With its color photographs of everything from acajou wood boxes to Zsolny-Pecs ceramic figurines, Miller's whopper of a guide resembles a Sotheby's catalog, except it lists prices. The hefty book will be of use to collectors and buyers in need of a general pricing guide and is divided into categories such as "porcelain," "furniture," "toys and dolls," "film," "decorative arts," "lighting" and "American painting." Miller's prices are "ballpark figures" (for example, a Baccarat ruby cameo crystal vase may fetch anywhere from $1,000 to $1,300) and are based on actual prices checked by consultants. In addition to the many photographed entries, Miller (A Closer Look at Antiques) has included directories of auctioneers and specialists. This phonebook-like volume of over 8,500 antiques may be too general for collectors primarily interested American stoneware, Staffordshire dogs, or other specific kinds of antiques, and the full-page advertisements for auction houses may turn off some readers. Still, this comprehensive guide might be the perfect introduction amateur antiques enthusiasts need.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Reader Reviews
This book has hundreds of very impressive photos of specific items, noting their defects, markings, and value. However, unless you happened to run across the exact same item, the information is next to useless. While it is interesting to see an unusual art deco lamp, I'd be more interested in meatier topics, such as (1) how prevalent is art deco?; how hard to find?; (2) what should you be looking for in an art deco piece?; (3) what are the trends? Is this passe? Up-and-coming? Likewise depression glass, Shaker furniture, Americana, and old toys. Instead of a pretty coffee table book, I'd appreciate the value of the author's experienced guidance much more
Back To Top
