Best Antiques & Collectibles Encyclopedias
This edition features a more detailed Price Percentage Grading System (PPGS), and an expanded serialization section, allowing more dates of manufacture to be determined. In the gun business, the Blue Book of Gun Values is considered the authority when it comes to establishing the value of a firearm.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Have owned several editions over the years."
"We tried using the online version, but the book is way easier."
"very thorough guide to all guns."
"Simply by far the best Blue Book to date."
"BIG book, Pretty good coverage."
"Gave it as a gift to a collector friend."
"A necessary book for any gun collector or novice."
"Just what I needed to help me decide on how much insurance to buy."
From the fifty-day power reserve, to the constant force mechanism, and the 1,000Hz mechanical escapement, section 1 will allow the reader to understand and appreciate what is happening beneath the dial of their watch. For example, the regatta timer, pulsometer, and monopusher chronograph join a host of others in a chapter entitled 'Recording Lapses of Time'; The power reserve indicator, dynamograph, and crown position indicator are featured in a chapter for 'Power and Performance Indication'; The moon phase indicator, annual calendar, and planetarium can be found in the 'Astronomical Complications' chapter. Once the functional categories are exhausted, the final three chapters explore whimsical complications that have little regard for practical function, novelty time indication, and the 'super-complicated' watch - a rare breed of timepiece that houses an intimidating host of complications featured throughout the book. At 352 pages in large format, the handbook is a beautiful book, filled with captivating images and explanatory text which never gets too dry or too technical. Ryan Schmidt's monumental book takes you from the basic principles to the most complicated derivations of watchmaking and is designed to “to be a map and compass for you own personal journey”, without being cryptically elitist or pretentious. At times it was a little maddening, but my absolute priority with the book was to deliver complex subject matter in an accessible yet accurate manner. Whether looking for an understandable, yet informed, overview of watch movements―from the general to the specific, such as Roger Smith's Daniels Anniversary movement (below)―or if you are desperately seeking insight into whether life can be lived without a Telemeter (‘a key tool for calculating firing range'), Mr. Schmidt's “brand agnostic” tome could be the place to find your answer.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The pictures are clear and do a very good job showing what the text is referring to."
"This book is fantastic - it is a visual gem with a very easy understandable take on explaining complications and watch basics."
"Great book!"
"This book is a must-have for any wristwatch enthusiast."
"This is a very detailed book with a lot of beautiful photos."
"Stunning pictures with the explanations behind the inner workings of a mechanical watch."
"A real pleasure to read these book."
"Great Book explaining every complication in easy to understand manner."
Collectors around the country love the book's grade-by-grade values, auction records, historical background, detailed specifications, high-resolution photographs, and accurate mintage data. Articles on investing, grading coins, and detecting counterfeits will make you a savvy collector; and entertaining essays on the history of American coinage, shipwrecks and hoards, and the modern rare-coin market give you an inside look at "the hobby of kings."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Very informative Book, I haven't looked through my coin books and loose ones in several years."
"All ways purchase these books, helps keep up with much needed info for my coin collection !!"
"My first Redbook."
"If you have an interest in your coin's value, this book is a MUST."
"I couldn't ask for a better reference book!"
"Perfect for the collector in my family."
"Very thorough and just what I needed."
"Not enough detail for me to see in the book or detailed in what to look for on the coin."
Best Antique & Collectible Marbles
Included among the handmade marbles are old marbles of glass, earthenware, minerals, and steel; machine-made marbles are identified by their manufacturers; and contemporary handmade glass marbles by artisans recapturing the old styles and creating exciting new styles all their own. Bob Block has been collecting, appraising, auctioning, and dealing in marbles for over 30 years.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great book on marbles, their origins and manufacturers."
"Very informative with great pictures."
"Didn't quite fill my needs."
"This was a gift for a friend."
"This is a comprehensive, well designed volume for anyone interested in learning about marble identification."
Best Antique & Collectible Records
It’s bursting with the latest facts and stats on your favorite games from the futuristic soccer action of Rocket League to the psychedelic paint battles of Splatoon . GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS (GWR) is the universally recognized global authority on record-breaking achievement.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A 28 year old step-grandson who is a whiz computer person, and his 16 year old brother,also a whiz with computers, both remarked about this book in a very favorable manner."
"This book has a lot of trivia in it. If anyone still gives a trivia party this book would put you leaps on everyone else."
"I think it's a fun book to browse and although he is almost 14 now, during the years when he was between the ages 8-12 he excitedly went into hiding every year and read them cover to cover."
"has a thick hardback cover in a shiny yellow metallic that makes it look like a rockstar is gonna pop out when you open it up."
"It is a thick book and what I love is that every possible space on each page is filled with facts and stories."
"There is a lot of good information and tips in the book."
"Great book."
"I get the new one for my son every Christmas, this has kept my son who is 12 and my daughter who is 9 enthralled with reading for countless hours."
Best Diecast Antiques & Collectibles
This book provides a quality reference on Tonka Truck Toys produced from 1947 through 1963. The toughest toy trucks of all are also becoming increasingly tougher to find for collectors.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I used it to help price my old Tonka trucks for resale on EBAY."
"It's abundant with factory and personnel history, including photos and profiles of the folks whose backs the Tonka brand was built on. There are adequate photos of Tonka products to satisfy a 'shared read' with a youngster, and yet give the collector a proper specimin to compare his own pieces to."
"Enjoyed reading about the early years at the Tonka factory and wished the factory was still there in Mound so we could tour through it to see the toys being made."
"A terrific reference book which has helped me immensely in my collecting of Tonka Toys."
"I bought it for my husband, and he loved it!"
"I love it."
Best Antique & Collectible Rugs
In this comprehensive survey, P. R. J. Ford shows readers how to recognize the different structural and design features of oriental rugs and carpets. P. R. J. Ford is the author of Oriental Carpet Design .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I own many books on the subject, but none can compare for the depth of information and the quality of the images."
"An excellent from an author who is both knowledgeable and coherent."
"After making a few carpet purchases, we used the book to identify them."
"Very good book and service."
"I love this on my coffee table, it's so interesting!"
"Most of us who read the book are not really interested in identifying rugs or carpets by their design."
"This book is brilliant and much better than I expected."
Best Antique & Collectible Figurines
Collectors and fans will find all the information they need to identify and determine the value of each piece in their collection using this book, which is officially licensed by ARS AG, Baar/Switzerland, licensor of M.I. Enhanced and expanded section of exclusive historic drawings by Maria Innocentia Hummel paired with the figurines they inspired. Completely updated listings and values for all your old favorites PLUS the latest editions in the "2000 Series." Both the New York native's mother and grandmother collect Hummel figurines, inspiring Heidi as a young girl to follow in their footsteps.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I've had the other Hummel book for many years."
"Excellent resource for me: helped me understand all trademarks; listed all sizes and styles of same characters/children (i.e. "Going to Market" comes in several different heights) and appraise recently inherited collection."
"Great descriptions and images of the Hummels...... Great reference guide at a good price!"
"It's a book - with very nice pictures and price ranges."
"Hummel guides and current references are in short supply in print."
"The guide was as described and arrived very promptly."
"I thought that it would be all inclusive."
"Not impressed."
Best Antique & Collectible Sports Cards
Complete checklists for all included card sets.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Great book for the card collector."
"Covers all of my needs."
Best Antique & Collectible Porcelain & China
Special "Judith Picks" sections give fascinating background and valuation details for particularly interesting or unusual objects. Comprehensive sections cover ceramics, furniture, glass, silver and metalwares, jewellery and objets de vertu , clocks and watches, books, Oriental antiques, textiles, toys, decorative arts and Modern classics. She is a regular lecturer and contributor to numerous newspapers and magazines, including the Financial Times , the Daily Telegraph , BBC Homes & Antiques and House & Garden .
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Only problem is that when I received it, the books protector and cover had been stabbed by a pen repeatedly."
"When it comes to antique handbooks and price guides, Judith Miller's "Antique Handbook & Price Guide" are one of the best out there. So, for those wondering what is being featured in the 2018-2019 version, here is what is included: PORCELAIN (Pages 8-47). POTTERY (Pages 48-73). ORIENTAL (Pages 74-139). FURNITURE (Pages 140-231). BOXES & TREEN (Pages 232-250). CLOCKS, WATCHES & SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (Pages 251-285). MUSIC BOXES (Pages 286-287). SILVER & METALWARE (Pages 288-312). GLASS (Pages 313-320). LIGHTING (Pages 321-323). JEWELRY (Pages 324-338). OBJETS DE VERTU (Pages 339-365). ARCHITECTURAL (Pages 366-373). TEXTILES (Pages 374-392). BOOKS & MAPS (Pages 393-400). TOYS & MODELS (Pages 401-416). TRIBAL ART (Pages 423-435). ARMS & ARMOR (Pages 436-445). ANTIQUES (Pages 446-447). MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS (Pages 448-449). DECORATIVE ARTS (Pages 450-563). MODERN DESIGN (Pages 564-584). POSTERS (Pages 585-587). So, there are a good number of things features, especially for Oriental (Ceramics/Works of Art), Furniture and Decorative Arts (Ceramics, Furniture, Glass, Clocks, Lighting, Metalware, Sculpture)."
"It is noted also that the prices in the book are what you can expect to pay if purchasing one of these items either in an auction or collectibles shop. Also interesting is a little overall analysis at the beginning of each section taking on the overall current value and popularity of the category."
"Miller's Price Guides are meant to be cumulative in nature, meaning they don't cover exactly the same categories every year. With the enduring popularity of TV programs like "The Antiques Roadshow" and "Storage Wars", I'm sure many people are also purchasing this handbook looking for that hidden treasure. There are approximately six to eight pieces detailed on each page, with each item featuring a full color photo, a short description, dimensions, price range in US Dollars, along with a three character source code that identifies the auction house or collector from where the photograph originated. Throughout the book there are numerous "ESSENTIAL REFERENCE" and "CLOSER LOOK" insets featuring historical and other details about the various categories and subcategories."
Best Antique & Collectible Basketball Cards
This easy to read guide was written and published by a gold level Power Seller to help anyone learn how to sell sports cards on eBay. Robert M. Poll.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"A "2nd edition" should be practically free of errors."
Best Ammo & Grenade Collecting
Published in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution, Firearms: An Illustrated History charts the evolution of the gun, from the pistol and rifle, to the machine gun and revolver. "[ Firearms ] is one of the best visual overviews available of the historical development of firearms, with brilliant photography and an emphasis on artistic as well as technological achievements."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is a phenomenal gun book, great pictures, again Smithsonian hits the target."
"I bought this as a gift for my husband."
"I got this as a gift for my brother and it is remarkable."
"Great coffee table book from the Smithsonian."
"I don't know who likes it more, me or my 12 year old son."
"On page 95, the text mentions that the Colt Single Action Army was introduced in 1973 and then goes on to say that, among who used that revolver were the "forty niners" of the gold rush. I am only through about 1/3rd the way through the book so I don't know how many, if any, errors are to follow but, so far, the book has been very accurate as far as I can tell with a couple exceptions like those mentioned above."
"Purchased as gift for history / gun enthusiast... and he was very happy to receive this present."
"Lots of great illustrations, but not enough science behind the evolution of firearms."
Best Firearm Collecting
This edition features a more detailed Price Percentage Grading System (PPGS), and an expanded serialization section, allowing more dates of manufacture to be determined. In the gun business, the Blue Book of Gun Values is considered the authority when it comes to establishing the value of a firearm.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Have owned several editions over the years."
"We tried using the online version, but the book is way easier."
"very thorough guide to all guns."
"Simply by far the best Blue Book to date."
"BIG book, Pretty good coverage."
"Gave it as a gift to a collector friend."
"A necessary book for any gun collector or novice."
"Just what I needed to help me decide on how much insurance to buy."
Best World Coins Collecting
The ideal reference for researchers, collectors, auctioneers and dealers, the Standard Catalog of World Coins has a more-than-40-year tradition of excellence in the hobby. Current values listed by date, variety and grade Universal KM reverence number Detailed descriptions of obverse and reverse designs Clear images to aid in identification. Cuhaj has served the Krause Publications numismatic staff for 20 years.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This guide is a great place to start; it is easy to navigate and gives cursory information on particular locations and times surrounding the coin's production."
"If you are a coin collector or if you are planning to be a coin collector..a serious collector...then this and the world coin series from other centuries are a must."
"No question, this is the best, if not the only reference, for someone, whether collector or dealer, desiring a worldwide comprehensive volume of twentieth and twenty-first century coins. Fact remains, though, this is an indispensible reference book for the coin collector and dealer."
"Great catalog providing all the relevant information one needs in collecting world coins."
"It is a great reference for 19th Century coins without having to "dig around" the internet."
"I ordered this item thinking it was the paperback book that came with a dvd of the same book free like the Standard Catalog of World Coins 1900 to present I had ordered just weeks before."
"It has happened that the book I wished to find was not available (early 13th, 14th and 15th century coin catalogs) but I have not given in yet."
Best Paper Money Collecting
Building on the scope of Robert Friedberg's groundbreaking research, A Guide Book of United States Paper Money, Fifth Edition , includes an engaging history of the paper currency of the United States.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Wonderful book chock full of great pictures and interesting annotations."
"This version of the Red Book is easier to use for beginners because it is primarily organized by note value ($1; $2; $5, etc.)."
"I gave it to a friend as a gift and he is very satisfied with it."
"Great book at a great price."
"Good book."
Best Sports Memorabilia & Cards Antiques
2017 GIFT IDEAS | COLORING BOOKS FOR GROWN-UPS | MOTHERHOOD. Grab some colored pencils and markers, this coloring book, and run to the bathroom (don't forget the wine)!
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I bought this as a gift for a friend of mine and she loved it!"
"Great pics, easy to color, and makes you giggle....three ways to my heart!"
"Cute for a new mom... Not like she'll have time to color in it, though."
"This book is hilarious."
"The pages are thick and it's one sided pages, so you can use markers, the texture of the books' cover is smooth and rather nice to feel."
"this book makes me laugh i love it i remember when my kids where little they are adults now and have kids the art is amazing in this book as well as the snarky sayings."
"great coloring book...do hope there is one coming out for moms with older kids...teens and even adult kids lol."
"Love this coloring book!"
Best Archery
The Traditional Bowyer's Bible series includes three essential volumes filled with history, humor, and practical advice. Released in 1992, 1993, and 1994, respectively, this trio provides a remarkably in-depth analysis of the bow from its construction to its correct use.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"While I am looking forward to reading volumes 2-4, I feel that this one book gives enough to get out there and start making bows. In any case, I feel this is a solid guide book that allows the interested reader to also use it as a guide to making bows or as a book to read cover to cover."
"Good read a little unclear for those folks that don't know the traditional archery lingo."
"What is sorely lacking is an introduction which covers what self bows are, how they are made, etc before jumping into the fine details."
"This is a really good book for people who like archery, especially if you also enjoy outdoor activities, exploring the woods and that sort of thing."
"As far as a how to books go on archery this is a classic anyone who follows the instructions will be very pleased about the outcome."