China Books

Official White House China: 1789 to the Present
by Margaret Brown Klapthor, et al
According to C.J. Allen on May 6, 1999, "A magnificent history! For anyone interested in this fascinating subject...this book is the 'bible!' Thank you Betty Monkman for updating this history and for letting 'fans of the White House' like me - be able to learn so much! I truly dream of someday having dinner off some of this china." 9.25" x 11.36" • 304 pgs • hardcover • retail $49.50

Dining on Rails: An Encyclopedia of Railroad China (4th Edition)
by Richard W. Luckin (1998)
This volume is the most complete reference available covering railroad china. All known railroad patterns and many associated hotel and steamship patterns are illustrated. 8.5" x 11" • 488 pgs (with 72 pages in full color) • hardcover • currently $75.00.
To order the latest printing (1998) go to   
Golden Spike Enterprises, Inc. at http://www.gserr.com/books.htm 

ButterPat World
by Richard W. Luckin (1995)
Includes photographs and background information of transportation china:
217 airline patterns, 230 railroad patterns, and 127 ship patterns, as well as coverage of fake, reproduction and bogus patterns. 
8.5"  • x 11" • 256 pgs  • hardcover • currently $69.95
To order go to   
Golden Spike Enterprises, Inc. at http://www.gserr.com/books.htm 
 

Mimbres To Mimbreno
by Richard W. Luckin (2000)
Offers an in-depth study of Santa Fe's famous china pattern used on the Chief and Super Chief with a complete listing and photos of each piece along with many in-service photos showing the china in use in the dining car. The book also provides a history of the design development including original drawings that the advertising agency developed. This second printing has several updates and additions.  
8.5"  • x 11" • 88 pgs  • hardcover • $34.95 plus shipping. Available from the California State Railroad Museum. Order online at                          www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org
or call 1 (800) 417-7245

Also see California Poppy Pattern book by Rich Luckin in the California Railroad Museum store (currently $14.95 plus shipping).

Dining on Inland Seas
by Daniel C Krummes (1997)
Covers Great Lakes ship china from the ornate propellers of 1840 to the mighty ore carriers of today. Included are chapters on nautical souvenir china and china from saltwater freighters and transatlantic passenger liners that have visited the region. Mr. Krummes, an authority on Great Lakes ship china, spent a decade researching and cataloging china patterns. 225 pgs • well illustrated 250+ black and white and 64 color photos • hardcover • 8.5" x 11". Apparently out of print, but available through Amazon.com at various prices.

Post 86 Fiesta
by Richard G. Racheter (October 2000)
Compares old and new shapes and colors. Section on limited duration colors. Includes decaled and Millenium patterns. Identification and price guide. This book will be published in October 2000. You may order it now and Amazon or Collector Books will ship it to you when it arrives. 176 pages • softcover • 8.5" X 11" • out of print, but available  through Amazon.com at various very reasonable prices.

Collectors Encyclopedia of Russel Wright
by Ann Kerr (2nd Edition; 1998 values)
This informative book features dinnerware, furniture, housewares, lamps, wood, metal works, fabrics, and more. There are hundreds of photos, vintage catalogs and advertisements, and 1998 values. 8.5" x 11" • 304 pages. • hardcover • out of print, but available  through Amazon.com at various prices.

Collector's Encyclopedia of California Pottery
by Jack Chipman (2nd Edition; 1999)
CB book description: this book contains hundreds of new color photographs, asd over 30 artists and companies are represented. Company histories, marks and signatures, and background information complement the gorgeous photographs. Major manufacturers such as Bauer, Kay Finch, Sascha Brastoff, Metlox, Vernon, Wallace, and Batchhelder are featured. 8.5" x 11" • 328 pages • hardcover • retail $24.95 Amazon.com offers a 20 - 30 percent discount.

The Best of Collectible Dinnerware
by Jo Cunningham (2nd Edition; May 1999)
Amazon.com book description: "at last a thorough guide of the most collected dinnerware. One volume could not cover every pattern or line of dinnerware, but this book provides an excellent survey of the best and most popular companies and their lines. The important California companies, including the Wallace China Company, Catalina Pottery, B.J. Brock & Co., and Gladding, McBean & Co. along with other companies nationwide including the Crooksville Art Pottery Co. Frankoma, and the Hall China Company, are just some of the many potteries represented. The contributions of famous designers such as Ben Seibel, Russel Wright, Eva Zeisel, and Sascha Brastoff are explored. Extensive research has uncovered new information on many of the companies and designers included. Values are listed near end of book." 8.5" x 11" • 192 pages • hardcover • retail and Amazon.com special order $29.95.

Homer Laughlin China: a Giant Among Dishes, 1873-1939
by Jo Cunningham (September 1998)
Amazom.com book description: The proud history of one of America's most prolific and best known dinnerware manufacturers is presented with over 500 color photographs and new research from the company archives. Today the popularity of Fiestar and many other Homer Laughlin dishes from the 1870s to the 1930s is well known to ceramics collectors. This book gives the factual history of all the shapes, decorations, and variations that have been found. Current market value ranges are given in the captions. July 200 review at Amazon: "This is a must have for Homer Laughlin collectors. Get a feel for the life, times and area that produced the largest American manufacturer of dinnerware. This book is packed with information that you just can't digest in one setting. I'm constantly referring to it and learning something new everytime." 8.5" x 11" • 192 pages • hardcover • retail and Amazon.com special order $29.95.

Turn of the Century American Dinnerware, 1880s to 1920s
by Joanne Jasper (May 1996)
The historical background of 16 American china companies in operation from the late 1800s into the beginning of the twentieth century is told. Over 300 color photos and hundreds of vintage catalog reprints and ads. 1996 values • 8.5 x 11 • 256 pages • hardcover • out of print, but available through Amazon.com at various prices.

3rd Edition has
a different cover

The Collector's Encyclopedia Hall China (3rd Edition)
by Margaret & Kenn Whitmyer (May 2001)
This edition is completely revised and all values have been updated plus over 150 additional color photos have been added to the hundreds found in the first edition. It features the popular lines of Hall china and dinnerware. Good pattern coverage. A thorough reference valuable to both dealer and novice. 1997 values • 8.5 x 11 • 272 pgs. • hardcover • retail $29.95 • Amazon.com offers a 20 - 30 percent discount.

China and Silver Mark Books
(for more information on mark books, go to the China Mark Books page)

New Handbook of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks
by Geoffrey A. Godden (2nd Edition, September 1999)
Quoted from Amazon.com book site: "Geoffrey Godden's Handbook is the standard pocket reference for amateurs and professionals alike-the authoritative guide to identifying British ceramics. Continuously in print since 1968, it has now been thoroughly revised, updated, and expanded to incorporate the latest research on historic porcelain manufacturers and potters. The main section covers the principal firms: the marks used by each firm, their address, working period, and the dates of each mark. In addition, the Handbook records over 700 combinations of initials known to have been used by the listed potters, including their working periods, and details on 900 Staffordshire potters. A new listing of pattern and shape registrations from 1842 to 1883 has been added, along with guidance on the collectibility of the main types. Anyone interested in British ceramics will find this new edition invaluable-compact, handy, and packed with the latest essential information. Geoffrey Godden is the leading authority on British ceramics." 208 pages • softbound • search at Amazon.com

Encyclopedia of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks
by Geoffrey A. Godden (reprint edition September 1991)
Quote from April 1997 review at Amazon site: "Geoffrey Godden's concise and comprehensive volume is universally recognized as the cornerstone of the serious student's reference library." 765 pages • hardcover • 9.88" x 7.48" • search at Amazon

Marks on German, Bohemian & Austrian Porcelain: 1710 to Present
by Robert E. Rontgen (Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. March 1997)
High quality indepth book of marks. Includes more than 3,300 marks, many of them previously unpublished. More than 1,300 porcelain manufacturers and decorators are identified and dated, including marks which American importers had applied. A special chapter shows more than 650 marks of Continental and American origin which can be confused with other famous marks. Revised edition • 645 pages • hardcover • 7.25" 10.25" • retail and Amazon.com: $95.00 (Amazon.com occasionally offers a discount on this book).

Lehner’s Encyclopedia of U.S. Marks on Pottery, Porcelain & Clay
by Lois Lehner ISBN# 0-89145-365-2 (1988)
This book covers more than 1,900 companies and includes 8,000 marks, logos, and symbols of the old folk and studio potters, dinnerware manufacturers, distributors, and decorators. No values. If you have Restaurant China - Volume 2 and collect only commercial china, this book will duplicate information you already have. If you deal in or collect other types of pottery and porcelain, you may find it very valuable. 8.5" x 11" • 636 pages • hardcover • retail $24.95 Amazon.com offers a 30%+ discount.

Debolt's Dictionary of American Pottery Marks: Whiteware & Porcelain
by Gerald Debolt (October 1993)
Amazon.com book synopsis: "This comprehensive book includes over 2,000 drawings of marks from whiteware, ironstone, porcelain and semi-porcelain from the 1860's to 1960's. The unique index distinguishes American from foreign marks. This book describes and decodes the dating systems used on marks by many American pottery companies. An excellent reference." 8.5" x 11" • 288 pages • softcover • out of print, but available  through Amazon.com at various prices.

4th Edition has
a different cover

Encyclopedia of American Silver Manufacturers
by Dorothy T. Rainwater, Judy Redfield (4th Edition; 1999)
Amazon. com book description: "With more than 2400 marks illustrated and brief histories and cross-references of more than 1600 manufacturers, this is the most comprehensive reference source on the subject. To compile the information presented here, the authors devoted much time over several decades researching numerous sources. These include various editions of Trademarks of the Jewelry & Kindred Trades, U.S. Patent Office records, silver and jewelry catalogs of manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, records of companies still in business, and pieces examined in antiques shops all over the country. This fourth edition includes many new trademarks, many additional companies, and brings up to date the many changes in company ownership during the last decade." 409 pages • softcover • 9.00" x 6.14" • out of print, but available  through Amazon.com at various prices.

Transportation & Casino Books

Ocean Liner Collectibles (Book for Collectors)
by Myra Yellin Outwater, Eric Boe Outwater (Schiffer; June 1998)
This book recreates the ambiance of the ocean liner era by showing the actual objects used on board. Each piece of ocean-liner memorabilia is like an Aladdin's lamp, releasing wondrous memories of that grand style of travel. Beginning in the late 1890s, shipping lines forged their identities by commissioning unique furniture, china, silverware, glassware, vases, ashtrays, playing cards, menus, and stationery. These types of items characterized the different ocean liners, from the Normandie with her elegant Art Deco furnishings, to the stainless steel gleam of the S.S. United States, to the old-world luxury of the Queens. 160 pages • softcover • 8.5" x 11" • retail and Amazon.com special order $29.95.

Railroad Collectibles: An Illustrated Value Guide
by Stanley Baker (4th Revision, 1999 values)
General guide to railroadiana, as such covers a variety of railroad items. Hundreds of black and white photos. 8.87" X 11.18". 240 pages. • softcover • out of print, but available  through Amazon.com at various prices.

3rd Edition has
a different cover

Airlines Worldwide : More Than 350 Airlines Described and Illustrated in Colour - 3rd Edition
by B. I. Hengi (Febuary 2001)
Quoted from Amazon site: "Details the major airlines of the world, including base, call-signs and codes, brief history, route structure, and types operated or on order. This second edition is completely revised and updated to take into account the fast-changing airline business. New types have come into service such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. Several famous names have quietly gone out of business while a never-ending stream of 'start-up' operators take their place." Also use to assist in identifying airline china and other aviation collectibles. 300 pages • softcover • 9.45" X 6.73" • search on Amazon.com for current edition

Airlines Remembered: Over 200 Airlines of the Past
B. I. Hengi (August 2000)
Useful to identify airline china and related collectibles of airlines that are no longer operating. Amazon.com book description: In the same format as the enormously popular "Airlines Worldwide" and "Airliners Worldwide," this new companion reviews the histories and operations of about 200 airliners from the last 30 years that are no longer in operation, plus color photos of their aircraft. Operators such as BEA, Eastern, Invicta, Jet 24, and Fred Olsen are examples of the extensive and varied coverage. 224 pages • softcover • 9.45" X 6.73" • search on Amazon.com for current edition

Airline Tail Colours: 590 Colour Illustrations to Aid in the Quick Recognition of Airlines
by B. I. Hengi (2nd Edition; August 2000)
Quoted from Amazon site: "Airlines continue to expand worldwide, and interest in airlines, their liveries, and operations has never been greater. This second edition is an at-a-glance aid to quick recognition of airline tail colors that will appeal to both the serious airline enthusiast and to those with a passing interest. It provides the airline's nationality, three-letter code used for flight numbers, radio call-sign prefix, the main operating base, and the aircraft types used." Also use to assist in identifying airline china and other aviation collectibles. 160 pages • softcover • 5.94" x 4.26 " • search on Amazon.com for current edition

Casinos and Their Ashtrays: A Collectors Guide with Casino Histories by Art Anderson (1994)
Casino ashtrays with values. Casino pictures and capsule histories. 208 pages • 8½ x 11" • softcover • well illustrated in black and white • $21.95 postpaid. Out of print, but available through Amazon.com at various prices.

Logo Books

Character Trademarks
by John Mendenhall (November 1990)
Excellent source for character topmark identification. 800+ identified and dated. 130 pages • softcover • 8.58" x 7.90" • Out of print, but available through Amazon.com at various prices.

Guide to Gasoline Logos
by Wayne Henderson and Scott Benjamin (May 1997)
Great book to assist in character topmark identification. Hundreds of gasoline logos identified and dated. 142 pages • softcover • 11.04" X 8.54" • out of print, but available  through Amazon.com at various prices.

Miscellaneous Book

Collector's Guide to Ashtrays: Identification & Values
by Nancy Wanvig (2nd Edition; September 1999)
Review at Amazon.com: "This second edition, 288 page, 8 1/2 x 11" softbound book has more than 2,000 beautiful, full color photos. There is a very complete index for easy reference. An informative introduction and history of the topic is included. Major topics range from functional ashtrays, advertising, novelty to ashtrays from the past and ashtrays without a country. There's plenty of information on pottery and porcelain, glass, metal, plastic, marble, soapstone and wood. Every kind of ashtray from alcoholic beverages to educational to world's fair. Add this book to your collectibles collection. You'll enjoy it and find it very useful." 8.5" x 11" • 287 pages • softcover.  Apparently out of print, but available through Amazon.com at various prices.