Antique Books

Experience the past firsthand when you open the cover of Antique and Vintage Fashions, 1745 - 1979, a Collector's Guide. This unprecedented work chronicles over 200 years of fashion trends. Enjoy 800 captivating photographs of real garments, hats, shoes, and accessories. Unlike any other work this features detailed annual fashion trends lists in chronological arrangement so collectors can identify way beyond what is pictured. The identification details are compiled from researching period sources, including fashion plates and periodicals. Photographs of clothing and accessories that reflect the year's trends accompany these lists. The majority of fashions depicted belong to women with a lesser extent devoted to children and occasional examples pertaining to men. The wide time span makes the book useful to see and compare clothing and accessories quickly and easily across many decades. This wealth of information, visual presentation, and yearly arrangement make it an indispensable guide for collectors. 2009 values.

A comprehensive look at striking furniture of the nineteenth century Biedermeier era in Austria and Germany. This handsome book features more than 600 authentic Biedermeier pieces, including cabinets, bureaus, wardrobes, secretaries, sofas, chairs, and tables. The authoritative authors provide extensive information on shapes, materials, ornamental features, and regional aspects of this popular furniture. The text covers evaluation and pricing, market trends, and tips on buying, caring for, and proper restoration of Biedermeier pieces. An illustrated glossary and current values are also included in this elegant reference.

The box represents great temptation. "Open me" it says. The human cannot resist it; its charm is overwhelming. So too, is the charm of this remarkable book, in which antique boxes and tea caddies - along with the people who inspired, made, and used them - dance gracefully through the pages. The reader is guided through the aesthetic, cultural, and social influences of the years covered, accumulating a deep understanding of the form, decoration, and purpose of eighteenth and nineteenth century boxes. The extensive text covers wooden, tortoiseshell, ivory, papier m*^ach*/e, and lacquer boxes. There are chapters on Anglo Indian, Scottish, Irish, Penwork, Straw work, and Tunbridge ware boxes, as well as on boxes made for special purposes. Captions include complete descriptions, values, and circa dates for all boxes shown. The 905 images include original drawings, magnificent photographs of complete pieces, and close-ups illustrating the structure and decoration of boxes. This is an indispensable companion for box collectors and reflects fascinating information about cultural forces that shaped the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Brass and copper collectibles in demand in today's market, and this book will help both the buyer and seller make accurate evaluations. Features over 500 full-color examples with complete descriptions and current values.