Antique Brass & Copper Identification & Value Guide (Paperback)

by Mary Frank Gaston (Author) "Brass is a metal alloy made from two natural elements, copper and zinc..." (more)
Key Phrases: circa first quarter, decorating brass, hammered body, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Preserving Kettle (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
This book focuses on those types of copper articles currently available in the marketplace, that is, items which can be found at antiques hops, shows, malls, flea markets, or auctions. The inherent characteristics of the metal, relevant historical information, and collecting notes with an emphasis on prices and current reproductions are outlined in the introduction. Terms often used to identify copper objects are also included, and 300 color photos illustrate the types most frequently seen.

Product Description
Brass and copper collectibles in demand in today's market, and this book will help both the buyer and seller make accurate evaluations. Features over 500 full-color examples with complete descriptions and current values.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; Revised edition (November 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891454780
• ISBN-13: 978-0891454786
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #862,186 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Few Nice Things, Mostly Not, September 9, 2000

By	Adaire Cain (Midvale, UT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There are a few nice pieces in this book but not enough to warrant a whole book. There is one picture I spotted as being identical to a picture on another page. Many of the items one could see by going to a Copper and Brass store that sells new items. I now have the book, "Metalwork in Early America : Copper and It's Alloys from the Winterthur Collection,". If you want in-depth information on antique copper and brass, I'm afraid you're going to have to go the money. This is what I was looking for when I bought this other book. Save your money.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Referral Source, August 21, 2000

By	"dshrink" (Charleston, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This paperback with glossy cover is a must for collectors inthe metalware field. It's strongest points are in the excellent and numerous photos presented (all of which are in color). ... Most people would find the prices paid for identical pieces to be much lower, but it is still a worthy effort.

The author also devotes the last chapter to discussing forgeries, fakes, and reproductions which is also a must for a novice or anyone who hasn't had years of hands on collecting in the field.

If you had only one guide for the field, although I would never recommend only using one reference source, this could be it.

The only weakness with the book is that the text and background surrounding the various pieces is seriously lacking. But taking into consideration the price and the superb pictures, it is money well spent.

At the same time I would also recommend "Collecting Antique Metalware" copyright 1974 by Evan Perry. It has a mixture of both color and b/w photos in a hardback, but it much superior in explanatory text. I would whole heartedly give each book 5 stars.