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New Books for Collectors
—
February 2007
Watchmakers
and Clockmakers of the World, Complete 21st Century Edition
by Brian Loomes
Reviewed by Robert Reed
(Antique & Collectible News Service)
 |
Now available is a remarkable assembly of more than 90,000 watchmakers and clockmakers from the 16th century through the early 20th century. Also included are makers of scientific instruments, sundials and barometers.
Taken all together Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World is an extraordinary reference for collectors, historians, dealers, researchers and all those with a penchant for genealogy.
Originally this dictionary was compiled in 1929 through the masterful efforts of G. H. Baillie. Thoroughly revised and updated in a tireless manner by Brian Loomes, the latest volume more than doubles the initial list of makers.
Loomes had compiled two volumes previously himself further adding to the previous work. Ultimately, it was forged into a single volume.
“The result is this present book,” explains the author. “Everything Baillie had has been kept unless it was erroneous or has been superseded by new information or dates. Yet everything is presented in a slightly different but consistent way.”
Loomes is a leading expert on British antique clocks and the author of 22 books. Formerly the multi-skilled Loomes was professional genealogist, and has been a clock dealer since the 1960s. The late Baillie was a consulting engineer with a great interest in the science of clock making. Reportedly he employed a host of people to assist in digging out the details of maker names from various municipal archives.
The resulting range of coverage is, of course, enormous — from Thomas Abaroe who repaired a church clock in 1533 England to Theodor Zwiebler who worked on timepieces in early 1800s Denmark .
This fine reference is a pricey one, and perhaps some readers may prefer for it to be purchased by the local library. Its value to the curious however far outreaches the retail price.
Watchmakers and Clockmakers of the World, the Complete 21st Century Edition, hardcover, 873 pages, is $100 plus shipping from Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1-800-423-4525.
Encyclopedia
of Children’s Sewing Collectibles, Identification & Values
by Darlene J. Gengelbach
Reviewed by Robert Reed
(Antique & Collectible News Service)
 |
That wonderful world of children learning the art of sewing is well captured in the Encyclopedia of Children’s Sewing Collectibles recently released by Collector Books.
Written by doll and textile conservator Darlene Gengelbach, the book offers information and hundred of color photographs on sewing sets, plus sewing-related dolls, books and patterns.
“For centuries little girls were taught to sew as soon as they were capable of holding a needle,” notes the author. “Mothers, family members or family friends usually taught the child her first lessons. Home sewing was a necessity for many families and considered an essential skill for a girl.”
Chapters in this fine volume include children’s embroidery sets, needlework sets and sewing card sets. There is also a listing of more than 150 books dealing with sewing projects for children ranging from 1831 to 2000.
There is also extensive emphasis in the book on dolls that had a particular connection with sewing and sewing sets. Individual chapter sections include bisque, composition, hard plastic, and paper and mannequin dolls. Still another additional chapter combines celluloid, cloth and rubber dolls.
Gengelbach explains that long ago ”A doll was more than a favorite toy, it was often the instrument of motherhood. It was used to teach a child to love, care and especially to sew. Mothers gave their child a doll, along with the materials to cut, fit and sew a complete wardrobe for it, knowing that the skill learned would surely serve them in later life.”
Adds the author, “The early boxed sewing sets, so carefully arranged, must have been a treasure to the child that received them, with all the implements made just for their little fingers.”
Encyclopedia of Children’s Sewing Collectibles, Identification & Values, index, 600 photographs, 400 pages, is $24.95 plus shipping from Collector Books, 1-800-626-5420.
©2000-08 Discovery Publications, Inc.