Blue Willow Identification And Value Guide (Gaston's Blue Willow) [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Mary Frank Gaston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 2003 | Series: Gaston's Blue Willow

A history of the Blue Willow pattern begins the book with descriptions of the many border and center patterns of this china. Dating Blue Willow and collecting Blue Willow are discussed, and all known marks are illustrated. Over 650 color photographs of bowls, ashtrays, plates, pitchers, vases, platters, sugar bowls, and much more are included. A special feature in this edition highlights the variations in the Willow pattern, which are often mixed in with the traditional Willow patterns and confuse collectors. Gaston makes identification easy, separating not only pattern variations but Willow produced in other colors. There are also several helpful indexes provided: objects, patterns, English manufacturers, Japanese items, American manufacturers, and origins other than England, Japan, and the United States. 2007 values.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book highlights a selection of pieces featured in the author's previous two editions on Blue Willow, and also includes many new examples never before seen. The legend of Blue Willow is presented, along with information on manufacturers and marks. It is the most comprehensive reference to date on the subject.

About the Author

Mary Frank Gaston's study of antiques began during the mid-1960s when she and her husband lived in New England which is so rich in our nation's history. She has authored many titles, with subjects including Flow Blue China, Blue Willow, English China, Limoges Porcelain, R.S. Prussia, Antique Brass & Copper, Knowles, Taylor & Knowles China, and Art Deco. Most of her books have seen multiple editions and/or volumes, as her books are extremely popular among collectors.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; 3 edition (December 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574323466
• ISBN-13: 978-1574323467
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #761,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book gives excellent value for money., July 29, 2004

By 

Mendicant Pigeon "Mendicant Pigeon" (pdx, or United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blue Willow Identification And Value Guide (Gaston's Blue Willow) (Paperback)

I bought this out of curiousity brought on by the possession of two subtley disparate pieces of Blue Willow ware about which I was curious as I was under the impression that the patterns were all the same. This book immediately disabused me of this notion which is, in big part, why this is such a great reference: Because it shows and describes a myriad of different vessels, wares, designs, and manutacturers in FULL COLOR with information that is relevant and helpful to both the novice and the professional.

If you thought you knew quite a bit about the Blue Willow pattern, I guarantee that this book will humble you because the author presents such a broad range of items (with a present day price range) from USA, China, the UK and Japan, ranging from plates and saucers to cups and pots to spoons and utensils to platters and chargers to egg stands and vases that only the most serious collector can hope to have seen as much different material as found here. There is also a helpful section on, believe it or not, reproductions. I think that you will be quite happy with this book even if, like me, you do not collect the stuff.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Light on Guidance, March 30, 2007

By 

Victoria Sanchez "Avid Reader" (Albuquerque, NM USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Blue Willow Identification And Value Guide (Gaston's Blue Willow) (Paperback)

This book contains interesting information about the origin of this design style but little detail about any of the many varieties that were/are being made. It is about 2/3 taken up with photographs of various styles but with only one or two pieces of any given style and no details about each or any idea of what the variety of other pieces within each style look like, so it is nearly impossible to truly identify the style you have or want. I was interested in the information, but found little guidance in my quest to discover more about the pieces that I own. Even the prices given are merely a recount of the price paid for each piece; but not when the purhcase was made or under what conditions or whether this is a reflection of the relative "value" of a given style of the blue willow design.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent reference book!, January 11, 2007

By 

N. E. W. S. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blue Willow Identification And Value Guide (Gaston's Blue Willow) (Paperback)

The book "Blue Willow: Identification & Value Guide" is an excellent reference book. Not only does it give a better understanding of all the different Willow patterns out there, it also contains beautiful, very clear illustrations. The quality of the paperback edition is excellent, using glossy, very good quality paper that enhances the photographs. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Blue Willow dinnerware. I bought the book for my husband who knew nothing about Blue Willow before this purchase. He is now much more knowledgeable on the subject and is confident in his purchasing. As a novice, it has helped my husband greatly.