Antique Books

Finally. A comprehensive collector's book and historical reference containing everything there is to know about antique and vintage electric waffle irons and the companies that made them. The author, a former science teacher, precision scientific instrument maker, and writer, has for years collected, researched, restored, and in some cases written about everything from antique pocket watches and cameras to old radios and vintage automobiles. Bill's passion for antique electric appliances has led to this first-of-its-kind book. The author's collection of waffle makers, all meticulously restored to like-new condition, numbers in the hundreds. In this book he shares with the reader everything he's learned over the years about these little marvels and the companies and people that created them.

This 258 page book is profusely illustrated with never-before-published materials about waffles and waffle irons including patent drawings, historic paintings, factory-issued literature, and vintage photos and advertisements. Also included are hundreds of informative photos of restored waffle irons from the author's personal collection along with rare and unusual examples from the collections of noted toaster and appliance aficionados from around the country.

This is no ordinary collector-type picture book. It's the culmination of hundreds of hours of research into the history of the electric appliance industry in 20th century America. Through exclusive interviews with the heirs of company founders, with former employees, and with archivists, historians, and librarians, the author has been able to compile in-depth histories of over 85 appliance manufacturers and retailers. For the first time the reader will find detailed biographies of many of the men who founded and ran the companies that gave the world the toasters, the ovens, the grills, and the other kitchen appliances that today we all take for granted.

Whether collector, cowboy or active shooter, this comprehensive reference is the guide enthusiasts need to bring the past alive with precision instructions and 600+ full-size photographs. Antique Firearms Assembly/Disassembly offers historic information and complete step-by-step details for popular antique and hard-to-find firearms manufactured around the mid 1800s and into the early 1900s.

More than 60 firearms are included in this resource devoted to antique and obsolete models, and replicas. Each listing includes a history of the weapon, highlighting unique features of the model, a large-scale drawing outlining component parts, and details everyone, including gunsmiths, police armory enthusiasts, forensic scientists or arms collectors will enjoy. The wide variety of guns featured including the Winchester 1873, Colt Lightning Rifle, Colt 1873 SAA and Smith & Wesson No.3, create a resource unequaled by any.

-Features over 600 photos of antique and rare firearms for assisting in identification

-Specific biographies of each of the 60 featured firearms

-Illustrated directions and detailed parts drawings assist gunsmiths in their craft

There are lots of books on golf collectibles out there. However, Antique Golf Collectibles newly released from Collector Books is one of the best organized and delivered of them all. The wide coverage includes clubs, balls, ceramics, metal wares, and all sorts of (paper) ephemera. "Golf is older than soccer, tennis, and the modern Olympics," notes author Pete Georgiady. "It is still a relatively quite pastime. It's not overcrowded and the items are not overpriced."

Do you own an old lamp? Are you wondering what it is, how it was originally used, how you can make it better, or how much it is worth? If so, this book is written for you! Easy to read and complete with a newly revised price guide, this book answers many of the basic questions confronting lamp collectors, from "Where do I look for a manufacturer's signature?" to "How do I distinguish reproductions from originals?" Using a combination of color photographs and catalog illustrations, here is a wealth of information for anyone interested in buying or selling old lighting. Included also is a discussion of restoration issues like rewiring, practical uses for fixtures originally made for gas or oil, and restoring and protecting metal finishes.

This important book is a comprehensive examination of needlework tools from the seventeenth century to the Edwardian era. The author, an expert with over twenty years' first-hand experience of her subject, has grouped needlework tools into specific periods, linking these to the style of embroidery that was in fashion and the social background of the time. This book answers the many questions posed by collectors of antique needlework tools and is of equal interest to all embroidery and needlework enthusiasts, social historians, dealers and auction houses.

From a rare volume on the history of playing cards: nearly 500 elegant illustrations that once graced European regular and tarot card decks. On display are face cards, musical instruments, fantasy figures, and other motifs — all ideal for adding a period flair to almost any graphic project. 251 black-and-white illustrations, 245 designs in color.

Over 900 intriguing images from rare decks of playing cards used between the 14th and 20th centuries: Bacchus, death, dancing dogs, players cheating at cards, royal coats of arms, stylized versions of king, queen and other face cards, hunting scenes, much more. Immediately usable graphics for illustrators and a treasury of diverting subjects for those interested in the history of printing.

This delightful compendium of American pocket mirrors showcases more than 500 miniature treasures of early 20th century design. Small celluloid round, oval, and rectangular mirrors were designed as advertising premiums, giveaways, favors, mementoes of weddings and anniversaries, souvenirs from historic sites, and so on. Today they are greatly admired for their exquisitely designed graphics, charming Victorian language, and romanticized--indeed often humorous--depiction of commercial products. Organized by subject matter, these colorful mirrors feature period advertising, political and patriotic themes, babies and children, beautiful women, portraiture, brides and grooms, historic sites, transportation, farm machinery and tools, and much more. Many icons of advertising are represented, including Coca Cola, Pepsi, Hires Root Beer, Lydia Pinkham's Pills, RCA Victor, even early Pop Art examples from Campbell's Soup! A history of pocket mirrors, manufacturer information, value guide, and tips for determining authenticity are all provided. Collectors, artists, devotees of advertising history, designers, and students will all appreciate these diminutive gems of graphic design.

Belinda's Dream, Katy Road Pink and Georgetown Tea, the names alone evoke images of glorious cottage gardens and arching trellises laden with perfumed blossoms. In this revised edition, rose expert Bill Welch updates the latest information and top sources for antique roses.

This elegant, richly colored antique-style world map is made for framing and is sure to be a handsome addition to any room or office.

Antique-style accents for a more upscale look and feel.

Map centered on Africa allowing viewers to see continents complete and intact.

Color-matching relief to show mountain ranges and other elevation changes.

Completely up-to-date map.

Compact rolled size for easy storage.

Scale: 1:35,000,000

Size: 27.5x39 inches, Rolled

Laminated surface is markable and washable with a dry erase marker or water-based pen.

Our Price: $19.99
Purchase Item

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

Features 5,500 color photos - with more color photos in the ceramics section than in the competition's entire book.

Satisfies your on the go collecting needs - with easy-to-follow listings in a compact format.

Gain authoritative insight from a recognized antiques expert with extensive appraisal experience

Antique Trader Antiques and Collectibles Price earns best-selling honors year after year by providing precise descriptions and current pricing, in a polished and practical package you can refer to with ease and confidence. With 14,000+ listings in more than 50 general categories, and 5,500 superb color photos in an easy-to-carry format, you will find the answers you need to make smart on-the-spot collecting decisions in this guide. Trust Antique Trader® expertise to help you assess and identify pieces with accuracy!