Search results for ""schiffer publishing""

Since the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896, the Olympics have grown to be among the most anticipated and watched events of any type in world. Today, almost 200 nations send athletes to participate in the Games and over a billion people watch on television. Just as the Olympics have grown, so has the collecting of Olympic memorabilia. Quite possibly the most international and fastest growing of sports hobbies, the exciting world of Olympic memorabilia includes pins, badges, medals, torches, posters, tickets, programs, books, souvenir items, and so much more. Included here are items from the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens, Greece, in 1896, through the games of 2000. Both Summer and Winter Olympic memorabilia is covered. With over 500 color photographs and an up-to-date price guide, this is the most complete Olympic memorabilia book available anywhere in the world. The perfect guide for any level of collector.

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This is not just another book on ceramic head vases … it's a fabulous volume featuring more than 600 photos representing the definitive works of the talented California ceramicist and artist, Betty Lou Nichols. Mention her name to head vase collectors and you will see their eyes light up -- that's because Nichols' finely decorated pieces from the 1940s and 1950s are considered the Rolls Royce of this collectible category. But many don't know that her talent and international fame also extended to a wide variety of figurines and an extensive line of Christmas accessories, as well as highly regarded portraits, still-lifes, and landscape paintings. Informative captions, up-to-date values, and wonderful historical ephemera chronicle Betty Lou Nichols' highly successful career, which lasted more than fifty years. Each color photo tells its own story, and many feature rare and never-before-seen examples by this multi-talented woman. Whether you collect head vases, California pottery, or any of the ceramics from the 1940s and 1950s, this book is a must for your collectible library!

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Barrie Skelcher explains the nature of uranium-colored glass, or Vaseline glass, and attributes makers to many of the examples he presents. Over 400 items shown in the color photographs are from British, American, and European glasshouses, of the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. The manufacturers are identified along with their uranium bearing products, and a section on special interest pieces is a bonus. What strikes the observer right away are the intense colors of the glass in predominantly green, yellow, and pink hues. They comprise all sorts of useful and collectible tablewares, from condiment containers and candlesticks to bowls and flower vases. This fascinating study illuminates the subject and will be cherished by all future investigators and collectors of vaseline glass. Value ranges are included in the captions.

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The legendary Convair B-58 Hustler, one of the most interesting bombers to reach operational status, and had an appearance - even though designed in the 1940s - that would not look out of date in the 21st century. The first USAF delta-wing bomber was the Mach 2 Hustler that had the performance of a fighter aircraft. However, its tenure was short due to technical problems and excessive costs. The majority of Hustlers met their demise in the late 1960s, but a few remain at museums across the country.

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Bullard Firearms is the story of a mechanical genius whose rifles and cartridges were the equal of any made in America in the 1880s, yet little of substance had been written about James H. Bullard or his arms prior to 1988, when the first edition, called Bullard Arms, was published.This much enlarged volume with over 1,000 black and white and 150 color plates, most not previously published, answers many of the questions posed in the first edition. The author hopes this book will continue on the path begun by the first edition and elevate the work and life of J.H. Bullard into the pantheon of extraordinary American gunmakers and inventors.

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When this book first came out, in 1908, it was touted as the "largest single book of house designs ever published." Here are 252 renderings of Arts and Crafts period homes produced by the Radford Architectural Company to satisfy a mushrooming turn-of-the-century market. These houses were designed by architects to be "the newest and most up-to-date designs in modern homes." The architectural renderings encompass the period's popular bungalow homes, as well as larger, two-story homes in a broad spectrum of styles. Each home has a frontal view, as well as floor plans. This book is an invaluable tool for the homeowner seeking to restore or for the historian attempting to identify and document homes from the early 1900s. These homes are enduring in their appeal, and inspiring in their designs.

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Operational and technical history of Germany's World War II jet fighter aircraft.

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This book has been created as a primer showing the best available and rare photographs of Panzers with units at the front. Covered are the Panzers I, II, 38(t), III, IV, Panther and Tiger tanks on a variety of war fronts. Also included are detailed data sheets showing line schemes and technical information that offer the most complete and accurate data available.

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In this age of specialization, disciplines are often disconnected; the designer designs, the cabinetmaker builds, and the installer installs. As a result, continuity is lost and quality often suffers. This new book enables individuals to complete each step of the process necessary to create a magnificent 18th century paneled room, relying upon a hands-on, experiential approach. Here, both novices and experienced professionals find valuable design insight, as well as solid, practical methods of cabinet construction. From the basics of design to the finishing touches, readers are taken through the complete building process as beneficiaries of the author’s years of fine cabinetmaking experience. 260 color photographs and 20 drawings show steps in the choice and purchase of materials, and the process of building cabinetry and paneling, passage doors, and moldings. This book is a valuable resource for amateur and professional cabinetmakers alike. Only rarely does so talented a craftsman share his secrets and wisdom so clearly.

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Over 1000 dazzling color images display the beauty and elegance in glassware produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company from 1985 to today. These highly collectible and much sought after wares are from Fenton's General, Connoisseur, and Special Series lines. Along with Christmas and Easter items, here are the popular animals, baskets, bells, bud vases, candy dishes, clocks, fairy lights, lamps, ringholders, trinket boxes, vases, and more in treatments ranging from Carnival to Shell Pink. Decorations added to the glassware lines are also displayed. The comprehensive text lists and describes product lines, treatments, and decorations, identifies company logos, provides a detailed bibliography, and includes values in the captions. This reference will be a joy for all who enjoy quality glassware.

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“The eyes have it,” in this colorful selection of outrageously whimsical eyeglass stylings from the fabulous 1950s and hip 1960s! Whether dotted with rhinestones, molded into “cat’s-eyes,” or built up into tiara-like proportions, eyeglass frames with “specs appeal” are among today’s hottest and most collectible fashion accessories. The 450 color photos and vintage ads shown here offer a dazzling eyeful of the best these eras had to offer. From harlequins to earring glasses, French “girl-watchers” to the original “rose-colored glasses,” these eye-catchers capture ‘50s and ‘60s eyewear design in all its swooping, glittery glory. The jaunty, informative text includes identifying information, historical notes, and hints on how to adapt frames from the past for modern use. A current price guide completes this “blast from the past,” sure to be the apple of every collector’s eye!

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Whimsical jewelry that incorporates images of people, animals, flowers, birds, fish, insects, ingenious tremblers and duets, and totally imaginary beasts are featured here, comprising a delightful cross-section of styles that all can be described as "fun." These are the mechanical and light-hearted designs that tickle one's humor and provoke a smile. They may contain important gems and expensive metals, or they may not, for in this jewelry it is the design that wins the nod. Antique as well as modern jewelry, and fine as well as costume designs appear together here to create this appealing collection from European and American sources. Fun Jewelry contains over 400 beautiful color photographs showing over 1,000 pieces and an explanatory text which identifies all marked pieces. Drawn from many styles and times, this fun jewelry is sure to become a favorite of all who enjoy decorative ornamentation.

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This comprehensive book showcases the advertising legacy of over two hundred New England breweries, featuring a multitude of exquisite lithographs, trays, signs of all types, cans, bottles, foam scrapers, tap knobs, and other items produced during the last 100+ years. A foreword by noted breweriana author Will Anderson starts off this beautifully illustrated book, while the text provides background information about company history as well as the items presented. Dimensions, dates, and values are provided in the captions. Among the wonderful array of companies included are Cremo, Largay, Wehle, Frank Jones, Eldredge, Haffenreffer, Hampden, Van Nostrand, Narragansett, and Hanley. Breweriana and advertising buffs alike will delight in the colorful memorabilia from brewers of the past who once fiercely competed for market dominance.

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Here is a fascinating study of commercial glass production along the Ohio River Valley in the 1950s and 1960s. Companies such as Blenko, Pilgrim, Rainbow, Viking, Kanawaha, Bischiff, Morgantown, and others made free- and mold-blown production glass in modern, sometimes bizarre shapes and wildly vibrant colors. Over 100 new images have been added to this revised and expanded second edition, for a total of over 530 color photographs of the beautiful glass, its labels, catalog pages, company histories. An updated price guide provides valuable insight into today's marketplace.

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Whether a horse occupies a place in your yard or simply a niche in your heart, this engaging book was written for you. It showcases a broad array of horse-related items from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including many striking Art Deco pieces. Here are figurines, planters, lamps, plates, books and bookends, ashtrays, advertising pieces, glassware, tapestries, vintage pamphlets, illustrations, magazine covers, artwork, show ribbons and trophies, jewelry, belt buckles, and more. Values are included in the captions and most pieces are available within a moderate price range. Complete with tips on collecting, a brief history of the horse, a convenient index, and bibliography, this book will propel equine enthusiasts everywhere through the wonderful and multi-faceted world of the horse.

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Lampworked and millifiori paperweights have become recognized as little works of art, because their intricate designs challenge the most accomplished glassblowers to be inventive and in full control of molten colored glass. Successful pieces are beautiful and intriguing, displaying the best skills in the glass field. Included are company histories and detailed descriptions of nearly 500 of these amazing paperweights produced over the last 150 years. Chinese copies from the 1930s and the latest fakes and copies are shown, which every collector should know about. The authoritative text includes new information that will fascinate collectors, and many rare and exceptional paperweights appear here that have never before been published. Pricing information and a detailed glossary are included. This important book belongs on the bookshelf of all paperweight enthusiasts, and will particularly appeal to all who are interested in glass production.

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Humanity’s hunt for calculating devices probably started with the use of small pebbles to keep track of numbers. The counting inventions progressed through the abacus, early mechanical calculators, and other ingenious devices culminating in today’s computers. In this new book, Thomas Russo chronicles 600 years of caculating devices, providing valuable information for historians and collectors alike. Stretching from ancient times to the earliest computers, this book provides an insight into breadth and depth of human creativity and drive. With 500 color photographs, descriptive captions, and a guide to current values, this is an essential guide in a field that is finding ever more enthusiasts.

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Over 600 beautiful color photographs explore the fascinating art of encasing molded sulphide figures in glass marbles. Encased in clear or colored glass, molded sulphides come in many clever forms, including animals, birds, humans, mythological creatures, religious figures, mermaids, celebrities, and angels. Included with the fascinating images is a detailed text recounting the history and manufacturing techniques of sulphide marbles. Bibliography, appendices (featuring useful information about seeking marbles on the Internet, seeking marble shows and clubs), index, and tables with values by size and condition are included. This book is a must for all glass, marble, and toy fanciers, collectors, and dealers.

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The cane is a simple accessory with a lot of personality. Some are sleek and elegant, others are twisted and gnarled, others are bright and silly. Canes make great carving projects for many reasons—they have endless creative potential, require only a relatively small time investment, and they are good pieces to practice on. They make terrific gifts, and are always top sellers at shows. In this book, Tom Wolfe guides the reader through the carving of a particularly clever cane, a fancy bird that doubles as a nutcracker. He explains carving, painting, and finishing the piece, as well as fitting the handle to the spindle. The step-by-step instructions are clear enough for the beginner to follow, while more advanced carvers will learn from Tom’s expert techniques. A huge, colorful gallery illustrates dozens of canes of all skill levels to give you plenty of ideas for carving your own.

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Tiger ! - the very name that Allied troops feared. It came to symbolize the superiority of German tank design. This book has been created as a photo essay showing the best available and rare photographs of Tigers with units at the front. No tank that the Allies fielded in World War II was comparable to this combination of the 88mm gun with massive armor protection. Allied tankers didn't think that they stood a chance of defeating these formidable Tigers. They only hoped that these heavy tanks would breakdown, become immobilized in soft ground, or be damaged by lucky hits on vulnerable points.

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This book represents the ultimate Hawaiian experience and art form: the Hula, through photographs taken in the 1880s and 1890s. These images were gathered by the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, Queen Liliuokalani (1839 -1917), who reigned from 1891 until 1893, and were presented in an album to her personal nurse as a token of her Aloha. For the most part, the photographs were previously unknown and unpublished, and represent some of the most powerful and poignant images of Hula known to exist. Several non-Hula images are among the photos, adding interest to the album’s contents. A brief history of the Queen’s fascinating life is included. Anyone who has felt the magic of Hawaiian Hula will enjoy this unusual book.

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Intended to be intriguing but not morbid, this book takes readers on an amazing journey through past, present, and evolving postmortem practices. The first of its kind, it deals with a topic that is rapidly becoming popular in the collectibles world. Tastefully and beautifully illustrated with many historical photographs and postcards, the book provides a pictorial review of the customs employed by mankind throughout the ages to deal with the final disposition of loved ones. Included in the remarkable array of collectible items are embalming products and instruments, photographs of funeral homes and funeral processions, promotional and advertising materials, and an outstanding collection of postmortem photographs taken in private homes and other locations. Cemetery monuments, sculptures, and mausoleums are shown, along with background material on caskets, floral arrangements, burial garments, mourning etiquette, and more. Values are included in the captions.

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This comprehensive guide displays many of the impressive artwares produced by Gonder Ceramic Arts of Zanesville, Ohio, in over 540 beautiful color photographs and 37 black and white catalog pages. The featured artwares range from baskets and bells to pitchers and vases. Over 30 experimental pieces are shown. The wide spectrum of glazes that won professional praise for the company’s founder, Lawton Gonder, are prominently featured. A history of the company, from its founding in 1941 to its sale in 1957, is told and detailed descriptions of the wares manufactured and displayed are provided. A bibliography and index round out the presentation. Values are provided in the captions.

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The images in this volume are from the Anne S. K. Brown Military Collection at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island. The first one hundred images illustrate uniforms of the Russian Army from 1907-1920. Herbert Knötel's Berlin grouping consists of forty-five images done on the post-World War II scene, and includes those contracted for by the Military Intelligence Section, G-2, Berlin command in 1945. Officially known as "Series A," they were used to educate United States and Allied military personnel on the various elements of the Soviet Army. The final fifty images covers Russian/Soviet uniforms from 1921-1946 with emphasis on the post-war era. All of the images in this book appear here for the first time.

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Illustrated study showing the military and civilian off-road capabilites of this German vehicle produced in the 1970s-1980s, including many detail photographs.

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Art tile is a truly exciting option for both interior and exterior decoration. There is a vast array of tile available on the market today, ranging in design from traditional to modern, and conservative to outrageous--the possibilities are overwhelming! This book is a wonderful introduction to art tile, loaded with ideas and resources that will charm and inspire. Hundreds of breathtaking photographs of installations in and out of the home show the work of today’s leading contemporary tile artists. Insightful text guides readers to an informed appreciation of this timeless art and its marvelous suitability for all areas of the home. Chapters include a history of tile making in America, how art tile is made, visiting a tile showroom, designing with art tile, trends in art tile, what to expect during installation, and ceramic art in public spaces. A large resource index and a directory of artists is included.

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This book is the first in a series which will feature the colonels of the Union Army in the Civil War. Most of them were citizen soldiers from a wide variety of backgrounds. Motivated by patriotic enthusiasm and personal ambition but often lacking any real military expertise, they nevertheless offered their services in defense of the Union. Through photographs and biographical sketches their lives are now being remembered. This volume documents the colonels who commanded regiments from the six New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

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Cast metal coin banks have helped millions of people save money. They were often premiums given away by companies and banking institutions when a new account was opened. Over 1,000 color photos show the diversity of Banthrico coin banks, made in Chicago from 1931 until 1985. They resemble famous people, animals, trophies, vehicles, architecture, and more. For today’s collector, there is information about the company, materials, 900 styles, advertising, sizes, and rarity. An index will help you find your favorites. Bankers, antique dealers, and toy and bank enthusiasts finally have a reliable reference to this fast-growing area of bank collecting.

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Here is a sweeping survey of the popular spongeware ceramics produced in Scotland, England, Europe, and North America for one hundred years, illustrated with over 975 color photographs. Often associated with Pennsylvania German folk art, these tablewares, serving pieces, tea sets, children’s sets, and vases are decorated in colorful patterns achieved primarily through the simple, yet engaging, sponge-printing technique. Included are a thorough definition of spongeware, identifications of the patterns and potters, their marks, and a bibliography. Current market values are provided in the captions.

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A comprehensive survey of ceramic wares produced by the Trenton Potteries Company of Trenton, New Jersey, throughout its existence, from 1892 to 1950 is presented with particular attention to the artware lines of in the 1930s and 1940s. Over 290 vibrant color photographs illustrate these beautiful deco vases, lamps and wall pockets, and neo-classical centerpieces, candlesticks, and jardinieres. Also included are a brief history of the company, a review of its manufacturer’s marks, advice for collectors, a bibliography, and an index. Current market values are included in the captions.

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This book opens a door to a way of life in America that is rapidly disappearing, that of the American cowboy. It portrays items used by cowboy ancestors and presents a glimpse of what life was like in the heyday of riding the range and trailing big cattle drives. Containing over 500 photos of cowboy bits, spurs, saddles, boots, and weapons, it also displays beautiful Native American beadwork and design. These old cowboy items continue to be more valuable each year as collectors of antique cowboy equipment grow in numbers. The equipment displayed here brings the cowboy’s way of life to each of us who treasure the ways of the American Wild West.

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The colorful earthenwares known as Majolica are popular once again, part of the nostalgic revival of Victorian taste in interior decoration. Majolica's long history begins with Italian Renaissance tin-glazed wares; over the centuries its styles and techniques spread to France and England. With the advent of mechanization, the wares could be mass produced. Majolica became popular among the rising middle class in England, Europe, and the United States. This book presents a new analysis of Majolica set against its cultural-historical background. Hundreds of forms in dozens of patterns, especially American and British ware with a sampling of European pieces, are displayed in over 550 color photographs. The text presents new research and the examples are individually identified by style, pattern, maker, size, and date. Short histories of the manufacturers are presented as they relate to Majolica wares. The up-to-date price guide will be a valuable tool for collectors and dealers.

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The identification of English white ironstone plates is made far easier through this new book. Organized according to the shape names, the 327 color photographs and 252 drawings of plates, rims, potters’ marks and registry marks are easy to compare. Copper Lustre and Tea Leaf decorations are included. Because few written records from the manufacturers are available to help analyze these plates, made in large quantities for export primarily to the United States between about 1840 and 1890, this study will be an important reference for identification and comparisons. It is both comprehensive and easy to use, providing an important tool for collectors, dealers, curators, designers, auctioneers, and historians for analyzing Victorian cultural history.

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Hand-painted and photographic occupational, fraternal, and decorative shaving mugs were a common feature in barber shops in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, costing only a few dollars. Now they are valued antiques, often bringing several thousands of dollars. As you read through these pages, you will see over 1,000 of the best shaving mugs, from some of the leading collections around the world. The mugs are organized alphabetically by subject, and each mug is fully described along with a current estimate of its market value. Each is illustrated in a beautiful color photograph that enables readers to appreciate the artistry. This book will be both treasured and consulted by collectors because the mugs are each of great quality and the variety here is exceptional.

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Germany was one of the leading developers of jet propulsion during the Second World War – in August 1939 the world’s first jet aircraft, the Heinkel He 178, took to the air on its maiden flight. This new book examines all of the developments, production and aircraft types: He 280, Me 262, Ar 234, He 162, Ju 287, Ho IX, Me 328, P1101, Hs 132, DM 1, Ta 183 and others by such aircraft manufacturers as Heinkel, Junkers, Messerschmitt, and powerplant manufacturers BMW and Daimler-Benz. Numerous photographs and three-view drawings illustrate this extraordinary book.

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This delightful guide to collecting plastic antiques for fun and profit is choc full of over 200 fabulous photographs and plenty of very useful information about natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic plastics. It includes a concise history of plastics, items for the home, smoking, and drinking; jewelry and accessories; toys and more, as well as a glossary of plastics terms. Written with a lighthearted touch by a passionate collector, it has practical tips on identifying and caring for plastics and includes current value ranges. This book is a must for new and established collectors alike.

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This book showcases a wide variety of Nativity sets that display multi-cultural artistic interpretations of the true meaning of Christmas. Artisans from more than forty countries on five continents are represented, each with beautiful expressions of the greatest story ever told, often with photographs from the country of origin to accompany the artwork. Whether sculpted in clay, carved from wood, painted, woven, or cast, these Créches from around the world are sure to enhance holiday celebrations and illustrate the universality of the Christmas message.

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The creation of classic American Carnival Glass took the world by storm in the early 1900s, bringing color and beauty in the form of iridized glass to homes everywhere. Carnival’s iridescent, rainbow colored appearance was achieved by spraying the still hot glass with a liquid solution of various metallic salts. A short while later, Europe, South America, and India (among others) began making Carnival--and the success story was repeated. Featuring over 400 outstanding color photographs and 130 black and white illustrations, this thoroughly researched and visually exciting book covers more than one hundred years in the history of Carnival Glass--from classic American Carnival right up to the present day. A multitude of previously “unknown” patterns are assigned to their manufacturers. Many surprises are in store, as “new” producers of European Carnival are fully documented and illustrated: Sowerby, Brockwitz, Eda, Rindskopf, and Jain, to name just a few. Detailed information on over 500 Carnival patterns--plus shapes, colors, and values--is all included, along with a bibliography, three appendices, and an index.

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Many books have been written about Heinrich Himmler and the SS though, strangely, no photographic study has ever been assembled. Contained within this volume are over 380 photographs of Himmler, illustrating his entire career – from a soldier during the First World War period through the years when he was the second most powerful man in Europe. At the zenith of the Third Reich, all of Germany was under the controlling influence of Himmler and the SS. This photo chronicle records the entire Third Reich period in the life and death of Heinrich Himmler.

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Take a tour of nearly 150 dollhouses from Europe and America in this beautifully illustrated book. The houses and their furnishings are shown in over 700 color photographs provided with the help of nearly twenty individual collectors. Most of the houses are pictured fully furnished, complete with accessories. The houses range in size from one-room Converse models to very large handmade houses, and many are also shown with the dolls that lived inside. You'll enjoy several hundred pieces of furniture, all dating from the 1880s to the 1980s. Companies whose products are pictured include Arcade, Bliss, Christian Hacker, Converse, Schoenhut, Strombecker, Tootsietoy, Gottschalk, Deluxe Game Corp., Lines, Tri-Ang, Renwal, Ideal, Plasco, Marx, Reliable and others. Background information on over sixty-five companies is also provided. A must-have for anyone interested in dollhouses and their furnishings, this charming and informative book also includes prices with the captions.

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Ronson's place as a leader and pioneer in the manufacture of fine decorative metal wares from the 1900s to the mid-1930s is documented here. In addition to cigarette lighters, for which Ronson is most readily known, the company, then known as Art Metal Works, also produced a diverse selection of metal bookends, hood ornaments, statuary, aquarium and plant stands, clocks, pipe holders, desk sets and accessories, figurines, novelty items, lamps, boxes, toys, incense burners, and much more. With descriptive captions and information from original company catalogs and advertisements, alongside full-color, detailed photographs, this book is like no other on the market today. Whether you are a collector of art metal or a student of art and design, you are guaranteed insight into the style, beauty, and value of some of the finest metal wares manufactured.

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During the period 1890-1910 the German Army of Kaiser Wilhelm II was ablaze in color, particularly the Garde and Cavalry regiments. In this superb new volume the author brings to the student of uniforms, as well as the art and military historian, the true glory of this brief, but most colorful time. Carl Becker was a skillful and talented artist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whose treatment of German uniforms, the military pomp and ceremony, as well as the work-a-day activities of the Kaiser’s army, are both realistically and artistically among the very best. The 104 never before published uniform plates are a treasure trove of color, action, and rarity which have only been viewed by a select few before this publication. The additional illustrations from books and the postcard art reproduced here well display the scope and depth of Becker’s work. Technically correct, and artistically rendered on the subject of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s flamboyant army of 1890-1910, this book will be a welcome addition to the library of the collector, the student of military costume, modelers and the appreciator of well executed military art.

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The long anticipated, completely revised 4th edition has with over 2,100 chips illustrated, many never published before, with updated listings for hundreds more. Includes updated values, variations, and recently released casino chips from top collections , some available only for this publication. In all $5 million dollars worth of chips are priced in 3 different grades, following CC>CC standards From the first edition (published in 1999) until now, collecting and investing in casino chips has become one of the fastest growing and exciting areas of collecting. This book gives you knowledge to become well versed in this fast-paced hobby.

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Three of the most collectible lines of vintage dinnerware are thoroughly explored in this major work written by expert collectors. Colorful Fiesta, Harlequin, and Kitchen Kraft sets made since 1936 by The Homer Laughlin China Company are shown in 592 color photographs and detailed measured drawings along with extensive analysis of the shapes, marks, production methods, and decorations. Their enormous popularity, originally and now, has made these dinnerware lines familiar to four generations of Americans, and this reference will link them with collectors, dealers, and users long into the future.

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Patti Playpal*t life-sized companion dolls were an enormous hit in the 1960s. These gorgeous dolls could actually wear the clothing of the children they belonged to! Patti Playpal dolls are in demand on today's collectors' market, although surprisingly little information has been available about them. This wonderful reference not only chronicles the Playpal Family with their original outfits and play sets, but also all of the other life-sized dolls of the era that have been a source of confusion to collectors and dealers alike. Finer points like original hair colors, hairstyles, and outfit variations are finally documented. Over 250 color photos, original catalog and television advertisements, and valuable information about the dolls and the prices they command today make this long-awaited resource an excellent addition to the library of all doll or toy enthusiasts.

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"The style you want--at the price you want to pay!" From 1930 to 1942, such advertising slogans drew cash-strapped Depression consumers to the Chase Brass & Copper Co.'s attractive array of lamps and lighting fixtures. Heralded as "brilliant in style and authentic in design," the Chase line presented a new concept in brightening the American home, as designed by modern industrial pioneers, including Lurelle Guild, Walter Von Nessen, the Gerths, and Harry Laylon. Chromium, brass, and copper fixtures appear in hundreds of current, catalog, and historic photographs (many in color), vintage advertising, a complete cross-reference listing, price guide, and index. Admirers of twentieth-century decorative arts will enjoy this in-depth look at "lights that give lasting satisfaction."

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The antique beaded bag is a most exquisite and sought-after vintage collectible. Over 600 detailed color photographs display hundreds of mostly European (French, Italian, Austrian, and Czechoslovakian) handbags, many never before published, including Miser, American Indian, embroidered, drawstring, framed, scenic, Bohemian, and cut steel, with information on care, history, and design techniques, and close-up photographs of the intricate beadwork. Detailed captions, a current value guide, a comprehensive bibliography, and an index guarantee this to be the ultimate collector's guide to vintage handbag fashion design.

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This new study presents striking parallels in both ethnic (non-European) and folk (European) traditional costumes and ornaments made with silver and glass. African ornaments include Zulu beads, Maghreb necklaces, the Oba's crown, and Massai headpieces. European ornaments extend from the Baltic to the Alps and from Russia, Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. Asian jewelry comes from the Fertile Crescent, the Silk Route, and the foothills of the Himalaya. Each example exquisitely displays a common sense of beauty among many distant peoples.

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