ties into a collecting category such as Black memorabilia.

Bottom line - The fact that you can buy sheet music for very little doesn't mean it isn't valuable. The fragile nature of such paper collectibles only help to insure the value of good examples that are preserved by the collector or dealer. Additionally, because it is a relatively affordable collectible with great visual appeal it makes for a great starter collection for children and adults alike. You'll generally be spending very little but with this guide in hand you'll know when you happen onto the real bargains and why one is more valuable than another.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 1995 with 2004 Values, 319 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Anna Marie Guiheen & Marie-Reine A. Pafik
Price:$19.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Tammy and Her Family of Dolls Identification & Price Guide

Click for larger picture

Tammy...how does she stand up with that oversized head of hers? Collectors just don't care, it's part of her look, her appeal, her uniqueness. Many of you who see the accompanying picture might just be making the first name to doll connection but I'm sure you've seen her before. Tammy is one of those dolls that is easily passed by for lack of knowledge in the doll line.

Like many of Hobby House books offerings, this guide is a compact but fully packed edition and includes Tammy and her whole family and gang. The book includes some color pictures, mostly for important head shot identifications, but mostly Black and White.

The first section of the book is devoted to the family tree and includes the aforementioned color head shots with boxes along with the critical details such as height and head and back markings.

However, the greatest value of the guide (and I'm guessing the author agrees given that he has devoted a third of the pages to it) is the section detailing the fashion sets. As with many action figures and dolls, the details of what was included with the various clothing sets is often very elusive and critical to completing a set and increasing the doll's or set's value. As a long time collector, the author is able to provide many pictures of original package sets that clearly show the smaller details of what came with the various outfits. If you collect Tammy then you'll likely pony up just for this section alone.

Additional pages include commercially available clothing patterns, books, paper dolls, carrying cases, games and more followed by a brief pricing guide for the previous pages.

Bottom line - A book like this just goes to show you how valuable even older edition of a guide can be. Check me on this but I believe you will find that any search on the ground or on the Internet will reveal that this is the ONLY such guide in existence. Truth is that the market for Tammy has changed very little so even the pricing in this guide has a decent foundation. Together with a little comparison market research this guide will come in as handy now as it did in the 90's.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Hobby House Press Inc.
One Corporate Drive
Grantsville, MD 21536
Consumer Orders: 1-800-554-1447
Retailer Orders: 1-800-554-1447 ext 1239

Book information: 1995, 128 page paperback, 6" x 9"
Author: John Axe
Price:$14.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Head Vases Identification and Values

Click for larger picture

Many, if not most, of the things I collect I do so for their "look" and displayability. It's part of the reason that I became a dealer, my focus was so broad (i.e.. anything that LOOKS cool) that I had to have a way to filter out collections from time to time. I've done more than one stint with head vases that's for sure and they, in turn, have spawned other semi-related collections. Head vases are great because they are relatively small but look fantastic when you have even the smallest grouping.

Prices for head vases have gone up dramatically over the years and they are very popular again right now. Even with the few years between pricing I believe this guide is still a decent gauge on the current market as no significant changes in pricing have occurred overall in the last couple of years. Supply has helped to keep the latest prices somewhat stable as there are a good deal of the more common vases available on the current market. But, like with any collectible or Antique, knowing the rare versions give you the upper hand with most dealers.

After a brief introduction the guide starts with page after page of rows of head vases in close up color photographs. In fact, less than 5 pages are devoted to anything else including the price guide portion.

This is a very complete guide and if your like me you'll be surprised by the variety of head vases available. Despite the more recognizable woman and teenager head vases, 60 pages are devoted to the lesser known varieties that include; Famous people, Oriental theme vases, Religious theme vases, Clowns (a personal favorite!), Art Deco, Men, Children and more.

Bottom line - I think collectors will want to have this if for no other reason than to have a classic checklist for their collection. Good luck filing it! Dealers and collectors out to make a few bucks will benefit from the highlighted rarities than can bring as much as eight to ten times the value of the average vase. Though brief, the price guide includes all the pictured vases and their values.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 1989 with 2002 Values, 141 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Kathleen Cole
Price:$14.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Depression Glass, Warman's Field Guide

Click for larger picture

I'm a really big fan of these recent "Field Guides" being produced by Krause and I'm excited to hear that many more are in the works. These guide provide an amazing amount of detailed information about the field it is addressing while maintaining a pocket size so you can easily have a number of them on hand while your out shopping for that next acquisition.

Depression glass is a HUGE subject. Even the most basic of generalized price guides devotes a large percentage of its pages to Depression glass. The patterns appear endless. This is an area that I would have certainly attacked with this guide and, prior to reading it, it seemed like a likely point to bring up. That was before I saw how gracefully this little handful deals with the patterns.

The guide includes 25 pages of thumbnail shots of Black and White depictions of Depression dish patterns. With six or more to a page and two sides to a page they easily tackle known patterns. Additionally I might have to say that the way this guide, and Warman's in general, deals with the patterns is refreshing. The thumbnails are organized not by pattern name as is so often done in Depression guides but, rather, by the objective look of the pattern. For example, if the plate has flowers on it you will find it under the "Florals" section and the same is true for geometrics such as diamonds and squares. What has often been overlooked in the past is that a large percentage of the readers of Depression guides are not familiar with the names of the patterns, hence their reason for purchasing a guide.

Taking the audience into account when producing any price guide is critical and makes the difference between a volume of information for information sake and a truly useful guide. Warman's is an old hand at it.

Once armed with the pattern name, it's a breeze to find the value of your piece in one of the brief, but complete, price listings. Color examples of the pattern accompany every section just as a double check.

Bottom line - Frankly I'm not a big fan of Depression glass anymore, it's a little too traditional for my changing tastes these days as I leave more and more of the day to day Antique world behind for the joyful Collectibles world. I rarely look for it these days though I do see what appear to be great deals in my travels. I simply don't know enough on the spot to take the shot to make a few bucks even though I'm well aware of it's popularity.

This guide has renewed my interest since I can simply put this in the glove compartment and easily consult it when I come across a large lot and determine just how good a deal it is. I can't do that with any reliability with any full size guide. Which one(s) do you take and you can't take too many because they take up too much room where Collectibles and Antiques should rightfully go.

Ease of use, completeness and pocket size, it is likely to be the best $12.99 you'll spend whether your a casual collector, veteran dealer or simply a bargain hunter trying to make a few extra bucks.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2005, 510 page paperback, 4 1/4" x 5 1/4"
Author: Ellen T. Schroy
Price:$12.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Barbie Fashion Vol. 1, 1959-1967

Click for larger picture

At the risk of sounding sexist, Barbie is one woman who just can't complain about having nothing to wear. Her wardrobe is endless and, since she never ages, always hip. Hip is a good term for the outfits encompassed in this volume but with the period covered being 1959 to 1967 I guess a better choice would be start at Hep and finish with Hip and Groovy.

The trading in major character doll / action figure outfits is a huge business and one, strangely enough, that many people don't pursue. Perhaps it is because collecting outfits is a bit more tricky than collecting the easily recognizable dolls instead. Plus even if you do see the odd piece at a yard sale, show or shop and recognize it you still need to identify it and the full set it came with to really reap the value. Let me tell you, those values are nothing to sneeze at either with many unboxed and mint complete outfits easily reaching $100 and more. Yes, that's without a box and I've even lowballed it a bit!

I never get tired of guides like this and they are always welcome on our library shelves. No matter how much short term dust they may accumulate, they have always paid for themselves at some point in time. This guide is probably more aptly titled Barbie and Ken Fashion as there is a wealth of Ken outfit information as well as bits and pieces of the other Barbie family members in its pages.

There is not a whole lot of tinkering you can do with the tried and true layout of doll clothing guides, just follow the formula and you'll be successful. This guide does just that. Full color pictures are a necessity and this guide doesn't disappoint and usually limits itself to 2 per page for a large format picture. Accompanying each picture is a detailed description of just what your looking at along with the name of the outfit / package and product number. The author keeps the descriptions from being dry by writing them with a little of her own personality and comments. Last, but obviously not least, you need a decent price guide. This guide is at the back of the book by page number and states the Mint price with percentage calculations to get to various other grades and states of completeness.

Bottom line - True Barbie collectors shouldn't need any prodding but, as I mentioned, the collecting / selling of outfits is very often overlooked by even the most saavy of collectors and dealers. This guide will help you to tap into a market where, with a little knowledge for this guide, you can still find valuable gems in dusty yard sale boxes (my personal favorite!) and miscellaneous bags in thrift stores.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 1990 with 2004 Values, 255 page hardback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Sarah Sink Eames
Price:$24.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Plastic Jewelry, Collecting Art

Click for larger picture

When I accidentally received two copies of this guide from the publisher/author and they told me just to give it a good home, I already had a home in mind (wink wink). With the popularity in new jewelry made from old broken Bakelite and other plastic jewelry, it's nice to see that there are some original pieces still out there!

The thing that sets this guide apart from a number of others on the market is the photography. Each page is dedicated to usually no more than a few pieces so you get close-up brilliant color shots. It's could easily be a coffee table book if not for the prices noted.

The front of the guide provides a brief history of the types of plastic used in this colorful and fun jewelry along with a short history on a number of the important designers of early pieces. Values are given for every piece pictured (over 375!!) and since they relate to the clearly shown piece, evaluating lesser (you probably wont find greater) rated pieces is easily accomplished.

Bottom line - I'm torn between recommending this book as an art book or a plastic jewelry price guide. Oh well, I'm recommending it, you pick your reason.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2005, 256 page paperback, 8 1/4" x 10 3/4"
Author: Leigh Leshner
Price:$24.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Fenton Glass, Warman's Identification and Price Guide

Click for larger picture

If survivability lends any credibility to popularity and quality then the Fenton Glass company certainly fits the bill. The company has learned to roll with the punches and develop lines dedicated to the tastes of the times. From the creation of the Fenton company by two brothers 100 years ago to the vastly popular, and then affordable, Carnival glass by yet another Fenton brother venture to their current sales that even include QVC, Ebay and their own web site it certainly appears that Fenton is here to stay.

Their 100 year anniversary is just the right time for this guide and with a company that continues to produce items it is very important to learn the differences between old and new as well as the often vast differences in values/prices. This guide takes just that tact by breaking down the pieces by 20 - 30 year increments to include the current years.

Each section includes a brief introduction with history and background of the pieces of the day but is dedicated mostly to pictures of various examples in full color. Values as determined by a small panel of long time collectors and dealers are includes along with dates, sizes and, on occasion, additional notes.

The period of 1980 to 2005 includes a brief, but concise, market trend analysis and this section is followed by a very detailed listing of Modern Fenton pieces in a text format along with issued price and current collector value.

Bottom line - If you collect glass you WILL come across Fenton glass whether you like it or not. It's also likely that with such a vast selection that appeals to many tastes, you'll like some or all of it.

Sure, it's all nice but is it old, new rare or currently available? This guide, together with the noted Fenton web site will certainly give you a leg up on determining these important differences.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Krause Publications
700 East State St.
Iola, WI 54990-0001
(800)-258-0929 (consumers), (888)-457-2873 ext. 880 (retailers)

Book information: 2004, 255 page paperback, 8 1/4" x 10 3/4"
Author: Mark F. Moran
Price:$24.99

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing

Title: Cigarette Lighters Identification and Values, The Big Book of

Click for larger picture

O.K., so we all know smoking is not cool but the accouterments sure are! There are ashtrays, humidors, cigar cutters, match safes, advertising material and, my favorite, lighters.

Smoking certainly wasn't frowned up in the past, in fact, it was encouraged by the companies and the smokers themselves who knew little of the harm to follow. Few houses in the 1920's through 1950's were without a box (not cardboard but a nice ceramic, etc. box!) of cigarettes nearly displayed on their coffee table for all to partake. Decorative lighters were a must for the proper home and as more and more people got hooked they needed more portable means of carrying and lighting their smokes with flair. There was no shortage of companies willing and able to fill all of their home and travel needs!

The fact is, then as it is now, that if you do smoke then you want cool stuff to do it with and this book highlights a nice selection of lighters and a few other smoking related items. It does a good job of showing just how many varieties and potential collecting niches there are within the lighter category for collector's and dealers to delve into.

If your into this stuff even the slightest bit you'll love leafing through page after page of full glossy color pages of lighters along with a brief description, manufactured "name" (if known), dimensions and values. The author fails to mention how these values are derived but most appear to be right inline with current retail values. Many lighter variations are covered including advertising, figurals, decorative, sets, table lighters, cigarette cases, and much more.

Bottom line - Smoking collectibles are very much an up and coming collecting category.

The truth is that very little smoking related materials (at least cool ones!) are being manufactured, nor have they been for many years. Your actually already a little too late to make a killing in the game but there is still future value to be had with smoking paraphernalia. I believe it to be particularly true with lighters simply due to their practical use.

Values vary greatly and it is one of those categories that without a guide of some sort you are likely to pass a relatively higher dollar piece by not realizing that it may be severely under priced as is the case with many non-specialized dealers who still see little value in them. Arm yourself!

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: Collector Books
P.O. Box 3009
Paducah , KY 42002-3009
Orders: (800) 626-5420

Book information: 2005, 205 page hardback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: James Flanagan
Price:$29.95

Choose another review by Title

Choose another review by Date Posted

Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing