Antique Beads

A Bead Timeline, Vol. I: Prehistory to 1200 CE

Book Description
Reaching back into prehistory , author Dr. James W. Lankton traces beads through time and space, following their role in the development of technology, social stratification, political organization, religion, ritual, writing and commerce, as the story of beads intertwines with the growth of civilization. Published by The Bead Museum in Washington, D.C., this authoritative reference is based on the Museum's Bead Timeline exhibit which displays beads of all materials arranged in chronological and geographic sequence. Seventy-six full-color photographs by Robert K. Liu, Ph.D. include panoramic views of the Museum's Bead Timeline panels, which locate the beads in historical sequence, and closeups, which show details of classical bead types. Providing practical information for identifying beads, this volume, the first of two, focuses primarily on organic beads--especially shell, ivory, coral, amber, soft stones, such as turquoise and lapis lazuli: and hard stones, such as carnelian, chalcedony, rock crystal and jade, as well as faience and glass. Reviewing important bead developments in Mesopotamia, the eastern Mediterranean and Egypt, the Hellenistic and Roman world, early Europe, South and Southeast Asia, China, Korea and more, this survey to 1200 CE will enhance the reader's appreciation of beads in their cultural context.

A Manual of Precious Stones and Antique Gems

Product Description
This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1874 edition by Sampson Low, Marston, Low, & Searle, London.

A Treasury of Beaded Jewelry: Bead Stringing Patterns for All Ages

Book Description
Beadazzled by the beautiful beadwork of far-off lands? The rich mix of culturally diverse seed bead patterns found in this book will satisfy the young beginner, the advanced worker and the holiday giftmaker. Projects result in elegant, beautiful and surprisingly fashionable pieces of jewelry you would be proud to wear on any occasion. From Zulus to Guaymis, from Guatemala to Egypt, here are large graphic illustrations of the threading patterns for a wide range of beautiful seed bead jewelry, from simple Y necklaces to elaborate Romanian collars; several original designs are provided as well. This book is a must for crafters working with seed beads, providing many useful design concepts in its patterns for necklaces, chokers, bracelets, earrings, belts, pouches and headbands. The Methods and Materials section is comprehensive and full of useful hints for working with seed beads in general, from how to set up a workspace and lay out a design, to what to do when ! a flaw is found in a finished piece. Clear concise instructions alongside the diagrams ensure a good understanding of each project.

The book starts out with two simples necklaces, then zooms into space with starry holiday patterns for 10 minute earrings, a necklace and bracelet. Then it's on to snowflake patterns that show how to incorporate medallions into earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Next are simple chain link patterns that turn into beautiful flower chokers. Native American patterns for flower and leaf necklaces, as well as friendship bracelets and a flowing ripple necklace, follow. After a braided headband, simple daisy chain patterns are presented, along with showing how to turn them into wide flowery band bracelets and a daisy purse. Elaborate patterns for a very regal necklace and colorful Romanian collars follow. The last patterns of the book show how to make a wide colorful Guaymi collar, a Zulu belt, a Princess necklace that will enchant little and big girls alike, netted triangle necklaces, and a Moorish necklace of netted diamonds. A cultural cornucopia of jewelry truly to be enjoyed!

From the Author
The beauty of America's cultural diversity is that beadwork artists can incorporate so many wonderful ideas presented in the beadwork worn by its citizens. I continue to be fascinated by cultural diversity, and am working on a third beadwork book that will focus on using many of the techniques I've described in my first two books to create designs that mimic glamorous, fashionable, faceted jewelry . . . keep a lookout for it!

American Pottery and Porcelain (Antique Hunter's Guides)

Book Description
This visual antique reference guide has all the information readers need to identify and appraise American pottery and porcelain -- from the earliest rough vessels of the mid-eighteenth century to the Fiestaware of the mid-twentieth century.

Each piece -- 367 in all -- is photographed in full color and accompanied by an in-depth description of the piece, origin and date of manufacture, relationship to similar pieces and rarity and hints for collectors, helping readers spot potentially valuable heirlooms stashed at home or at garage sales, consignment stores and flea markets.

Publisher Description
Also available in this series: THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S GUIDE TO AMERICAN FURNITURE: TABLES, CHAIRS, SOFAS, and BEDS, THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S GUIDE TO AMERICAN FURNITURE: CHEST CUPBOARDS, DESKS & OTHER PIECES, and THE ANTIQUE HUNTER'S GUIDE TO AMERICAN SILVER & PEWTER

Antique and Collectible Buttons: Identification and Values

Book Description
The button, both functional and decorative, can be deservingly considered an art form on a small scale. This book is a dazzling color array of outstanding examples. Thousands of buttons are featured in over 300 color plates. Debra Wisniewski, an avid collector, has chosen the most beautiful and fascinating buttons to represent the vast variety available. They are displayed in this gorgeous hardcover book which provides invaluable information to the collector - complete descriptions, dates, and of course, current values. The realistic price ranges given reflect actual prices paid and considerable discussion with other collectors. All ages, styles and materials are represented in this fascinating reference and value guide. It's a perfect book for anyone who appreciates the art, craft, beauty, and skill apparent in these buttons. 2003 values. REVIEW: In only 168 pages, this book has made a successful collector out of me. It has numerous illustrations, all in color; an orderly method of describing types of buttons and their history; tips on cleaning and displaying them; and addresses of publications, suppliers, and clubs for collectors. Although it is crisply informative, the book also conveys the pleasant, upbeat personality of the writer. -Amazon.com

Antique and Collectible Buttons: Identification and Values

Product Description
Thousands of buttons are featured in over 400 color photographs. No repeats from the first book. Complete descriptions, dates, and current values. This unique book showcases all types of materials such as glass, enamel, brass, plastic, rhinestone, wood, and shell , as well as the amazine pictorials of birds, dogs, cats, insects, people, mythology, and more. AUTHORBIO: Debra Wisniewski is the author of two volumes of Antique Collectible Buttons. She has been involved in her family's estate auctioneering business since 1970. She has served as president and as secretary of the West Michigan Buttoneers and is a member of the National Button Society. She continues to spread the joy of button collecting at schools, historical societies, and civic groups. REVIEW: This book is the second of Debra Wisniewki's bestselling books, with no repeats from her first volume. Using the same user-friendly format as Volume I, the book includes more studio buttons, paperweights, and newly manufactured buttons. Large photos and colorful pages make the book an eye catcher.

Antique and Contemporary Advertising Memorabilia (Antique and Contemporary Advertising...

Product Description
The 2004 Advertising book has been largely expanded with over 1,000 new listings and photos plus updates on current listings. All listings indicate the condition of the item and are keyed to indicate whether the value assigned was derived from an auction, collector, or dealer. Designed to be a valuable tool for the beginner as well as the advanced collector with its easy-to-use alphabetical format and clear, full-color photographs, this book will be wanted by every collector and dealer for their research libraries. 2005 values. AUTHORBIO: B.J. Summers continues to compile essential references for advertising and Coca-Cola collectors. His popular books include Pocket Guide to Coca-Cola, Summers' Guide to Coca-Cola, Soda Pop Memorabilia, Antique Contemporary Advertising Memorabilia, and Value Guide to Gas Station Memorabilia. His books have become standard references in their fields. REVIEW: Advance warning: do not miss the AQS Calendar 2005 just published for the forthcoming year if you're an avid quilter or know someone who is. Once again the most beautiful of quilt designs are captured in a practical wall calendar format pairing full-page quilt designs with large-box calendar wall format presentation. Highly recommended indeed.

Antique Hunter's Guide to American Silver and Pewter

Product Description
This visual antique reference guide has all the information readers need to identify and appraise American silver and pewter-from Colonial times to the present. Each piece-450 in all-is photographed in full color and accompanied by a detailed description of the piece, origin, date of manufacture, relationship to similar pieces and rarity, and hints for collectors, helping readers spot potentially valuable heirlooms stashed at home or at garage sales, consignment stores and flea markets.

From the Inside Flap
With over 450 examples of American silver, silver-plated, and pewter; American Silver & Pewter is the ultimate guide to the highly popular field of collectibles. From lovely Victorian flatware to graceful Federal tureens to beautifully shaped pewter tankards, this volume covers the entire range of silver and pewter objects made in America and is perfect for novice and experienced collectors alike.

Expertly researched, this handy volume features a full-color photograph of each object, accompanied by an extensive caption describing the object, its marks and dimensions, its maker and the date in was made, as well as hints for collectors such as scarcity, demand, and background information on the maker.

Easy-to-use, portable, and brimming with information, American Silver & Pewter also features a reference guide to flatware patterns (illustrated with line drawings), a glossary, and a guide to makers and their marks. An up-to-date price guide provides a range of prices for each piece, as well as a selection of comparison prices for English-made and other equivalent pieces.

Antique Iron: Identification and Values

Product Description
Antique cast-iron collectibles are featured in over 400 photographs. Included are farming, kitchen, toys, banks, and more cast-iron collectibles. This handy value guide is a wealth of information for the collector. 2004 values. AUTHORBIO: Kathryn McNerney was well-known for her expertise in many fields of antiques and collectibles, including kitchen antiques, antique tools, primitives, blue white stoneware, American oak and Victorian furniture, and antique iron. Her books saw many revised editions, and her books became standard references in the field. She left behind many followers who continue to consult her books and who have made them part of their permanent libraries. REVIEW: This book is a must for collectors of antique iron. A handy pocket guide with current collector values.

About The Author
Kathryn McNerney was well-known for her expertise in many fields of antiques and collectibles, including kitchen antiques, antique tools, primitives, blue & white stoneware, American oak and Victorian furniture, and antique iron. Her books saw many revised editions, and her books became standard references in the field. She left behind many followers who continue to consult her books and who have made them part of their permanent libraries.

Antique Kilims of Anatolia

Book Description
The authoritative account of the acclaimed and collectible kilims, the tribal flatwoven rugs of Turkey. From fleece, yarn, dyeing, looms, and weaves, to the visual language, tribal weavers, and meaning, origins, and aesthetics of the kilim, this book provides an ideal summary of the subject. It is illustrated with over 80 colorful examples, fine ethnographic photographs, and drawings that explain structural features and designs. 80 color and 70 black-and-white illustrations. Originally published in a previous edition as The Tribal Eye)

About The Author
Peter Davies's Turkana Gallery specializes in kilims. He lives in New York City.

Antique Tool Collectors Guide to Value

Book Description
This book describes, prices, and illustrates 56+ categories of antique tools! Types of tools included are: Axes, Anvils, Blacksmith, Chair Making, Chisels, Cobbler, Cooper, Knives, Drills, Farrier, Files & Rasps, Hammers, Hatchets, Lathes, Mallets, Planes, Pliers, Rules, Saws, Screwdrivers, Shears, Shipwright, Squares, Tinsmith, Tool Chests, Tool Holders, Vises, Wrenches, & Many More Items! Thousands of old tools are shown!

Antique Tools ... Our American Heritage

Product Description
This handy guide to old tools is filled with photos and useful information on common and unusual tools of the past. Fully illustrated, this quality paperback includes prices for every item. 2003 values. REVIEW: Tools of blacksmiths, farriers, wheelwrights, bricklayers, slaters, loggers, tinners, leatherworkers, lumbermen, and woodworkers, as well as transportation, land, water, and farm tools, fill the pages of this handy price guide to antique tools. The name and value of the item is given, as well as important facts on how the tools were used and who used them. It's a perfect glimpse at part of our American heritage. -John Alvey

About The Author
Kathryn McNerney was well-known for her expertise in many fields of antiques and collectibles, including kitchen antiques, antique tools, primitives, blue & white stoneware, American oak and Victorian furniture, and antique iron. Her books saw many revised editions, and her books became standard references in the field. She left behind many followers who continue to consult her books and who have made them part of their permanent libraries.