Know Your Antiques New Rev Ed

By Terry Kovel, Ralph Kovel, Terry Kovel, Ralph; Kovel

Book Overview

Ralph and Terry Kovel, whose syndicated column about antiques is read by hundred of thousands each week, produced an ideal book for the beginning collector. The novice is given the benefit of the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0517513218
• ISBN13: 9780517513217
• Release Date: December 1980
• Publisher: Random House Reference Publishing
• Length: 343 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A well-rounded, complete starting point for antiques.

This is an excellent summary of the wide world of antiques -- from needlework to American Art Pottery, nails and screws to Carnival glass. This is not a price guide; rather, this volume summarizes the whats, whens, wheres, and hows of the material culture of our past. Especially noteworthy is that the information included deals both with American and Canadian objects.The book is organized by material: silver, pewter, needlework, toys, etc. Throughout, quick "expert tips" are printed in all capital letters, making them stand out. Extensive information on changes in style over time, as well as makers' marks, are included.Drawbacks: The book is somewhat dated, in that it covers primarily items popular to collectors in 1973 (the date of the volume reviewed). Missing is information on items such as razors, thimbles, needle cases, etc. Also missing is any information on ivory, bone, and tortoiseshell objects, to name a few. Regardless of these minor shortcomings, this volume will be a valuable addition to the library of antique collectors, historical archaeologists, and any others interested in material culture.