News & Events
Mid-America
News
Show
Calendar
State Event Calendars
Regular Features
The
Antique Detective
Antique
Detective Q&A
Common Sense Antiques
Refurnished
Thoughts
Traveling with Ken
Good Eye
Books
for Collectors
Directories
& Classifieds
The
Finder: Unique Shops
Lodgings Directory
Museum Directory
Aviation Museums
Wineries in the Heartland
Classifieds
Web
Links
Archived Features
Antiquing
in Colorado
Dealer Profile Archive
Editor's
Notebook
Heirloom
Recipes
Helpful Hints
for Collectors
Is This An Antique?
Past
Cover Features
Reflecting
History
New Books for Collectors
—
November 2008
Britains New
Toy Soldiers, 1973 to Present
by Norman Joplin and John Waterworth
Reviewed by Robert Reed
(Antique & Collectible News Service)
The so-called “new” Britains toy soldiers are very well presented in the latest volume on the subject. It covers their issue from 1973 to the present.
 |
This extensive volume features more than 1,100 photographs depicting over 3,200 figures in covering that 35-year period of varied Britains Company ownership and production. Special emphasis is placed on various military groups including British Ceremonial troops, American Civil War, Indian Army, World War I, Zulu War, Knights, Limited Editions and Collectors Club Membership items.
Authors Norman Joplin and John Waterworth recount in the book’s introduction that since the introduction of hollow cast figures in 1893, Britains toy soldiers, “have been world famous and are recognized throughout the toy industry as such.”
Hollow toy soldier production in England ended in 1966 when the British government banned lead in children’s toys. The Britains Company itself made no attempt to revive the manufacture of metal toy soldiers until 1973.
After intermittent toy soldier production, the Britains Company was sold to Dobson Park Industries in 1984 and became known as Britains Petite. After a number of other transactions, the operation was ultimately acquired by First Gear Inc. in the United States.
“The company has focused on bringing back the traditionally styled figures of reminiscent with the old style hollow cast figures,” note the authors. The book covers the transition of new Britains through more than three decades.
Joplin is the author of three previous books on toy soldiers. Waterworth is a specialist collector of toys soldiers over many years.
Britains New Toy Soldiers, 1973 to Present by Norman Joplin and John Waterworth, hardcover, color illustrated, index and value guide, 272 pages, is $99.99 plus shipping from Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310.
McKee Kitchen Glass
of the Depression Years
by Barbara Mauzy
Reviewed by Robert Reed
(Antique & Collectible News Service)
 |
McKee Kitchen Glass of the Depression Years is a pleasing book filled with all those pleasant kitchen collectibles of long decades ago.
Specifically it presents the charming products of the McKee Glass Company, which was a leader in the industry during the 1930s and 1940s.
Included in this handsome volume with all of their cozy appeal are thousands of items complete with measurements and current values. They range from baking dishes and a wide variety of bowls to shakers and vases.
Part one of the book deals with kitchen glass by color. Included are black, blue, caramel, crystal, fired-on, French ivory, green, pink, Seville and white. Part two covers Depression glass dinnerware, including Laurel and Rock Crystal Flower.
McKee Glass Company was “the premiere manufacturer of opaque-colored glassware,” according to the author. Among the most common and recognizable “kitchen glass” pieces are canisters, refrigerator boxes, and mixing bowls.
The author Barbara Mauzy is a retired schoolteacher and the author of numerous books relating to Depression-era kitchen collectibles over the past 20 years.
McKee Kitchen Glass of the Depression Years by Barbara Mauzy, hardcover, color illustrated, index, 160 pages, is $29.99 plus shipping from Schiffer Publishing, 4880, Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310.
©2000-08 Discovery Publications, Inc.