Swirl marbles comprise one of the largest categories of antique handmade glass marbles and come in many distinct and eye-catching types, ranging from banded and clambroth swirls to latticinio core and ribbon core swirls. With over 850 vibrant color photographs, this book displays swirl marbles in their many engaging types. The text explains swirl marble types, provides tables of current market prices, and directs collectors to marble clubs and meets across the country. This attractive and interesting book is a must for all who collect glass and are fascinated with marbles.

We hate to name drop, but this beautiful book features the top manufacturers and designers of kitchen towels from the 1930s to the 1960s From the delightful fruit and floral patterns of Wilendur, Startex, and Martex, to the wonderful whimsical designs of Broderie, Bucilla, and JS&S, a visual feast of color and design is presented here. Vintage towels are small art canvases -- easily afforded, easily cleaned, and easily displayed. Hundreds of different designs can be collected in a small space and at minimal cost. It is no wonder, then, that their popularity has risen in recent years to make...

Lavishly illustrated and extensively researched, this fascinating book chronicles the widening accessibility of jewelry between 1860 and 1960. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, only the affluent could afford many pieces of jewelry. In the mid-nineteenth century, however, industrialization led jewelry to become more affordable and the rising middle class created a larger market. Increasingly, jewelry was made not only from traditional precious metals and stones, but also of materials such as gold-plated base metals, vulcanite, hair, plastics, aluminum, and much more. Beginning with a visual...

A classic treasury, this book has more than 1,670 still banks beautifully presented in color and many more black and white illustrations. Focusing on American and English banks, there are many lovely examples of still banks from other countries as well, all rated in terms of their scarcity. Pages from manufacturers catalogues are reproduced, and the text relates the histories of the manufacturers, specific details about the banks, and information for collectors about clubs and publications where more information can be obtained. The Moores also include a series of conversion tables which...

A wonderful collection of fine decoys and calls from the Great Lakes region, shown in over 1100 color photographs, along with original vintage black and white photos, extensive related literature, and a price guide. For centuries the massive watershed system of lakes and rivers in the Great Lakes region has beckoned hunters and fishermen to its teeming waters and forests. To aid them in their hunt they have produced a wealth of fowl and fish decoys and calls. Over the years these practical tools have come to be appreciated as beautiful examples of folk art. They now sit on display in museums...

Explore the rich fossil record of the Paleozoic Era, from the Cambrian (545 million years ago) through the Permian (almost 300 million years ago) with 650 high quality color photos and detailed, highly readable text. Following his successful work on the earliest fossils, the author now starts at that time in earths history when life blossomed into a variety of body plans (phyla), and explores the successive periods of the Paleozoic Era. These include the Cambrian; the early, mid-, and late Ordovician; the Silurian and Devonian with their numerous marine fossils and some of the earths first...

Here is a fun, new collectible. Decorated cakes are associated with celebrations of all kinds--can you imagine a birthday party without a cake? Now many cake-lovers have discovered an engaging hobby: collect the pans that cakes are baked in The most prolific pan manufacturer, Wilton Industries, Inc., has offered well over 600 designs since the 1950s. Delightful pans have also been offered by Nordic Ware, Inc., Amscan, Inc., Mirro, Inc., Wear-Ever, West Bend, and others. Over 700 of these wonderful, formed-aluminum novelty cake pans are documented in this colorful and unique book. Current...

This eye-appealing book presents a sweeping survey of much sought after designs from Finnish and Swedish glass-making communities throughout the twentieth century. Glass forms from Orrefors, Iittala, Johansfors, Kosta, Nuutajarvi, and others are covered. Over 330 vibrant color photographs bring the beauty of these highly collectible artware bowls, sculptures, stemwares, vases, and more to life. The text includes histories of the glass factories and celebrated artisans who worked there (from Aino Aalto to Sven Palmqvist), a detailed bibliography, an index, and current market values in the...

The Illinois Watch Company has long had an honored place in the annals of horological history. From their founding in 1869, through their commitment to timekeeping excellence in the early 20th century, to their development of many wonderful Art Deco/Moderne-inspired wristwatches in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, Illinois was a leader in its field. Today their watches are highly sought after by collectors, both for their engineering and beauty. Here is the history of the company covered in great detail and with solid research. Included are historical documents, vintage photographs of the people...

Sweet strawberries, bold florals, grandma's kitchen plaid, and state souvenir tablecloths: these are some of the images in this comprehensive reference guide for everyone who loves vintage linens. A wonderful, thoroughly researched pictorial reference guide with over 500 striking photographs of vintage tablecloths, period advertising and packaging, up-to-date values, and detailed captions. Organized by decades, the book covers the history of the printed tablecloth from the 1700s to the 1950s, and presents the social and political influences on period designs and styles. It includes sections...