Collecting Western Memorabilia [Paperback]

Tim Lasiuta (Author), George Coan (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786416602 | ISBN-13: 978-0786416608 | Publication Date: February 2004

The perfect guide for all collectors of Western film, television, radio and comics memorabilia, this book contains everything you need to know about getting your old Lone Ranger comic book signed by Clayton Moore or tracking down that Hopalong Cassidy lunchbox. Festivals and conventions in your area, the best museums (from art to Native American history to toys), which newsletters and magazines to subscribe to, which websites to check. The section on reference books includes biographies, genre histories (radio drama, mysteries, comedies), studios, music reference, serials and cliffhangers, locations and movie ranches, episode guides, cast listings, film listings, price and collectible guides, and a list of publishers. Each entry shows the author(s), publisher, format, length, and a brief summary.

This book has it all: commemorative artwork, posters, production stills, lobby cards, autographs, books, costumes, newspaper strips, comic books, cups, plates, and utensils, commemorative weapons and play sets, toys, games, models, lunchboxes, Christmas ornaments, magazines, movie and TV props and memorabilia, scripts, press packets, audio and video recordings, and cereal box premiums. The book tells how best to preserve your treasures and how to get in touch with other fans, whether buying, selling, or swapping. A survival guide to auctions, garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, and antique stores follows. Systems of ranking item quality, cataloguing guides, and format diagrams for listing and insurance purposes are included, as is a list of collector clubs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Collector and writer Tim Lasiuta lives in Red Deer, Alberta.

Product Details

• Paperback: 177 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (February 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786416602
• ISBN-13: 978-0786416608
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #611,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a Dandy!, February 8, 2005

By 

Jerry Dean - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collecting Western Memorabilia (Paperback)

Tim Lasiuta's book, "Collecting Western Memorabilia" (published by McFarland) is a dandy and highly recommended. It's user friendly and loaded with relevant material.
With a foreword is by George Coan, "Collecting Western Memorabilia" runs 183 pages and boasts 91 black and white photographs, a bibliography, an index and comes in soft cover. It serves as a guide for collectors of Western film, television, radio and comics memorabilia. Lasiuta, an established author and B-Western aficionado, has documented regional Western festivals and conventions, the best museums, which newsletters and magazines to subscribe to, a list of collector clubs, even which Web sites to check.
"Collecting Western Memorabilia" covers lots of ground: commemorative artwork, posters, production stills, lobby cards, autographs, books, costumes, newspaper strips, comic books, commemorative weapons and play sets, toys, games, models, lunch boxes, Christmas ornaments, magazines, movie and TV memorabilia, scripts, press packets, audio and video recordings, and cereal box premiums. Lasiuta even discusses how best to preserve one's treasures and how to get in touch with other fans, whether buying, selling, or swapping. He presents a survival guide to auctions, garage sales, flea markets, estate sales, and antique stores. As if that were not enough, "Collecting Western Memorabilia" boasts systems for ranking item quality, cataloguing guides, and format diagrams for listing and insurance purposes.
Needless to say, it would be impossible to produce a book of this scope without some omissions and a tiny bit of editorializing that might raise an eyebrow or two. Take for example the section on books. Still, Lasiuta put together a diverse list. I'm elated Lasiuta mentioned some obscure and out of print titles ("They Went Thataway" and "Stuntman").
I commend Lasiuta for acknowledging Allan G. Barbour's work ("Days of Thrills and Adventures" among others), "we lovers of movie serials, B-Westerns, or anything Republic owe an eternal debt." And thank you for listing Robert W. Phillips definitive "Roy Rogers" book.
I was surprised by the $35 price tag ($39 with postage). It would be a shame if this puts off prospective buyers because "Collecting Western Memorabilia" is a great resource. Lasiuta managed a large and diverse agenda within a modest number of pages. Lasiuta even got personal with a heartfelt introduction that demonstrates his passion for his subject. "Collecting Western Memorabilia" is a professional job all around, well organized and expertly researched. It's a great addition to a library of related B-Western books. Good job cowboy, ya done yourself proud! Leo Pando