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Title: Antiques & Collectibles Price List 2005, Kovels'

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I had to do a double take when I got the latest Kovel's price guide when I saw that I had yet to review a single edition of this long running general price guide. How did it happen?

This dynamic duo, Ralph and Terry Kovel, has been around for years and could be considered pioneers in the publishing of price guides, starting early and producing over 90 books (with multiple editions) on a number of subjects. They are, however, probably best known for this guide with it's mass appeal and record run. Very few dealers are without at least a few running editions of this guide.

This guide has changed it's layout very little over the last 10 years and they have always shot for the most listings without making you go blind as they could. Don't let the layout fool you though, there are still not only over 400 pictures and a feature color center section but most categories begin with a concise history of the category.

Kovel's guides are one of the better general guides for tracking the values within a category. Some might call it a drawback but Kovel's updates item values from previous editions in addition to adding and subtracting items. This is useful to anyone who is tracking the individual markets either for the purposes of buying (when prices dip) or selling (when prices/popularity rises). Many beginning collectors overlook this analysis but it can make a great difference not only in amassing an impressive collection without going broke or, conversely, selling a collection for top dollar. You can make collecting as simple or as complicated as you want.

Whether it is a case of simply being too involved for too long in the Antiques world (versus the ever emerging Collectibles world) I believe the Kovel's, and others with similar backgrounds, undervalue many of the Collectibles categories in this guide. Actually, this is not their fault. Values in this guide are derived from dealers ASKING prices and, on occasion, auction results.

Not only is this important in and of itself is using the guide but it also reflects the fact that there are, to date, very few experts or even full time dealers in Collectibles. Again, this point is not a bad thing since the focus, by there own admission, is clearly heavily slanted towards the Antique markets but important when purchasing a guide depending on your interests and/or business.

The introductory pages of this guide are very well written without being wordy. They provide a history not only on the evolution of the guide's current edition but the markets as a whole as well and the changing trends.

Bottom line - Once again it bears repeating that with only a handful of good top level guides you should probably have most of them in your library if you can afford to do so. Kovel's guide has a long running history that simply can't be overlooked and it is the preferred guide of many collectors and dealers alike.

Those interested in analyzing and capitalizing on market trends will definitely be interested in getting on the Kovel's bandwagon and trying to scrounge up a few older editions to get a jump start. Collectibles buyers and dealers should be aware that though both the title of the guide and it's content include Collectibles, they are a minority.

All readers should read the informative front section and be aware that some of the prices in this guide are dealer asking prices that may, or may not, reflect the true market value.

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

Book information: 2005, 892 page paperback, 5 1/4" x 8"
Authors: Ralph and Terry Kovel
Price:$16.95

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Title: Civil War Collectibles, Warman's Field Guide

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I have left most of my Antique dealer hats on the shelf but I must confess I've always had a secret passion for Civil War collectibles. I've never owned any, I don't really have any books on them and I rarely shop for them. However, when I get a spare moment I spend a good deal of time in the Library racks reading about Civil War collectibles. Is this healthy? But I digress...

Warman's really has taken a simple concept and made it into something big with there line of field guides. Compact, deceptively complete and easy to carry a number of them at one time even in the most packed of shopping caravans. I have yet to receive one that has disappointed regardless of the subject matter.

This guide is no exception and though I have already said I'm no expert by any means I most certainly have read my share of Civil War guide books and this little guide does as good as and even better than some previous guides I have run across.

As I mentioned, these guides can be very deceptive. Even though I can hold it in the palm of my hand, the guide includes over 1,500 listings and over 350 pictures (and they're in color!). 12 different chapters feature individual categories and always begin with a detailed history of the category along with collecting hints and other advice about the individual items market. There are further breakdown of items within the category when appropriate. Descriptions for many of these items are a history lesson in themselves and you get far more than a basic description of the item.

The guide finishes of with a glossary of civil war terms along with quite a number of pages listing resources so you can find the stuff when the itch hits.

Bottom line - Even if your like me and just curious, the $12.99 price tag on this guide (and all in this series so far) make it difficult to make a mistake.

Civil war enthusiasts and collectors alike are likely to find something useful in this guide with it wide range of coverage in a compact package.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: KP Books
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: John F. Graf
Price:$12.99

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Title: Paper Dolls of the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's Identification & Value Guide

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When I got this guide I had no idea just how many Paper doll sets had been released since the 1960's! I mean it's like some sort of underground community for god's sake.

Along with a great span of coverage from Debbie Reynolds to Punky Brewster, the author has really done her homework (and shopping!). Of course you get the normal guide details that include Publisher, date of manufacture, product number and value but take what might be a cut and dry guide and improves upon it.

The full color picture not only gives you a clear picture of the set but there is also at least one interior page picture per listing that provides a nice peek inside.

Finally the descriptions really show some effort and love for the field and often includes very enjoyable, and detailed, history of the sets that include Television shows, movie stars, Comic characters, generic sets and Barbie and other dolls.

Bottom line - This guide provides a profusely illustrated looks at the evolution of Paper Doll sets from the 1960's to the 1980's and is equally entertaining as it is informative.

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

Book information: 2005, 319 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Carol Nichols
Price:$24.95

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Title: Bottles, Warman's Field Guide

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Bottle collecting for pure visual appeal is great, it's the best reason to collect - because you like the stuff. However, collecting for profit in this category can be very tricky indeed with a secondary market filled mostly with relatively low valued bottles. Differences between the affordable and seriously valuable bottles within bottle categories can be very slight and hard to discern for the novice.

This is yet another category well suited to being included in the "Field Guide" series. You'll see examples at almost every show, auction or co-op you visit.

As I alluded to, the guide (and the field itself) is broken down into small categories. There are too many to fit all of them in this compact guide but with 19 categories and 1,500 listings it will surprise you.

As with all guides in this series they add a compact yet complete introduction to the collecting of bottles to include bottle basics (parts by name), Sources, handling and much more. The introduction is followed by the various small breakdowns which includes; Beer, Bitters, Flasks, Fruit jars, Poison, Soda and even Avon and Jim Beam. Though not ever item is pictured, most descriptions are more than sufficient for differentiating and identifying the bottles with the included color, size, date and distinguishing "tooling" of the bottle itself.

Bottom line - with the "Field Guide" series getting bigger and bigger it is increasingly difficult for me not to sound like I'm repeating myself. The truth with the series, including this guide, is that if your reading the review or ordering it on KP Books web site your interested and for $12.99 regrets are unlikely. The further truth is that this broad statement has been unnecessary to date as this guide, and the others I've reviewed so far, are great stand-alone guides with the added value of traveling easily with you.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: KP Books
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: Michael Polak
Price:$12.99

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Title: Cookbooks, Collector's Guide to Identification and Values

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Everyday usefulness is something I always look for in a collectible and when you can add low cost and relative ease of finding new acquisitions then you have my kind of category.

Cookbooks are certainly one of those categories that hits upon all of these value added features. In addition to their obvious everyday use, many cookbooks can still be found in Thrift stores and yard sales in a day when finding any true collectible in these locations is a rarity. Starting a collection is easy and affordable while still holding out some choice, valuable, books for you to aspire towards.

Having said all that you had better not wait too long. A general rule of thumb is that new guides are generally published when there is an emerging market for the item(s) or when a market, and it's values, is heating up. Cookbooks have been a collectibles category for many years though overlooked by a large percentage of the collecting community. Overlooked no longer, this market is starting to heat up partially due to the collectibles boom as a whole as well as the affordability of getting a collection together. Plus, they are just plain fun!

This guide will provide new and old collectors alike a nice overview of books available in a variety of categories. The guide is broken down into a large "General Cookbook" section that includes almost 90 pages but is then followed by some specialized sections; "Local and Regional Cookbooks" (my personal favorites, put out by churches, clubs and other organizations to raise funds), "Culinary Arts Institute" books and "Pillsbury" (including regular and Bake-Off books).

The first few section include all of the publishing information including publishing date, author and page count along with values based on online sampling. As the author mentions in his well organized introduction section, the prices you see in the market will vary from this single point sampling in both directions. You'll be treated to representative color pictures on the sides of every page to keep your eyes fed as well as your mind.

The Culinary Arts and Pillsbury sections go a few steps further and provide some really detailed background and history that even most seasoned collectors wont know about. Additionally, the author provides a rarity guide in addition to the previously mentioned book information for all editions produced. Experienced collectors will find these to be the most valuable sections in the guide and novice collectors will be overwhelmed by the information they will acquire about their new passion.

Bottom line - this guide provides something for all levels of collector in this blossoming collecting category.

Delicious!

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

Book information: 2005, 221 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Frank Daniels
Price:$24.95

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Title: Fishing Lures, Classic Identification and Price Guide

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Readers of this feature may not realize the KP Books not only is the largest publishers of books on Collectibles but has an enormous amount of books published on hunting, fishing and the outdoors in general. Next time you stop by the site take a look at their "Outdoors Bookstore" selection under books. Sometimes these areas overlap and, in this case, both fishing fanatics as well as collectors will enjoy this guide.

If your just a leisure fisherman your in for a real education and you'll probably take a second look in your tackle box after reading the lengthy introduction into the field that includes the definition of "classic" as it applies to the lures listed, value details and dating techniques.

The guide is broken down into sections with half of the guide devoted to arguably the "Big Six" major companies producing lure followed by other section by region of the country for other small company offerings.

You'll be struck first by the quality and close-up detail of the full color pictures which will leave little question with regards to identification. The accompanying descriptions are, more often than not, quite lengthily and include interesting historical and collecting information along with specific details about the lure pictured.

Values are based on lures in excellent or better condition and actual sales information observed by the author is utilized in determining the brief value range quoted for each lure.

Bottom line - though weekend fisherman are likely to be embarrassed to even open their tackle box after seeing the offerings in this guide, it will certainly give them the means to do a makeover. Intermediate and experienced collectors alike will appreciate the coverage provided to a full range of lures from the big six to the smallest of producers by region. Real world values keep the prices listed well grounded.

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

Book information: 2005, 368 page paperback, 8 1/4" x 10 3/4"
Author: Russell E. Lewis
Price:$27.99

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Title: Advertising Memorabilia, Antique & Contemporary Identification & Value Guide

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You may recognize Mr. Summer's name from a previous review of his Coca-Cola price guide. It appears that Mr. Summers, like myself, has a certain compulsion that he has sought to legitimatize by publishing price guides (just as I have by becoming a full time dealer!). Sorry, B.J., we can see right through you, you just gotta have all the wonderful stuff you find. Sure it starts with Coca-Cola but then Coke relates to advertising...which relates to signs... which relates to...well you get the idea.

Granted, he does do a better job than most (as I hope I do too!) and his guides are well laid out and provide highly detailed price information.

Most pages include 6 to 8 color pictures of items which are listed simply from "A" to "Z" along with another 20 or so items listed with clear descriptions and sizing. There is no specialization in the advertising medium covered and you'll find a true reflection of the available market whether you have $5-50 to spend or thousands. This makes the guide useful and fun for all collecting levels and provides both very affordable starting points as well as true gems to set your collection above the rest.

Where Summer's guides tend to take that extra step is with regards to the values listed. As we all know, price guides derive "value" from a variety of methods from auctions to actual sales prices. All of these have there own potential pitfalls. Even actual sales prices can be tainted by the area of the country they are realized in. However, all of these values all still legitimate price points to consider and the key to a good guide is knowing how the author derives his/her prices.

This guide includes price codes next to the values listed and correspond to values placed on the item by a collector (usually an very experienced one), dealer determined retail value (asking prices that may or may not be realized) and actual action values. This additional information is the best of both worlds for guides since limiting your values to any one of these also limits the items you can include or, at best, leaves a lot of speculation with regards to "value".

Bottom line - the inclusion of pieces at all price points and detailed price point (retail, auction, etc..) information make this guide a useful one for those just making the leap into this broad market or experienced collector's looking to expand the advertising items they collect.

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

Book information: 2005, 363 page hardback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: B.J. Summer
Price:$29.95

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Title: Jewelry, Warman's Field Guide to

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How about carrying a million dollars in your coat pocket? Sorry, the best I can do is provide the guide to finding the million. At least the fitting in the pocket part is true!

Even the value of costume jewelry has skyrocketed recently making such a guide more important than ever when you out in the field. The latest edition of this field guide includes not only a new author but also a more diverse selection of pieces. This guide covers American Painted Porcelain, Antique Jewelry, Costume Jewelry, Modern Jewelry (1920's-1960's), Art Plastic Jewelry and even watches featured in jewelry.

Following the tried and true format of all of Warman's field guides, this guide provides over 400 close-up color photographs and too many listings to count (certainly in the hundreds).

Bottom line - I searched this guide desperately for a few pieces I could actually afford. Finding very few (ok, so I'm poorer than most!) I realized that I have to squeeze yet another of Warman's field guides in my already overstuffed glove compartment. Jewelry collecting is growing faster than I can keep up with and it is hotter than ever.

Having already put two of these guides to profitable use, I'm certain that this guide will not disappointment me as I become reacquainted to the jewelry market. I'm certain that my experience is not a unique one and that this affordable guide will serve equally well to collectors of all levels.

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

Book information: 2005, 512 page paperback, 4 1/4" x 5 1/4"
Author: Leigh Leshner
Price:$12.99

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Title: Radios Identification and Values, Collector's Guide to Antique

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There are many collector's who swear that the experience of listening to anything on a tube radio is a unique one with a sound that cannot otherwise be duplicated. Having a modest collection of old radios myself, I tend to agree. Radios have remained one of the most affordable distinct display items for many years and placing an old radio in any room is likely to not only change the overall look but also start many a conversation among your visitors.

With over 10,000 listings, it shouldn't be hard to find a manufacture, style or look you would like to collect. The guide provides detailed reference by company and includes wooden, Bakelite, Tombstone, console, table...we'll you get the idea. If it ever played music it is likely in this guide.

The guide begins with a introduction to the field along with pricing ideology and a detailed terminology and abbreviation guide. The latter guides bear reading so that the detailed, but jargon laden, description will hit home. I own a few of the editions of this guide and my only personal wish list is for more pictures as the ones provided, although numerous, leave you wanting for more.

Average price range that includes a conglomeration from values in all venues including flea markets, auctions, individual advertised sales and even radio shows. Though the ranges are modest it is important to realize where the bottom value will tend to be and where the top values will be realized. Market experience will become a necessity with this guide since not all radios will necessarily reflect values from all venues. With a heavy reliance on, for example, auction values for a particular model the non-experienced collector might tend to shy away from the same model priced in a retail setting.

Bottom line - you don't get to produce six editions of any guide without doing something, and probably almost everything, right. My nod is only confirming the mass acceptance of this guide as a valuable resource.

With the including of "average" pricing references, real market experience should also be combined with the reading of this guide to get your best buy.

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

Book information: 2005, 320 page hardback, 8 1/2" x 10 3/4"
Author: John Slusser & the staff of Radio Daze
Price:$24.95

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Title: Hunting Collectibles Identification & Price Guide, Classic

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If your looking for a real challenging hunt, try a safari for hunting Collectibles.

Almost everything listed is scarce for one reason or another. A large portion of the guide is dedicated to various paper or cardboard items. Between the World War paper drives, intended use and the sheer fragile nature of the various posters, envelopes, calendars and other paper items survivability is a key factor to the significant values of these often beautifully illustrated items.

Almost equally as scarce are some of the other covered items such as advertising fobs, medals and awards, pinback buttons and stickpins and even shipping crates and other packaging items. Again, due mostly to their intended use, many of these items have either completely deteriorated or have been tossed out long ago. Of course, this is the key to a valuable collectible and some of the market values will have you scouring your grandfathers garage or attic for anything hunting related. The smallest of items can easily translate into hundreds of dollars.

The guide is picture driven (over 1000 of them!) and if your not aware of these Collectibles, your due for a treat. Masculine maybe but the graphics are beautiful never the less with illustrations by many well know illustrators of the time. Brief descriptions accompany the great graphics along with values. Unfortunately the author does not indicate how the values are derived and this might cause the beginner a little initial confusion as he mentions all venues in the preface.

Bottom line - niche' Collectibles such as this almost require a beginning collector to seek out a price guide. Without doing so they risk not only selling too cheap but also passing up relatively "expensive" items that may, in fact, be bargains despite the high ticket price.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: KP Books
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 11"
Author: Hal Boggess
Price:$24.99

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Title: Garage Sale & Flea Market Annual

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The last edition of this guide I reviewed I was pleasantly surprised at the direction it had taken towards dedicating itself towards the Collectibles market almost entirely. The trend within other generalized price guides of concentrating on primarily the Antiques market or, at best, Collectibles as a subcategory within the Antiques market continues in large part. This guide is well poised to become the go to guide with regards to the booming Collectibles market.

The introductory section of this guide provides a good basic introduction along with advice on buying and selling as well as determining the relative value of your items based on lesser/greater condition versus the values listed in the guide which generally reflect a specific condition. The layout of the guide itself is a straightforward one with basic descriptive text, condition and sizing along with a value. Though most of the values do not give specific points of reference as to how they were derived, the values listed are noted to be "..generally accepted by seasoned collectors and authorities; they have been checked over before by people well versed in their particular fields". For the most part the values appear to be in line with current retail values.

The categories covered by this guide are comprehensive and a very good representation of the popular categories today. They have picked up on even some of the smaller, but growing fast, categories that many may be completely unaware of.

I'm really glad to see the expanded, though still lacking, coverage of Vintage Clothing within this guide. Vintage Clothing has long gone hand in hand with the Collectibles markets and you will not likely find a Collectibles dealer or collector who doesn't own a least a few pieces of choice vintage. The same holds true for the hipster decked out in the finest vintage threads, check out their home and your likely see no small amount of decorating with Collectibles. With an almost complete lack of guides for Vintage Clothing it is great to see some coverage. Even though this field is highly diverse in terms of the items, there are generalization with regards to value that can be made just as within any other Collectibles market.

Overall I feel this guide provides the most reasonable true market values available today for Collectibles.

Collectibles are still struggling to gain respect among the general public (not unlike Antiques did years ago when many people called them "junk" and / or painted and distressed them) and this lack of respect carries over to many of the top level guides. Often these guides provide seriously undervalued prices in terms of the real market experience and these values have hurt both buyers and sellers within the Collectibles markets.

Buyers expectations are set so low that finding an item in a knowledgeable retail shop is not likely and, further, even finding the item at the lower quoted value at a thrift store or yard sale is ever increasingly rare. Because of that the buyer is likely to be unsatisfied if they are not flexible with the relatively recent changes not only in the markets themselves but, more importantly, in the availability of Collectible items.

Conversely, sellers can't possibly compete with a disparagingly low "book" value and it may, in fact, cause animosity with the uneducated general public when they confront the dealer with the assumed "value" as quoted from these guides.

I trust that things will continue to change (again, as they did for Antiques) for the better in all respects but as far as the novice is concerned, change within both guides proper coverage of Collectibles as well as the coverage within the media is paramount.

Bottom line - having made the jump to my collectibles dealer must have list last edition, it remains my top recommendation for a top level Collectibles guide. Not simply due to the fact that most other guides don't have the content to back up a stand alone Collectibles guide but due mostly to the robust content within this guide and overall good coverage of the current markets of interest and reasonable values.

With what is obviously a concerted effort towards covering not only the current Collectibles markets of interest but also the current values, this guide is a must have. It already has a huge jump on any other top level guide available today and I hope I have more to rave about come next edition.

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

Book information: 2004, 526 page hardback, 8 3/4" x 11 1/4"
Editor: not credited
Price:$19.95

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Title: Teapots Price Guide, Antique Trader

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Though I admit to being strictly a hardcore coffee drinker, I understand the idea of having nice accouterments for whatever ritual, or addiction in my case!, you might have. Additionally, I happen to be a tie-in collector with teapots and I have quite a few figural fun pots in my own collection.

With a wealth of information and access to dealers and collectors, Antique Trader has put together a very solid guide that covers teapots of all types and provides what may be the only such guide your likely to come upon for some time. Over 1300 pots are included and the vast majority of those, about 1000, feature full color photographs to make the identification of the more subtle designs a snap.

The descriptive text is certainly not lacking and is often quite lengthy and generally include a specific value or, at worst, a very small range of values.

The only real criticism I have is that Antique Trader tends to leave out information on how their prices are derived and they have done so here as well. Often their guides mention "various sources" but nothing more specific and this guide fails to mention any sources. Asking prices by dealers, auction results, online auction results, expert appraisals, it makes a difference and should always be mentioned as specifically as possible with all price guides.

The lack of detailed pricing information, however, is an all too common error in many guides these days and it is not just this guide or those produced by Trader. I simply don't bring it up every time it occurs.

Bottom line - This coverage in this guide is very comprehensive so if your a teapot collector you will want to snap this one up. Additionally, I believe this is the only teapot guide still in print (with the first and only other one I'm aware of produced by KP Books as well!) and I have my doubts whether or not this guide will show up in a second edition or not.

Visually this is a great guide for the potential beginning collector to pickup to focus their interests.

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

Book information: 2005, 283 page paperback, 6 x 9"
Editor: Kyle Husfloen
Price:$19.99

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Title: Tootsietoys, Collector's Guide to

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There is nothing like a comprehensive guide on a single subject to really open your eyes to the vast offerings of a given company. It is certainly no surprise with the number of decades that Tootsietoys have been around but it is never the less quite impressive when its laid out in front of you. If it flew, drove or sailed then Tootsietoys produced it.

Each of the sections covered start with brief history which include comments from the author that may include personal market experiences and observations that may prove useful to collectors. It is the beautiful pictures, however, that make this guide and all highlight beautiful examples of the items included. So many older toy guides are forced to use examples in all ranges of condition due to rarity and intended use but the authors collection sets a good standard for field evaluation of found examples.

Though it only took one picture and a paragraph or two of text, a nice little feature of this guide is the illustration of the authors concept of the condition value points he utilizes (90,95 and 100% paint). There are not only great differences in the guide points used with various Collectibles but individual interpretation also adds another potential source of disagreement. Unfortunately and as is common with all too many guides these days, the author fails to mention how his prices are derived (e.g.. auction values, retail sales, dealers asking prices, etc..). This, too, would only take the briefest of text and is critical to the proper use of this or any guide.

Bottom line - A well put together guide with beautiful condition examples that your not likely to see elsewhere. Mint or near mint examples provide a good base for a new or novice collector and broad coverage and visual appeal cover everyone else.

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

Book information: 2004, 272 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: David E. Richter
Price:$24.95

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Title: Dolls, Collector's Guide to Ideal

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Few companies hold so many memories for so many over generational lines as the Ideal Toy company. Many of us remember the classic toys produced by Ideal in the 1960's but it is Ideal's long running line of dolls and Teddy bears that provide the companies richest history.

The author has really put a lot of work into this guide providing not only a wealth of information and pictures but also and incredible amount of detailed identifiers, history and, oh yeah, values.

The robust introductory section provides not only the step by step guide to narrowing down your doll before further research and explanation of values quoted but also a detailed history of Ideal broken down into eras chosen by the author.

The bulk of the guide provides a decade by decade breakdown of dolls offered by Ideal with further breakdowns for major lines such as Shirley Temple, Tammy, Little Miss Revlon, Crissy, and others. In addition to the full color pictures of all dolls featured, the author includes very detailed descriptions of the dolls including markings, outfits and accessories. Additional dolls that are not pictured are included in an equally detailed chart at the back of the book but hundreds are included in the picture guide.

Bottom line - Extremely well put together and comprehensive, this guide is easy to use and is a valuable resource to new and old doll collectors alike.

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

Book information: 2005, 380 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: Judith Izen
Price:$24.95

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Title: Red Wing Pottery Identification and Price Guide

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From their humble beginnings as manufactures of utilitarian jugs and crocks, Red Wing expanded their offerings to include everything from ashtrays to figurines. With many unmarked or simply numbered items, many people don't realize just how many Red Wing items exist.

This guide alone provide full color pictures of over 2000 pieces of Red Wing with over 1200 color pictures. The guide is divided into Red Wings larger categories; Stoneware, Art Pottery and Dinner/Kitchenware and item descriptions feature years of production, dimensions and notes on markings along with dealer values.

Bottom line - this guide provides a healthy overview of items produced by Red Wing and provides a good reference for identifying items you may not even realize are Red Wing.

Red Wing is a name that commands respect in the marketplace. As a dealer, knowing an item is Red Wing will add value or, at least provide a great buying base for your items. As a collector, having this knowledge can spell bargains.

Publisher/Book info.:
Publisher: KP Books
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 11"
Author: Mark F. Moran
Price:$24.99

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Title: Soda Pop Memorabilia Identification & Value Guide, Collectible

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From the man that brought you the multiple edition Coca-Cola guide comes the first in what will likely also become a multiple edition guide.

Though obviously, and purposefully, not as comprehensive as the Coke guide, this book gives you a decent helping of values from a variety of Soda manufacturing including abbreviated Coca-Cola and Pepsi sections as well. Though it is currently about half the size of the 5th edition of Summer's Coke guide I'm certain it will grow with later editions that are sure to follow.

Other guides currently available tend to focus on the big boys such as Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Though you might find a few scattered listings within advertising price guides or general collecting guides, this single guide is actually about the only place you can get a good overview of this much variety within Soda collecting and it is a great start for new collectors to get their feet wet.

This type of guide always leaves me wanting for more pictures and despite this guide having what appears to be about 1000 color pictures or so I'm still greedy. Fortunately the text only listings pretty much stand alone with important identifying details along with measurements, dating and other information along with pricing.

Values in this guide are very clearly identified and the author has added a coding system to indicate whether values came from a collector, auction result or from a dealer. If you read my reviews at all you know this is a big issue for me and Summer's handles it perfectly.

Bottom line - there is a little bit of something for everyone in this guide and it provides a good base for new general Soda as well as advertising collectors. The sheer number of brands included will likely make this a great asset even for the experienced collector or dealer who may be exposed to these similar collectibles but may have no base of knowledge outside the larger brands.

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

Book information: 2004, 182 page paperback, 8 1/2" x 11"
Author: B.J. Summers
Price:$24.95

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Title: Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide, Warman's

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From 8 1/2" x 11" to 7" x 10" and from Black and White to full color pictures, this guide is now not only eaisier to take with you but also more fun to look through.

The guide itself is largely unchanged save for the aforementioned changes but buyers should not underestimate the impact of going from Black and White to color photographes.

Obviously if your an expert in your particular collecting category you might breeze past this change but how about a category you want to break into? Glass and Pottery are great examples of just how valuable this upgrade is. Subtle tones and overall looks of ceramics make them, in some cases, easily identifiable. Your much more likely to stop in your tracks for a valuable piece you've previuosly seen in blazing color versus a relatively flat Black and White one.

Truth is even with the most cursory of leaf throughs of this guide your likely to have at least a vague recollection of pictured items. It is almost subconsicous and will, at the very least, provide that "hey, I think I saw that in a guide" memory for further research before purchasing.

Having noted that there is little change to the format I should mention that it is a format that works so it's a good thing. Even with the slight shrinking of the guides overall size, the same larger print and often lengthly descriptions still endure.

Bottom line - having only gotten better since it's first year on my must have book list for Antique dealers last year I see no reason to remove it now. With a more compact size and full color pictures this guide has only improved.

Though it is still more weighted in the Antiques direction, Collectible dealers and collectors will benefit from this guide as well.

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

Book information: 2005, 768 page paperback, 7" x 10"
Editor: Ellen T. Schroy
Price:$21.99

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Title: Introduction to KP Book's latest Money (Collectible) Guides

You'll certainly be checking you wallets, purses and change jars and souvenir money after this trio of guides. Better make room on the shelves too, these guides are not the wimpy, lightweight guides you've come to expect.

The fact is that if you into this type of Collectible/investment or especially if you're thinking of getting into it you simply have to have a guide. The only question is which one(s) and how many.

The difference between face value and Collectible money can be very deceiving and the difference between the near worthless and valuable can be very slight to the untrained.

By the way, these guides represent less than 10% of KP's current coin/money guides available so if you appetite has been moistened stop by to narrow (or broaden!) your area of interest.

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Title: Paper Money Modern Issues 1961-, Standard Catalog of World

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Read Introduction to Krause's latest Money guides first

Ok, we've all done it at one time or another, maybe even on purpose. We come back from our vacation with a handful of unspent foreign money. Too little to bother cashing in and a nice souvenir until we bury them in some box to be forgotten.

We'll it's time to dig the box out again because some of that paper money may well help pay for your next vacation!

I've saved a few Silver certificate bills and maybe a few original $2 bills but if, like me, this is a new world then fear not. This guide is not only easy to use but with the wealth of introductory materials, indexes and charts for everything from the Country index, Issuer and Bank index to an International numeric system guide, you'll be prepared for what waits on the pages beyond. What waits there you might ask? Seems like every bill ever made but you'll have to be content with over 40,000 listings covering over 380 governments clear back to the 1300's to the present day.

Every bill is pictured and includes all of the important information a collector needs along with three values, the highest of which is uncirculated. There is a lot of abbreviations along the way but once you've checked a few in the introduction you'll quickly be speaking like a true Numismatist (Hey!, check out the big brain on me!)

Bottom line - often near works of art in themselves, collecting money can be fun and it doesn't take up any room either. You will certainly be surprised and the value of some of the souvenir money you may have overlooked for years and it doesn't necessarily take long to have a valuable bill with many from the late 70's being worth hundreds of dollars.

This is one of the few categories that requires a guide even for the experienced collector. With so many countries and variations it is a category that may well take a lifetime to master.

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

Book information: 2005, 982 page paperback, 8 1/4" x 10 3/4"
Editor: George S. Cuhaj
Price:$47.50

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Title: Coins, 2006 Standard Catalog of World

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Read Introduction to Krause's latest Money guides first

There is no question that this guide is the foremost authority on world coins. With its phenomenal 33rd edition this guide now includes tens of thousands of listings along with over 50,000 full size illustrations from 1901 to today. Worst case you can use this guide as a weapon and, yes, the page count is correct - 2335 pages! This baby is the size of old school phone books.

The book begins with a wealth of information that serves not only to familiarize yourself with the guide, its abbreviations and pricing methodology but also provides charts for everything from coin size chart to close up picture identifiers to narrow your search right off the bat.

The meat of the guide provides good quality close-up pictures of many/most of the coins along with critical identifying information and values from fair to "brilliant uncirculated".

Bottom line - Simply a must for any coin collector, it's the coin Bible.

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

Book information: 2005, 2335 page paperback, 8 1/4" x 10 3/4"
Editor: Colin R. Bruce II
Price:$55.00

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