Jeffrey B. Snyder

Patriotism was rarely more fervently displayed in America than in the early nineteenth century. Enthusiasm for the new country was especially felt in England where goods were produced specifically to commemorate America. This book presents in detail the transfer-printed ceramic dishes made in Staffordshire for the American market from 1820-1860. Here are the patriots, historical events and breathtaking new landscape views captured by fine artists and transferred to ceramics by the best companies in England. Today these dishes are actively collected. Written with a close view of the cultural changes that contributed to the enormous popularity of historical Staffordshire wares, Jeffrey Snyder has documented the scenes and the thinking of the people who so enjoyed displaying American history on their dishes. The makers, their marks, and information about the scenes is woven into this book to identify each of the examples in 485 color illustrations.

Here is the first concise handbook guide to the dining services and house wares with the distinctive Flow Blue transfer decoration. This handy reference work provides basic definitions of Flow Blue decoration and the wares on which it appeared throughout the Victorian era. Hundreds of color photos are grouped into three historic production periods recognizable by their artistic styles, and guidelines to identifying Flow Blue by these periods are presented. A brief synopsis of each English, American and European manufacturer whose ceramics appear in the text is presented with their marks. With this book in hand, the reader will be able to quickly identify and date Flow Blue wares with confidence. A Values Reference is included. This book will be a useful tool for all who collect these avidly-sought and highly-prized Victorian services.

An in-depth pictorial survey providing over 680 color photographs of Flow Blue ceramic wares produced throughout the Victorian Age. Central to the book is the presentation of the dinner wares, tea sets, and dessert services from four popular Flow Blue patterns: Cashmere, Chapoo, La Belle, and Touraine. Never before have so many pieces from these highly desirable patterns been shown. Illustrations display numerous spectacular teapots, syrup pitchers, and children's wares in a wide variety of patterns. Egg cups and butter pats in many popular patterns are also illustrated, identifying the patterns which appear on these tiny forms. And many patterns appearing in none of Mr. Snyder's previous Flow Blue texts are provided here. The text defines and briefly traces the ware's history. Further, a very useful Index to Patterns is included. Prices for the items displayed are presented in the captions. Anyone who has ever admired Victorian ceramics, and certainly every Flow Blue collector, will find many pieces to fascinate them in this beautiful new book.

The hottest Pokémon collectibles produced for the American market are here in gorgeous color, along with brief histories of Pokémon's development and the rise of trading card games in the 1990s, and values for each item. Meet an electric mouse and 149 of its closest friends in the volume that introduces you to the world of Pokémon collecting. Hundreds of beautiful color photographs display the hottest Pokémon collectibles produced for the American market today. Topping the list are the cards and characters from the immensely popular Trading Card Game, followed by comics, figures, toys, and electronic games sure to excite every collector. Also included in the text are brief histories of Pokémon's development in Japan and successful export to America in 1998, and of the rise of trading card games in the 1990s. As a bonus, this book explains Pokémon basics to anyone who can't figure out what all the excitement is about. Values are given for the items displayed and listed in the text.

Meet the brightly colored pottery that set the trend for casual mix-and-match dinnerware years before Fiesta! This pictorial overview of the pottery produced from the 1920s through the 1950s by the J. A. Bauer Pottery Company is illustrated with over 450 vibrant color photographs. Items ranging from brilliantly glazed dinnerwares and garden pots to massive oil jars and hand thrown vases are all included. A number of rare pieces are depicted as well. A brief history of the company, several original company brochures, examples of the manufacturer's marks, a bibliography, and an index round out the presentation. Prices are provided in the captions for the items displayed.

Presented here in lively text and over 650 color photographs are the toys that have been played with and collected by ardent fans of George Lucas' Star Wars trilogy for twenty years. The action figures, accessories, playsets, and spacecraft of the Rebellion and the Empire are displayed in a colorful and easily referenced format. The gaming equipment, model kits, playthings, promotional items, puzzles, and weapons produced from 1977 through 1997 are examined as well. Not stopping there, this sweeping survey includes an overview of the most popular items from the rest of the ever-expanding Star Wars collectibles universe. Newly revised prices are included in the captions; listings for toys both loose and mint-in-the-package are provided whenever appropriate. Rounding out this practical guide are a short history of science fiction films, an examination of action figures, and a bibliography.

In 1996, Star Trek and the crew of the Enterprise celebrate their 30th anniversary. Today, the Star Trek world is a multi-million dollar adventure with three spin-off television series and seven movies to date with thousands of loyal fans. The mountain of collectibles Star Trek has left in its wake are presented here in newly revised text, lists of items and almost 600 color photographs with captions chronicling the field, and price listings to include 500 new items not appearing in the last edition! Brief synopses of the series and films put the collectibles in perspective.

Presented here in lively text and over 650 color photographs are the toys that have been played with and collected by ardent fans of George Lucas's Star Wars Trilogy for twenty years. The action figures, playsets, and spacecraft of the Rebellion and the Empire are displayed in a colorful and easily referenced format. The gaming equipment, model kits, playthings, promotional items, puzzles, and weapons produced from 1977 though 1997 are examined as well. Not stopping there, this sweeping survey includes an overview of the most popular items from the rest of the ever-expanding Star Wars collectibles universe. Prices are included in the captions; listings for toys both loose and mint in the package are provided whenever appropriate. Rounding out this practical guide are a short history of science fiction films, an examination of action figures, and a bibliography.

Enjoy a wide-ranging array of rare, unusual, and highly prized Flow Blue ceramic wares in 500 color photographs in this new study. The focus is on products of English potteries, although beautiful examples from America and elsewhere are included. Among the photos are lovely teapots in many shapes and sizes, children's tea and dinner services, potpourri jars, pitchers, platters, and plates. Also presented is a survey of the body shapes which Flow Blue adorns. Values for each of the items are included, along with an index and a bibliography. The index cross references patterns found in all four volumes of the author's Flow Blue books.

A fascinating, detailed, and sweeping survey of the hats produced by the John B. Stetson company between 1865 and 1970 While the Stetson name is synonymous with cowboys and the Wild West, the John B. Stetson Company was actually based in Philadelphia, PA. The company produced all manner of headwear, and this book takes a look at all of them. Over 500 illustrations display never-before-worn Stetson hats (men's and women's alike), hat boxes, miniature boxes, and a surprisingly large number of collectible items associated with this most famous hat company. Original research charts the development of of the company, and individuals closely related with the firm provide their memories. Hat styles from the mid-nineteenth century to the late twentieth get a review, and for those lucky enough to own one of these valuable collectibles, there are tips on how to wear and care for vintage and modern Stetsons. Values for the hats illustrated, an extensive bibliography, and an index are also included.

A visual exploration of canes and staffs from the late seventeenth through the twentieth century, featuring 900 color photographs and detailed insights into their history, design, and etiquette. Canes and Staffs: A Collector’s Guide to Forms, Functions, and History provides an extensive look at both folk art and formal walking sticks across centuries. This book presents a sweeping survey of canes with intricate handles depicting human and animal forms, as well as scrimshaw, glass, gadget, weapon, political, and presentation canes. Historic events and relics are also represented among the featured pieces. With photographs arranged in broad categories, collectors gain insight into the artistic and functional diversity of these unique objects. Additionally, this guide covers cane terminology, dating techniques, and formal cane etiquette, making it an essential reference for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Key Selling Points: Features 900 color photographs showcasing a wide range of canes and staffsCovers folk art and formal canes from the 17th to 20th centuriesIncludes gadget, weapon, scrimshaw, glass, political, and presentation canesProvides insights on cane terminology, dating techniques, and etiquetteA valuable reference for collectors, historians, and antique enthusiasts For those fascinated by historical artifacts and decorative arts, Canes and Staffs: A Collector’s Guide to Forms, Functions, and History is an indispensable resource.

The British, American and European manufacturers who produced Flow Blue, the exhibitions that promoted it, and the people who owned it and what moved them to buy it are explored here. America in the nineteenth century Victorian age was changing as fast as the engines of the Industrial Revolution could carry it. At every turn, Flow Blue was there, first sparking the interest of the affluent and later the middle class with its rich colors and complete table services. This book puts Flow Blue in its historical context and covers the British, American and European manufacturers who produced it, the exhibitions that promoted it, the people who owned it and what moved them to buy it. Over 500 color photographs present the variety of forms and patterns in these popular wares from the 1840s to turn of the twentieth century.