This delightful book examines the graphics found on all kinds of children's alphabet ware, along with fascinating histories of the firms that produced it. Primarily made in nineteenth century Britain, America, and Germany, these ceramic plates, metal table and flatware, glass dishes, and mugs are considered a reflection of the technologies, values, and styles of the Victorian era. Alphabetically arranged, the twenty-six lettered chapters each tell part of the story: A begins the tale with a bit of American history, B tells of the early bonfires and nineteenth century bottle ovens, C discusses...

Here is the greatest assembly of hand tools ever assembled. It is a fascinating chronicle of nearly every tool ever used in North America, including ancient tools used by Native Americans; trade tools used to create coaches, pianos, ships, and saddles; tools for harvesting farm goods, turpentine, and ice; and tools for fine trades such as bookbinding and watch repair. The tools are organized according to profession, from Beekeeper to Wheelwright, and will fascinate today's practitioners of these trades and hobbies. This comprehensive volume includes more than 4,500 images from catalog...

Collectors have long sought information about the Simmons Hardware Company and its Keen Kutter(R) tools. Now, one of the foremost authorities on tools offers a complete description and value guide for every Simmons Hardware Company brand name plane, scraper, router, and spoke shave along with dates of manufacture. Amply illustrated with over 200 catalog images, over 700 special brand names used by Simmons and 800+ Keen Kutter items are listed with important details of each. Simmons was a leader in the wholesale hardware field through the nearly 90 years of its existence (1874-1959), and its...

Keen Kutter is the most respected name in cutlery collectibles and pocket knives. This comprehensive volume contains a complete listing, detailed description, date, and value for every Keen Kutter pocket knife shown in Simmons Hardware Company catalogs since the adoption of the Wedge and Bar Keen Kutter logo in 1905. Here are Outing, Scouting and Cigar Cutter pocket knives; New England Whalers, California Budding knives, Kattle, Electrician, Physicians, and Karpenter knives plus many more. Illustrated with over 1100 original catalog illustrations, this volume is destined to become the pocket...