Ashtrays have always been popular as collectibles, as they are available in a endless variety of forms. Originally designed and manufactured to be purely functional, ashtrays soon found their way into the advertising world as both promotional items and souvenirs. This book provides an easy way to explore the collectible world of ashtrays. Over 460 beautiful color photos of unusual ashtrays and companion pieces are included to help the collectors identify and price their own finds. Filled with interesting facts, it gives insight to the evolution of ashtrays, and explains how they became such...

This "how to" book in woodcarving guides us through a hands on, educational journey of snowmen designs and cuttings, including "Igloo Snowman," and "Snowbank Snowman," both rich in color and full of life. Filled with numerous ideas and designs, it presents a fun and easy way to learn decorative woodcarving while perfecting your creative skills. The easy-to-follow instructions define the shape, style of arm you wish to use, traditional or elaborate face, and so on. The "saw out and glue up" technique is explained and displayed in step-by-step carving instructions. The painting techniques are...

Ever since 1897, when the first "Delicious and Refreshing" glasses of Coca-Cola were poured, Coca-Cola trays have become magnificent pieces of advertising art. The evolution of American popular culture is found in their images. From ribbons-and-lace girls of the late Victorian era through Roaring Twenties flappers, World War II war brides, and the working women of today, Coca-Cola has called upon images of glamour girls and girls-next-door to sell Coke. Warm family scenes, baseball, and children at play are also favorite tray illustrations. A price guide is included. Through the 260 color...

Bounce back to the carefree childhood days when you spent hours with your yo-yo learning to "walk the dog" or go "around the world." Yo-yos of many companies, decades (from the 1930s onward), and designs are displayed along with yo-yos that shriek, whistle, and spark. Whether you prefer wood or plastic, butterflies or teenies, Duncans or Whirl Kings, here you will find the yo-yos that you like best in over 275 color photographs. Also, yo-yo championship patches, tricks books, and trophies are displayed. Brief histories of several yo-yo companies such as Cheerio, Duncan, and Royal are...

Halloween, an American holiday and tradition, is a night of magic, romance, and fun. The simple items that have been used over the years for Halloween decoration or entertainment have become coveted and collectible nostalgia, and a wonderful assortment is featured here in over 600 exciting color photos. Separate chapters highlight noise makers for scaring away ghouls and ghosts, Winsch Publishing postcards, arcade machines and mechanical figures, table decorations for that perfect Halloween party, folk art, fortune telling games, and much more. Those who wax poetic over a full harvest moon or...

In over 725 color photographs, this comprehensive new volume illustrates the colorful and diverse dinnerware produced over a sixty year period by Universal Potteries, Inc. of Cambridge, Ohio, and its predecessor companies. Starting in 1900 with the Cambridge Art Pottery, the text outlines the "family tree" of potteries leading up to Universal itself, including The Guernsey Earthenware Co., the Oxford Pottery Co., and the Atlas-Globe China Co. Examples of wares from each of these early companies are shown, along with a broad array of items dating from Universal's actual incorporation in the...

Patriotism was rarely more fervently displayed in America than in the early nineteenth century. Enthusiasm for the new country was especially felt in England where goods were produced specifically to commemorate America. This book presents in detail the transfer-printed ceramic dishes made in Staffordshire for the American market from 1820-1860. Here are the patriots, historical events and breathtaking new landscape views captured by fine artists and transferred to ceramics by the best companies in England. Today these dishes are actively collected. Written with a close view of the cultural...

Here is the first concise handbook guide to the dining services and house wares with the distinctive Flow Blue transfer decoration. This handy reference work provides basic definitions of Flow Blue decoration and the wares on which it appeared throughout the Victorian era. Hundreds of color photos are grouped into three historic production periods recognizable by their artistic styles, and guidelines to identifying Flow Blue by these periods are presented. A brief synopsis of each English, American and European manufacturer whose ceramics appear in the text is presented with their marks. With...

The very popular, high quality tinplate toys of the mid-20th century from Nuremberg, Germany, are discussed in a historical setting in this delightful book. The chapters include 300 color photographs, information about the manufacturers(especially Schuco and Bing) and their markings, and essays on the past, present and future of this special toy industry. The mechanical figures, automobiles, trucks, trains, machines and associated buildings that are presented will remind many of the best toys of their youth. They are avidly collected today. Many of the toys shown are from superb private...

Toys purchased with box tops and pocket change in days-gone-by abound in this fascinating and sweeping survey. Over 850 color photographs display the wide range of items, including airplanes, badges, booklets, decoders, pins, rings, and whistles, offered to children throughout much of the twentieth century by bread and cereal companies and over the radio. Favorite heroes of the airwaves all had premium toys for their devoted fans to collect. Found here are the premiums of radio's legendary heroes, including Buck Rogers; Captains Marvel, Midnight and Video; Dick Tracy; Green Hornet; the Lone...