"Our mail order methods meet many wants," wrote a poetic but anonymous copywriter on a page of the 1895 Montgomery Ward & Co. catalogue. He had a gift for understatement. At its zenith from the 1880s to the 1940s, Montgomery Ward, like its cross-town Chicago rival, Sears, sold virtually everything the average American could think of or desire--and by mail. This was a revolution, and Ward's fired the first shot. To buy spittoons, books of gospel hymns, hat pins, rifles, wagons, violins, birdcages, or portable bathtubs, purchases that used to require many separate trips to specialist merchants, suddenly all the American shopper had to do was lick a stamp. This unabridged facsimile of the retail giant's 1895 catalogue showcases some 25,000 items, from the necessities of life (flour, shirts) to products whose time has passed (ear trumpets). It is an important resource for antiquaries, students of Americana, writers of historical fiction, and anyone who wants to know how much his great-grandfather paid for his suspenders. It is a true record of an era.

An entertaining introduction to American antiques and collectibles based on the popular PBS-television show offers a richly illustrated look at eleven key categories of antiques--including furniture, paintings, silver, jewelry, toys, and porcelain--along with collecting advice, values, and identification tips. Simultaneous. 50,000 first printing.

Showcases illustrated magazine covers, postcards, stamps, prints, and newspaper pages that commemorate the holiday, along with a chronology that describes the events before, during, and after the first holiday celebration.

In the space between archaeology and history stand men like Scott Jordan, a New Yorker who has been digging around in the city's soil for the better part of four decades. What began as a childhood hobby searching for treasure evolved into a lifestyle that has resulted in Jordan haunting building sites throughout the five boroughs, attempting to recover history before it is paved over forever. Using shovels, mesh sieves, canvas rucksacks, ingenuity and an incredible amount of determination, Jordan has amassed a staggering collection of antique bottles, china, toys, shoes and other items, which together create a patchwork historical narrative of New York City and its earliest settlers. As a self-trained historian and restorer of damaged objects, Jordan is not only privy to a unique take on early American history, but his adventures weave together into a tremendous factual and speculative examination of the past, by returning it to the present for all to enjoy. Past Objects features some of Jordan's favorite objects and stories, sure to appeal to anyone intrigued by history, antiques and popular culture.

The 46th edition of the leading price guide in antiques continues to feature actual prices in 700 categories and more than 2,700 full-color photographs. Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide is the most thorough, colorful, and complete price guide available, from the most trusted, well-known name writing on the subject today. The book features up-to-the-minute, well-organized, and wide-ranging information, including more tips, marks, logos, and photographs than any other competitive title. Unlike other guides, whose focus is primarily English or high-priced items, Kovels' covers all American and international items. The book is organized by the categories most sought after by collectors, including Depression Glass, Dolls, Jewelry, Furniture, Porcelain, and Sports Memorabilia. Indexes and cross-references make this a user-friendly reference, and expert comments throughout empower readers to buy, sell, and collect with confidence. Also included is an exclusive report on the previous year's record-setting prices.

COMICS PACK PUNCH! Comic book values are soaring. Superman's debut, Action Comics #1, sold for $3.2 million. The first appearance of Batman inDetective Comics #27 fetched $1 million. Exceptional examples? Certainly, but you don't need X-ray vision to see everyone from collectors to savvy investors covets vintage comic books. Discover for yourself what insiders have long known with this hands-on, how-to guide to picking comic books. You'll uncover: - The best comics to hunt, from the 1930s-1980s and beyond - Where to find hidden treasures - Practical strategies for buying and selling comic books - How to flip comics for profit and fun - Common reprints and facsimiles - Restoration and repair Whether for pleasure or profit, the Picker's Pocket Guide is a real find.

A dictionary of antiques and collectibles features three thousand entries designed to keep the reader well apprised of the market.