Antiques Collectibles Books

Overall not a bad book as there is a shortage of books to tell you how to actually get into the business of antiques. It desperately needs updating; it has no mention of ebay or other Internet sources. I didn't like the authors advocation of rude behaviour at garage sales and other venues in pursuit of a "deal" or his obvious mistrust of auctioneers. Perhaps it's a regional thing. Don't make it your only source and read with an open mind. Take the good, leave the bad, and get some good books on sales, marketing, and small business to go along with your technical antiques books.

Like other reviewers have said, this book doesn't take into account the Internet factor. But there's still lots of good advice in this book that hasn't changed: What to look for, how to negotiate, and how to get to the good stuff first. These gems will be good for the next century and beyond--as long as people hold yard/garage/tag sales and people use automobiles for travel.

If you want eBay advice, there are hundreds of other books that give you that. But I haven't found one of those books yet that contains the good old-fashioned advice this book has. Plus, some of the old-fashioned salesmanship advice in this book translates well to online venues.

This book reads quickly (read for about an hour before bed and you'll have it knocked out in less than a week), it's entertaining, and it's inexpensive. Pay the cover price plus shipping and it'll still cost you less than $10. You'll probably make your 10 bucks back the Saturday after you finish it. I did.

Without a fresh look at the marketplace, this book is completely outdated. While you may glean some "useful" information, this book resides in the mid to late 80's and fails to take into account 20 years of change with the advent of technology and the Internet.

The Internet has changed everything, including how sellers perceive the goods they have. Values, frequently updated online and in current specialty books change the buyers methods of approaching the areas the author suggest for purchasing merchandise.

My premise in reviewing this book includes Johnson's suggestions about garage sales, antique dealers, shops, auctions and dealer shows. I am experienced in all methods of acquiring merchandise for resale online and in newspaper ads. Sellers have a better database of information and use this to gain their advantage. With that said, because of increased competition and the Internet, deals can be had if you find the motivated seller.

The same tools available to sellers should be used by serious buyers/resellers. You must research your niche thoroughly and be armed with information and knowledge so you can get the best price. Use completed online auctions and start a library of books on the information you need.

Having some negotiating skills is important but knowledge is king. Armed with prices your willing to pay to make a return on your investment is number one. Using your time efficiently will help you obtain merchandise to sell quickly to turn over cash to keep your enterprise moving.

Johnson's book can set you on a course of where to find goods but you must visit these places in a learning capacity based on the world of information technology, which is critical and not discussed in this book. You must learn to use the Internet because the sellers are using it to estimate values and profits. Many undersell merchandise and their ignorance is your potential bonanza.

Another example is the abundance of Antique Malls, which have become prevalent and are very commercialized. These places generally have zero negotiating room since the sellers aren't present. The items for sale are usually set at top value or beyond and purchasing from these outlets won't provide you with leverage to make a profit.

Smaller antique shops with vendor booths are more reliable yet still priced very high. Once again the person in the store is not the individual selling everything so it's difficult to negotiate a fair price or come in contact with the actual seller. If you can find smaller venues it's possible vendors are occasionally present or nearby, which will provide an opportunity to negotiate. Sellers are usually willing to lower their prices in my experience, especially when you tell them you're a dealer.

Garage sales are good sources, especially if you visit block sales with each house in a community selling items. It's efficient and you may still find some gems. It's tough work but remains a fairly good source and you can negotiate asking prices downward.

Placing ads on Craig's list is a valuable method in obtaining goods. Once again, this method won't be mentioned in Johnson's book because of age.

Online auctions and online malls are a valuable source of finding good deals for items in your niche. Because Johnson's book has not been updated this method is not listed. It's easy and more efficient to find what your looking for in search engines and most times you can deal directly with the seller. You have more control and accessibility to purchase adequate inventory. You're also armed with information and your top-purchasing price.

Buy this book on the cheap only to gather some very basic and rudimentary information if you haven't any knowledge on how to get started. Find your niche, purchase specialty books to perfect your knowledge and test out the area's Johnson recommends. Live auctions are the best "offline" source to work and Johnson provides some basic information on terms used at auctions. Don't get caught up in emotions or competition at lives auctions, stick to your predetermined price and don't budge. Do your homework ahead of time.

It takes sweat equity as well as an investment. Keep good records, as suggested in the book and implement technology. It's takes time, patience and consistency but a part-time business can eventually become full-time.

If you are interested in getting into the Antiques and Collectibles market, this book gives some good starter tips, even though it is rather old. While it does not cover the incredibly expanding online and auction market, it is a good source for tips on where to find inventory, how to purchase inventory, how to set up a B&M shop/mall space, and how to be "antique" savvy.

While some of the information was helpful in a very general sense, much of it was outdated and unrealistic. Overall, not a particularly useful book.

This book was laid out in a way that you could follow and understand. Very informative.

This was a good book except there were no real ideas except to break out your coins from the already sealed and graded plastic cartridges and resend them back to have them graded again hoping they will upgrade their already graded grade. Hopefully, in breaking the protective case, you don't scratch them getting them out. To me, that was expensive and taking a chance on their judgement. There were no real hints that I could use other than what I was already doing.

I bought this book with the idea of picking up some investment coins, salting them away for a few years, and cashing out. While that may indeed work, it's not the essential theme of this book. After reading and thinking through some of the strategies, I became fascinated with the grading arbitrage game that is covered in great detail. Despite Travers' warnings about doing this online (and ebay specifically) I was able to parlay $600 into $1200 in about two months using ebay coin auctions. There is some risk involved and you absolutely must do your homework, but pretty much everything you need is discussed in this book. You can make your own price guide by using the resources on ebay; you will also need the self-discipline to not over-bid!

While well-written, this book comprises of one theme throughout: cracking older PCGS graded coins and re-submitting them in the hope of a higher rating and a higher value. The book is very well detailed in this respect, but many of the older holders have long ago been cracked and re-submitted. Very little in other advice as far as making a profit.

When you buy these kinds of books, you tend to expect some secret techniques of making money. Many books even manage to create the impression of telling you something previously undisclosed, until you try it and realise that it does not work.

This book is written by the professional in this field. Making money in coins is a business, and not such an exciting one, after all. There are a few ways of making a profit honestly (or almost honestly) in numismatics. And there is no guarantee of being succesful. Very sobering message, and this book gets it across well.

I learned a lot from this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in this business.

I have read Charlotte's book, "Creating A Room", and prefer it while re-decorating. "A Passion for Detail" is a "look book" and sometimes a little too precious for the average household. But it is nice escapism

Ever heard the phrase "it's all in the details?" Ever wonder just how homes that grace the pages of the best shelter magazines ever get chosen in the first place? What's right, what's wrong, how can I get my home to put on its best face? What style is really me? Former Wall-Streeter Charlotte Moss, now a well published interior decorator, builds a great argument for discovering then developing a personal interior vision. Her stylishly decorated images ooze of self-confidence and clarity of thought. Well chosen fabrics and accessories, complete with understanding and ideas behind their choices reveal insight and a good sense of humor too. Moss notes that everyone has a passion for something, and that these passions are forms of self-expression. Comfort, style, values and personality are telling signals of the quality of lives we lead. In our daily frenzied routines, Moss advocates looking at your own home from a different perspective. The book's mission promises that a more relaxed and confident home will emerge. Mission accomplished!

Studying Charlotte Moss' technique is a must for those who are designers and also for those who are developing their own design style. It is foreseeable that not everyone would covet EVERY Moss design, but it is admirable how her philosophy seems to center on a way of living, and showcasing your life, rather than merely decorating.

In her first book, A Passion For Detail, the theme is obviously denoted by the title. The book provides a great introduction and insight into Moss' technique and design style - heavy on the accessories and patterns (some might call it cluttered), but the decor is nonetheless tasteful and very calculated. Moss aims to surround herself, and those for whom she designs, with the things they love. Even if this technique amounts to a lot of "things."

The book is thematic and conveniently divided into five sections, but at times, the chapters themselves are a bit disjointed and the chapter themes, while vaguely associated with the pictures, do not seem very cohesive as the pictures jump around from house to house.

If you are looking for a how-to decorate book, this is not the book for you. Chapter Five briefly touches on Moss' technique, but it is more a study the pictures and learn type of book. You could reproduce the design strategy, but most of Moss' accessories are a bit out of the average price range and the style of decor is a bit impractical for most of us. But, even if you are scared by Moss' designs, this is still an important read for design fanatics, as you can still learn from her technique. The most prevalent lesson from the book is this: design is about style and taste, but it is also about surrounding yourself with the things you love.

much more detailed than other books I have bought. Well worth it if you collect small size currency.

This edition was updated significantly since the last one came out. More serial numbers and star notes are listed.

Still it need more listing and better explanations of grading/pricing for each series. Also the values seem high, although not as bad as previous edition.

An incredible book if your looking for a complete reference book to use on a daily basis. This reference book is updated every year which is very important to any Small-Sized U.S. Paper Currency collector. I find this book gives spot on values for each and every small-sized U.S. note that anyone could have an interest in collecting. I use this reference book like I use my right arm so that should tell you just how important this reference book is to my collecting. I purchase the revised book every year without question. No collector should ever be without this book. Well lets say any serious collector should never be without this book !!!

I personaly collect Star Notes, I have been hording GL's and GF star notes. I was waiting on the book release for value's, just to find they have incorrect figures for printings. They have 96,000 for the unbelievably low 9600 print of the Atlanta(GF) $10 star notes.
So, I as well as 3-4 other collectors wait again till next years release for the correct numbers and therefore guide on value. Maybe the mistakes are how they sell new editions? Guarantee sales?

I agree with many of the reviewers comments. This is a very useful book, it is a must for the serious small size currency collector. Quality control is a major problem however. There are just too many errors which cause confusion. I am surprised that KP books can't do a better job. These errors run through all of the editions 5, 6, and now 7. These errors cause one to question some of the pricing information. A typical example is in the 7th edition, 2004 A Atlanta star listing. 96,000 sheets? What does that mean? It has been widely reported that there was a printing of 9,600. I suggest Oaks, Schwartz and Lindquist take special care with the 8th edition and perhaps find a new editor.

I wasnt really impressed with this book.

I was because I am an amature when it comes to cut glass. I was disapointed because the pictures are like drawings, not actual pictures.

I am happy however, because there is such a book on the market. the patterns are easy to compare and see whats what.

This book is great. I only wish the pictures were real pictures and not just drawings. I know it would be hard to find and publish all the the patterns, but in her next book, maybe she could print actual pictures of what she can find. I'd pay more for a bigger book.

Of all the books on cut glass this is about the worst. The only good thing about it is the pieces are ordered by style (bowl, goblet, plate, etc.). The line drawings are only mediocre. There are very, very few pieces and manufacturers in it (a couple hundred).

Save your money, look elsewhere.

The best description I can give of this work is as a "reference work," and it is not "literary." It is profusely illustrated, but not all notes are depicted.

As a collector of currency for over 50 years, several errors in picture captions popped out at me immediately. I have also compared the pricing with the current market, and as any such volume the data is already getting stale. U.S. Currency is red hot at this time, and the market is extremely volatile. It is difficult for a catalog of this type to be useful for other than a short time frame, if the valuations are a reason for it's purchase.

Other than these small quibbles, a recommended work. Four stars.

THIS BOOK IS OH SO INFORMATIVE ON PRICING ! ALSO HAS GREAT PICTURES ! THE ONLY REASON I DIDN'T GIVE IT 5 STARS, WAS THAT IT DID NOT GIVE PRICES FOR DIFFERENT PRINTING "BLOCKS" WITHIN ANY GIVEN YEAR. ALSO DID NOT CONTAIN INFO ON HOW MANY NOTES WERE PRINTED ON ANY GIVEN YEAR OR FROM ANY GIVEN FEDERAL BRANCH.

I'm new (again) to the hobby after ~5 years and I picked this book up over the weekend. I cannot evaluate or review the pricing information contained in this book but it seems to be on par with what I am seeing in the market. As I mentioned in the title, I'm really liking all of the color pictures and detailed information about the different series of notes - color pictures probably outnumber the black and white pictures 20 to 1. I'm very glad I purchased this one!

CS:

I received this book and believe it is as expected. Price is at FMV (Fair Market Value). I have not yet proof read it but what I have seen it makes a great reference for those who collect currency. However, it would have been helpful to include the Friedberg number in the Appendix along with the description. Yes, this number can be variable but you have included prices that are also variable and approximate. It may have been better to give a ratio(range)year column price divided by the face value of the currency.

This book was exactly what I expected. Good photos and stories behind 100 of the most famous notes in history. Great as a reference or as a coffe table book.

This is an incredible book to have in your library if your a collector of U.S. Paper Currency or not. Stunning pictures of each of the notes this book goes into great detail in discussing. I have this book and the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins book sitting out in my livingroom for all to see and everyone who has stopped by can not help but pick up these books. Then the oh's and ah's start pouring out !!! Absolute incredible book to have in anyone's private library without a doubt.

It is the rare numismatic book that is educational AND entertaining. This book is one of those rare books.
I wrote a review of this book for the Bank Note Reporter, the newpaper for collectors of paper money. I have included an only slightly altered version of that review below.

My best purchase at the Chicago Paper Money Exposition was a copy of the new book 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by two of my favorite numismatists--Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman. Chet Krause and Cliff Mishler wrote a foreword for the book making that four of my favorites all in one book. No, that is not right. Tom Denly was something called valuations editor for the book so that makes five of my favorite--and greatest--numismatists all in one volume.
In short, the book is beautiful to behold and a joy to read. That sums it up quite nicely, but I do have a lot more to say about it. I feel that I am particularly qualified to do this because I had started a book with exactly the same premise. I still have my notebook with my work. That means that they stole my idea! Of course that is easy to say after they have completed their work and I only have a notebook. It is also untrue. The original idea was Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth's popular 100 Greatest American Coins. Imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery. I must also say that Bowers and Sundman did a far better job than I would have done (not that I did not have a few enhancements).
The basic premise of the book is to select and discuss the 100 greatest American notes. The authors have done this admirably. The basic methodology was to survey a wide group of dealers asking them to list what they considered to be the top notes. While the methodology was good and the results were great, my first complaint is that I would have liked to have learned more about the methodology. The authors tabulated the results then provided the discussion. As the creators of this project, they have a greater insight than anyone on the subject. I would at a minimum have liked to read more of their thoughts on the results, but these are small complaints.
If you have not seen the book you can cast a silent vote right now for your top note or top ten. Now that you have done that, you will probably not be surprised that the clear favorite of the survey was the "Grand watermelon" ($1000 Series 1890 Silver Certificate). The authors expected it to be number one and I had it number one in the notes for my book. You have to figure that a note with a nickname like that would come in first or to look at it the other way that a note worthy of being first would have a nick name. Indeed, nine of the top ten have nicknames.
Two pages are devoted to discussing the grand watermelon and each of the top ten notes. Thereafter it is one page per note. This is the meat of the book. Indeed, the book could just as easily have been something like 100 Great Paper Money Stories.
The two Davids excelled in the preparation of the text to describe the notes. They supplemented the illustrations of the notes and their discussions with additional illustrations (some of these of coins (gasp)). Most ot these are excellent and some are great in both content and quality. They are a highlight of the book. This seems to be an appropriate place to mention the superb quality of book production. It is color throughout and truly excellent. My one complaint is that the book is in a large format 10 x 12 inches. Many people will consider this a feature. Authors (including me) like these large formats, but they are harder to read. They look great on the coffee table, but are difficult to handle curled up in a chair or in an airline torture seat.
I did not know that the watermelon description of this note could be traced back to an 1891 newspaper story. Perhaps I had read this before, but if I had, I had forgotten it. The entire quotation from the paper is included. From the footnotes at the back of the book I learned this interesting tidbit. The quotation is "From an 1891 clipping, no day date, in a scrapbook compiled in 1891 and 1892 (now owned by Q. David Bowers)." I found many of the notes worth reading.
Each entry includes a box with "historic Market Values" and "Commentary on Value." This is the work of the valuations editor. This book is not a catalog of values (I like that), but the inclusion of this information is interesting in its own right and is nice balances with the text and graphics. When I was working on my project, I had not thought of anything like this.
Number two in the survey is the $500 national bank note. It is a good and obvious choice. It was also number two on my list.
The third note in the survey is Massachusetts Bay Colony 5-shilling notes of December 10, 1690. It is the first government-issue American paper money (according to Eric Newman). Among other interesting (amazing) things that I learned in this entry is that in the 17th century the annual calendar ran from March 25 to March 24. I also learned that the unique example of this note resides in the Essex Institute, Salem, Massachusetts. That is certainly an appropriate city. I wonder if the note is on public display.
The balance of the top ten are very interesting indeed. Instead of being great rarities they are dominated by relatively common notes and certainly are affordable in circulated grades to most collectors. The one exception is number eight, the "Spread Eagle Note" (Series of 1862 and 1863 $100 Legal Tender note).
The others are respectively in positions four though ten (except eight): Lazy Deuce ($2 National Bank Note), $5 Educational note (Series of 1896 Silver Certificate), and Bison Note" (Series of 1891 $10 Legal Tender note), $1 "Educational Note (Series of 1896 Silver Certificate," $20 "Technicolor note" (Series of 1905 Gold Certificate, and the "Indian Chief" (Series of 1899 $5 Silver Certificate).
The other ninety notes include a wide array of interesting and historical notes. The entry on every single one is worth studying, but to me the most interesting (especially for discussion here) are those that might not be obvious choices.
United States fractional notes get two entries on the list. Interestingly, number 14, the fractional currency shield, is not a note at all, but a virtual collection of notes. Having said, that I think that it is a good choice.
Four Confederate notes make the list with several of them having nicknames (the Indian Princess and Montgomery notes (two denominations making the list)).
That vast, amorphous, and ill defined area known as obsolete notes are also included. Numbers 23 and 24 are Santa Clause notes and polar bear notes even though they are more categories than actual notes. Again, I think that they were good choices.
I was pleased and even a little surprised to see both World War II issues (Hawaii and North Africa) make the top 100. They won their places because of their extraordinary historical reasons for issue.
These various categories of notes included in the book are the apparent reason for the awkward book title. I offer this criticism with respect because I struggled with this problem in my unversion of this book. If you say United States notes you probably should not include Confederate notes. Colonial and Continental notes would not really fit. "Obsolete" notes would be in doubt too. Even American notes (as chosen) presents some problems. Does American include Canada? Mexico? I do not like the term currency notes, but I understand the problem. Bank notes does not fit because most of the notes selected were not issued by banks under any definition. Many people (unfortunately) would simply say currency but that is a very bad choice because currency is coins and paper money. In most constructions paper money does not work (100 Greatest American Paper Money). Even notes has some problems. Certainly, national bank notes are notes. but are silver and gold certificates notes? In the final analysis, having said that I do not like what we was used, but I do not have a better title.
I love the book, but I disagree with some of the choices. That is one of the wonderful aspects of books of lists. They are certain to generate discussion if not controversy. I was surprised that no error or star notes made the list. I can understand that they can be excluded as being sort of varieties of other issues, but, still, I think that a token from either or both of these categories could have been included.
You will probably not be surprised that I think that a military payment certificate should have been on the list. Having said that, I should be prepared to tell you which one. I gave that considerable thought in my work. I considered the unknown replacements and the unique replacements. Of course there is the Series 541 $5 with its attractive design and world record price history. I thought about the unique specimen booklets for Series 541 and 591. I really liked them because they have nicknames ("Comptroller Booklets"). Finally, I decided that the best choice would be the unique specimen and progressive proof set of Series 661. It does not have a widely recognized nickname, but it is still a good choice. I had a brief exchange with Tom Denly on this very subject after drafting this review. He said that he thought that if an MPC were to be included, it should be something like a Series 692 $10 or $20 because they would be very recognizable and would also be collectible. I like his thinking!
There are other good features good features of the book that I have not mentioned. The formatter is all quite good. You can imagine my surprise at finding my name mentioned. Earning that honor as an old timer (my term) is a double edged honor. The selected bibliography and recap of the top 100 in an appendix are also useful.
I expect that this will be a very successful book, just as the Garrett-Guth version on coins was. Can it generate more spinoffs like the 100 Greatest World Notes, or even the 100 Greatest National Bank Notes? I doubt it, but I would love to have both of those in my own library.
If it is not obvious, I highly recommend 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by Q. David Bowers and David Sundman. It was published by Whitman Publishing and should be available wherever numismatic books are sold and even in many book stores at around $30.

I got this book for my brother who is totally
into collecting guns (no, he's not a scary guy!).
He was thrilled when he got it.

Fadela has done it again. This seminal work, now in its third edition is updated and better than ever. Anyone, who uses a blackpowder rifle , pistol or shotgun should be equipped with this due to its sheer range of information.

The book usefully covers the history of blackpowder rifles, what is avalible and basic care. Safety is emphasised, complete with enough horror stories to ensure one is always careful.

Basic loading techniques are covered- flintlock, and cap lock for all types of firearm. The illustrations are clear, and the text nicely liad out and readily understandable by even the most novice shooter. Even the expert would learn a lot from Fadala in some of his tips- I certainly did. The rest of the book covers loads for practically all (I certainly am unaware of any brand that has been missed) blackpowder and pyrodex muzzle loaders in the market today. Loads are suggested together with ballistics. I have checked the figures with my own rifle and they are spot on. Everything is covered from .75 Cal Smoothbore "Brown Bess" Flintlocks to .32 cal cap lock squirrel guns. There is no critism that can be made of this book but for binding which is a soft cardboard- yours will soon fall to bits as it is taken to ranges and on shoots. Other than that- highly recomended.

Grade: A+

The author (S. Fadala) is a recognized expert in the area of black powder shooting sports. The manual is well planned, referenced and provides a progressive experience in the use and feeding of black powder firearms. All areas of loading and shooting are represented in the manual. However, as might be expected, emphasis is placed on the rifle and pistol loads. Unfortunately, this does not carry over to the muzzle loading shotgun(s). This is an area that requires further work and shooters in this discipline might feel slighted.

Just like the Whitman coin folders from when I was a child, good quality, fair price. Excellent option to hold a modest collection in the building stage, until you're ready to move your collection to a better quality folder such as Dansco.

My version of this coin book for nickels (circa 1968) was so badly worn that I couldn't open it without the coins falling out. This makes a great gift for your children. Have them look through the coins in their piggy banks and keep the best. Then take the rest to the bank and ask to exchange them for new rolls of coins. (Be sure to ask the bank for some paper coin wrappers for your next trip back.) It is exciting for the kids to get a new roll to go through each week.