Over 1700 of Skibinski's line drawings present a visual approach to the identification of antique furnishings. The book is arranged in chronological sequences (17th century through the early 20th century) by type of furniture, from tables and settees to desks and bookcases. Butler and Johnson have included some important information for the novice and the experienced collector: the sources of furniture used as models for the illustrations; lists of museums, art galleries, and special displays of outstanding collections of furniture; a selected bibliography and a glossary; the anatomy of a piece of furniture; and a brief history of the periods of furniture and furniture makers. Highly recommended for public libraries and other subject collections.

Collectors are bound to love The Encyclopedia of Early American Sewing Machines, Second Edition. The first edition of this book, self-published by author Carter Bays in 1993, sold more than 3,000 copies, and he has totally revamped it for this printing. American sewing machines from 1850 through 1920 are featured in more than 450 large, detailed photographs, half of them in color, and current collector values are estimated. The book traces the history and development of the sewing machine industry from 1800 to after 1900. Almost all known U.S. manufacturers of sewing machines up to 1875 (and several beyond) are highlighted: Singer, Wheeler & Wilson, Shaw & Clark, Weed, Howe, and Holly, to name just a few. Do you own your great aunt's antique treadle sewing machine? This book will identify and give the history of the manufacturer. Specific information is provided on restoring antique sewing machines, and toy sewing machines are also given coverage. This title is sure to become the standard reference for early American sewing machines. 2005 values.

The history of American firearms is inseparable from the history of the United States, for firearms have played crucial roles in the nation’s founding, westward expansion, and industrial, economic, and cultural development. This history unfolds in compelling words and images in A Legacy in Arms, a volume that draws upon the collections of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City to trace the business and art of gun making from the early national period to the turn of the twentieth century. With more than 200 images—almost all in full color—A Legacy in Arms not only documents the inspiration and innovation of arms makers from individual artisans to mass producers, but also describes the development of decorative expression in the gun maker’s art. In an account both entertaining and enlightening, Richard C. Rattenbury details the development of commercial arms making, from the genesis of the Kentucky rifle to the arms of such iconic manufacturers as Colt, Remington, Smith & Wesson, Sharps, Marlin, and Winchester. Into this narrative he weaves the particulars of design evolution and the impact of mass production via the “American System.” The accompanying photographs and illustrations stand as eloquent testimony to the range and richness of the gun maker's craft—and its rightful place in the story of American industry and culture.

Magnificent reproduction of 1788 folio of Hepplewhite furnishings. Classic, highly valued work depicts chairs, stools, sofas, sideboards, beds, pedestals, desks, bookcases, tables, chests of drawers, wardrobes, fire screens, and many other items. 128 plates.

Cabinetmakers and the furniture of the mid-nineteenth century is a field in its infancy. While a great deal is known about the various styles and their popularity and about some of the makers of these styles, there is not a vast amount that can be documented as made by a particular cabinet shop. We have attempted to put the styles in chronological order where possible. Several of the cabinetmakers, however, worked over long periods and in a variety of styles. -- Preface.

This book illustrates and discusses 300 prime objects displayed in the 1970 exhibition of American decorative arts displayed during the Centennial exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1970. Presented as a series of lavish room settings and galleries, the exhibit included pieces in the 19th century’s principal styles of furniture and decorative arts--Federal, Empire, Gothic, rococo, Renaissance, art nouveau, and reform. Objects featured in this book include various pieces of furniture, silver, glass, ceramics, and metalwork from the Museum’s American wing.