Customer Reviews

Decorative Plates

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I inherited 166 new in the box collectible plates. Norman Rockwell, Vickers, Zolan, and many others, American, German, Italian, French, etc.. The last REAL price and identification guide that was published was in 1999. When I saw this and read the description and review I thought it was about time for an update. WRONG!!! This is useless for any of the mail order plates in the 70's, 80's and 90's. Not one plate I have was in the book. Its an impressive looking book but that's it. Thank goodness I didn't buy a new or B&N copy.

I am not a collector but I am building a library on porcelain and glass that I find visually enjoyable. I had doubts about this book until I got it from the library. Contrary to other books, including some on Limoges, this one had clear photos. Arranged from 3 to 6 per page the smallest are 2.5"x2.5" and the largest about 3"x4". The American section covers 1880-1930 in 13 pages; the English 66 pgs 1800-1930; French 45 pgs 1870-1920 including Limoges; German 60 pgs 1880-1950; other European 29 pgs 1760-1960; Oriental 18 pgs 1830-1920. A wide variety of shapes, designs, colors, and styles show off the artist's talent. Several plates have enlargements of the detail. Histories of the country, maker, and styles are informative. Each photo is labeled with maker, time period, size, price, and mark. I am waiting to view other books by this author. The plates that were chosen to be in the book have geometric designs, portraits, animals, birds, flowers, fruit, and scenes in a variety of colors. I have gotten bored looking at some books with the variations limited to changing the color or person in the portrait. As a person more interested in craftsmanship, I just keep coming back to turn the pages and be awed. I bought a "like new" copy at a steep discount and am very satisfied. I looked at Mary Frank Gaston's Limoges Encyclopedia but I prefer this book. I viewed Debby DuBay's Limoges Boxes to Vases and found too many dark or out of focus examples. Her book is good for those who only are interested in that area's porcelain but Decorative Plates has better photos and variety of scenes on plates.

Collections strong in specialty identification and values guides need DECORATIVE PLATES IDENTIFICATION & VALUE GUIDE, a survey of English, German, American and other European plates which includes notes on their marks, makers, and changing values. Excellent detailed color photos pack a survey strong in both history and values, appealing to any library catering to collectors.