Lincoln Postcards Featured In
New Reference Book

BOOK REVIEW

One of the many postcards with sayings of Lincoln, this one includes parts of his famous Second Inaugural Address, given on March 4, 1865, when the end of the Civil War was in sight. It was printed in 1909 and is valued at $5-$7.

At one time, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, February 12, was celebrated as a separate holiday, and schoolkids took special time to have activities about this special president. Today, his birthday is combined, with all the others, into that holiday we call President’s Day, the third Monday of February.

However, Lincoln does deserve special recognition, and one place this can be found is in a recent Schiffer publication, Abraham Lincoln, An Illustrated Biography in Postcards, by James D. Ristine. It is an interesting way to look at the life of this very famous President.

Thousands of different postcards have been published through the years, documenting various events in Lincoln’s life. The first postcard in Chapter 1, “Humble Beginnings,” is a 1909 view of the site of Sinking Spring Farm in Kentucky, where Lincoln had been born 100 years previously. There are numerous postcards depicting log cabins, which is what Abe had been born in on February 12, 1809.

Other views from the early years include Lincoln chopping wood, reading by firelight and interior views of the log cabin.

The book continues to trace Lincoln’s history as it covers the path to the White House, the Presidency and the Civil War Years, his assassination and burial, all as depicted by postcards. Some of the postcards were quite graphic, such as the one showing John Wilkes Booth actually holding a gun to Lincoln’s head in Ford’s Theatre.

Following the biographical information, separate chapters are devoted to postcards that reproduce portraits and photographs of Lincoln, monuments, and sayings. (Although some of the postcard sayings attributed to Lincoln were actually said by somebody else.)

An interesting text accompanies this remarkable collection of postcards. The cards themselves were printed from several different time periods, and the author’s suggestions of the value of each is included.

Abraham Lincoln, An Illustrated Biography in Postcards (ISBN: 978-0-7643-2857-2) is priced at $24.95. Check with you local bookseller or order online from www.schifferbooks.com.

Donna Miller

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Schiffer Books Include Reference,
Price Guidance And Enjoyment

BOOK REVIEW

A variety of collector reference books continue to be published by Schiffer Publishing. One of the most recent is Deco Decor, subtitled “Porcelain, Glass, & Metal Accessories for the Home.” It is written by Donald-Brian Johnson, with photography an design by Leslie Pina.

The items included in this book are arranged by the location in which they would be found in homes of the 1920s and 1930s. The photographs and text are further illustrated by reprints of vintage advertising. From the hall to the nursery, upstairs and downstairs, all parts of the home are covered. Also included is biographical information on some of the most important designers of the era.

Deco Decor, by Johnson and Pina, (ISBN: 978-0-7643-3178-7) is priced at $69.99. It includes a price guide.

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Silver Wings & Leather Jackets, by Jon A. Maguire, focuses on rare and unusual items from the Allies of World Wars I and II. This is the author’s third volume on the uniforms and insignia of the United States Army aviation forces from their inception up to the time of the formation of the U.S. Air Force in 1947.

It contains more than wings and jackets. You’ll find photographs of such diverse items as leather flight helmets, a rudder from a Japanese aircraft, General Carl Spatz’s personal flag and a suitcase with a Flying Tiger decal.

Several aviation museums and private collectors have allowed their artifacts to be photographed for this book. You will not find most of these items for sale, and therefore, it is not a price guide. As the author says, “This volume is not so much a reference; it is more of something to just enjoy.”

Silver Wings and Leather Jackets (ISBN: 978-0-7643-3244-9) is priced at $89.99.

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Estate Jewelry, 1760-1960, by Diana S. Cinamon, covers antique and period jewelry made in the United States, Canada, Europe and the United Kingdom over a 200-year span.

For each period covered, the author discusses historical backgrounds and fashion influences on jewelry design. The popular styles, as well as the popular gems and materials are illustrated, as well as the decorating and finishing techniques that were used.

Additional chapters cover gem identification and value tips; metals, fittings and findings in jewelry; and marks as used in the various countries.

Estate Jewelry, 1760-1960, (ISBN: 978-0-7643-3300-2) is priced at $49.99. It includes a value guide.

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In 1816, a woodcarving cottage industry was founded in a small village in the Swiss Alps. From that simple beginning, the Black Forest woodcarving tradition began. This is the subject of Black Forest Woodcarvings, the History of Swiss Brienzerware, by Peter F. Blackman.

Brienz was the name of the Swiss village and Christian Fischer was the name of the man who first decided he could help support his family with his carving skills. His idea was copied by others, because wood was plentiful in the area in which they lived.

This book presents the growth of Brienzerware for the last almost 200 years, with attention paid to the carvers, schools, companies and world-wide exhibitions of this carved wood. Although the simplest pieces were, and still are, tourist pieces, there have also been elaborate sculptures and furniture items This variety is presented in over 900 photographs in the book.

Black Forest Wood carvings (ISBN: 978-0-7643-3132-9) is priced at $99.99. It does not include a value guide.

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The Hopi people have lived in northeastern Arizona since at least the 12th century. While basically a farming people, through the centuries they have also produced beautiful silver, pottery and basket work. Additionally, the women of the Third Mesa make colorful wicker plaques and baskets, and these are the subject of Hopi Wicker Plaques & Baskets, by Robert W. Rhodes.

The book begins with a discussion of the baskets and plaques, the materials and weaving techniques used, some tips on collecting and the elements that determine the value of a piece. General dollar values, based on design and size are given in this discussion.

Following this, 67 different design categories are illustrated in nearly 500 photographs. Values are not given on these individual pieces.

Hopi Wicker Plaques & Baskets, (ISBN: 978-0-7643-2685-1) is priced at $29.95.

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The books are available from local booksellers; through Schiffer Publishing’s online catalog at www.schifferbooks.com; or from the publisher at 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310, phone (610) 593-91777. There is a $3.95 shipping charge if ordering from the publisher.

Donna Miller

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Hats Through The Ages Topic Of Collector Book

BOOK REVIEW

There was once a time when no woman would feel she was totally dressed when she left home unless she was wearing a hat of some kind. This was true whether it was a simple cotton bonnet of a farm wife or an elegant creation of feathers and ribbons worn by a wealthy lady of fashion. These headpieces are the subject of a recent Collector Books publication, Vintage Hats & Bonnets, 1770-1970, written by Susan Langley.

Styles changed through the decades, and the author has chosen to use this chronological format. Many of the styles are shown through reproductions of antique paintings or photographs. Others are shown on mannequins.

Many factors have influenced hat styles, says the author. The hats worn by famous people, from theatrical stars to political leaders, were widely copied. Hats also needed to be adapted to prevailing hair and dress styles. The hats of the Victorian era would have been totally out of place with a flapper dress of the 1920s.

In addition to the plain enjoyment one can have in just looking at the pictures of 200 years of hats, the book can also help one date other kinds of vintage clothing. Also included are some helpful hints in the care and repair of hats.

Vintage Hats & Bonnets (ISBN: 978-1-57432-604-8) is priced at $29.95. Check with your local bookseller or visit www.collectorbooks.com on line.

Donna Miller

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