Customer Reviews

Vintage Bar Ware: Identification & Value Guide

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Stephen Visakay is the most knowledgeable bar ware expert on the planet. He has distilled his knowledge, shaken it, and served it up in this delightful volume for our imbibing pleasure. He offers an overview of the golden age of cocktail shakers and other classic bar accoutrements. There is something here for everyone, from the novice to the advanced collector. The only thing missing is the olive... cheers!

This is book is considered a staple to the barware collector. The book reads into his enthusiam for collecting barware as well as his extensive knowledge and research on the subject. No other book can compare. There are just as many georgeous pictures as interesting text. After reading this book cover to cover you will use it frequently as a reference guide so keep this one within easy reach.

Mr. Visakay's book combines characterics unfound in other pricing and information guides: it provides insight into the author in a charming way while providing highly accurate information. Although I am a knowledable collector, I read the book cover to cover. Stephen Visakay is clearly the definitive source. I am an international collector buying in the US, London and Paris. Without a doubt this book has saved me a fortunue. Given that so few cocktail shakers were ever marked, a visual guide as presented in the book is critical. Understanding the rarity a item is the key to successful collecting. Thank you Stephen!

After reading this book, I got the three best shakers in my collection at really low prices. Thanks, Steve, for sharing your shaker knowledge and collecting secrets.

It's the price guide to the new cocktail culture. with fun stories on prohibition and it's repeal , rum running, all shaken and stirred with over 350 color photos, patent copies an illustrations of cocktail shakers and bar war accoutrements. see page 212 of jan issue of playboy mag for short review.

from Antiques & Collectibles Trader:"With out a doubt, this book is the bible in the field. Carefully researched, beautifully written, nicely designed, well photographed. original patent drawings and information, as well as many photographs of original advertisments and catalogue material. PLAYBOY MAGAZINE..JAN 1998 "You don't have to be James Bond to enjoy Vintage Bar Ware...loaded with historical tidbits" THE WINE ENTHUSIAST..."Indispensable guide for the collector, fun & engaginb book that everyone will enjoy"

This book is my constant companion, it is a joy to read, I have read this book several times and everytime I open it up, I still learn something new. This book contains very important facts for identifing and dating a variety of bar ware. Beautifully written and illustrated. Stephen Visakay has really brought great recognition and a wonderful insight to cocktail shakers and collectors of bar ware. He is a true pioneer in the field. What better source to get your information from? Our favorite book!Still haven't figured out how he managed to get so much information and so many items all in one book! Wonderful!

This is a great coffee table book, with nice stories, but if you are looking for a pricing guide or a reference for vintage barware, this is not it. Many of his cocktail shakers have mismatched tops and bottoms, and there is little information on manufactures, makers marks, etc.