The only comprehensive, illustrated pocket book on the market for the antiques and collectables buyer. Each chapter explains what to look for when buying antiques - how to spot repairs and fakes, clues to dating and the history of factories and key designers. Comprehensive marks sections include international hallmarks and more than 1,000 marks from ceramics factories across the world: from 18th century Meissen to 20th century Rookwood. Since it was first published in 1988 Miller's Pocket Antiques Factfile has sold almost 128,000 copies. However, the market for antiques has changed dramatically: 20th century design, whether Art Deco or Mid Century Modern, has become a popular collecting area and so this revised edition will keep the core information about antique furniture, ceramics, glass and silver while new sections will cover Modern Design - from Eames furniture to Murano glass, Spratling silver to Studio pottery. It contains all the essential information you need when you're on the antiques trail.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION Factors affecting value, How to Buy, Periods and Styles, Motifs Identification, Registration and design marks CERAMICS Testing for damage, repairs. Identifying pottery and porcelain, glazes. Major factories eg Meissen, Sevres, Roseville, Rookwood, Doulton and Wedgwood. British, European and American marks Studio Pottery Glossary Oriental Ceramics, Reign marks Glossary GLASS Methods of Production and Decoration Art Glass: Amberina, Peachblow, Satin, Crown Milano, Burmese, Cluthra etc Wine Glasses: Shapes, bowls and stems Decanter Shapes: 17th-20th centuries British, European and American marks Glossary FURNITURE Woods, Drawers & Veneers, Fakes, Marriages, Copies, Oak & Walnut Furniture Bookcases, Bureaux & Desks, Tables, Chairs, Cabinets & Sideboards, Cupboards & Dressers, Canterburies, Commodes & Chests, Whatnots & Wine Coolers. Chair Backs, Legs, Feet, Handles, Pediments, Mouldings. Notable Makers: Thomas Chippendale, Gustav Stickley, Charles and Ray Eames. Glossary METALWARES English Hallmarks Major English Silver & Goldsmiths Scottish, Irish & Welsh Hallmarks French, German & European Silver Hallmarks US Silver & Other Metal Marks Candlestick, Teapot and Spoon Shapes Glossary CLOCKS Longcase and Mantel Clocks, Faces & Hands Notable Makers Glossary OTHER ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES Treen, Boxes, Folk Art, Figurines, Dolls, Teddy Bears, Costume Jewellery, Toys Websites