My favorite books, these are the books that we actually use to research our own items! Whatever it is that you are researching, there is almost certainly a book that specializes in it. Use the power of true experts in their field to research your items! This way you can find out what they’re really worth.
General Antiques Price Guides – Our Recommendations
Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2023 – As you would expect from the Kovel’s, this is a very good general reference guide with prices that are pretty spot on for the most part. Top Recommendation – Highest Rated Price Guide for 2023
Miller’s Antiques Handbook and Price Guide 2022-2023 – If you only buy 1 price guide this year, make it this handy, carry along style guide. a bit larger this year, but a wonderful guide to take along with you to garage sales, estate sales, auctions and the like. This 2022-2023 version is highly rated and highly recommended!
Great Specialty/Niche Books
I’ve only recommended the top books in these particular niches, but there are certainly more out there for each niche.
For Researching Jewelry —
Warman’s Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide – This is my absolute favorite book for jewelry. Includes identification information and valuations of both costume and fine jewelry. Covers jewelry from the 1700’s up until today. If you just got a box of old jewelry at a garage sale, this is the book you want by your side as you sift through it. Same goes for anyone who has inherited a piece, this book covers a lot. If you only get one book on jewelry, this is the one, as others always focus on niches in jewelry like fine jewelry only or costume jewelry only, this one covers it all.
For Researching Kitchen Collectibles —
300 Years Of Kitchen Collectibles – For kitchen collectibles, this is one of the best references. Tons of research information, pointers, lots of black and white pictures, prices and lots more information. A huge book with tons of good information, highly recommended.
For Researching Silver Jewelry —
Collectible Silver Jewelry Identification and Value Guide – Written and compiled by a well respected expert in the area, this is a must have reference for anyone collecting or researching their silver jewelry.
For Researching Glass —
Collectible Glassware from the 40s, 50s, 60s 10th Edition – Covers a number of types of glassware from these decades.
Elegant Glassware of the Depression Era: Identification and Value Guide – If you have any depression glass to research, this is the reference for you.
Warman’s Carnival Glass: Identification and Price Guide – The essential guide for researching that lovely carnival glass you may have.
For Coins Research —
A Guide Book of US Coins 2023 – This is the most updated and accurate coin guide you can find on US coins.
For Researching Dolls —
Doll Values – Antique to Modern – A top reference book for dolls.
For Researching Pottery —
Anchor Hocking’s Fire-King & More, 4th Edition – An essential book if you have any Fire-King items.
For Researching Toys —
O’Brien’s Collecting Toys: Identification and Value Guide – An essential reference for antique and vintage toys.
For Researching Hummels —
The Official Hummel Price Guide: Figurines & Plates – Absolutely the definitive Hummel price guide, if you have Hummel’s, this is the book you need.
For Researching Civil War Items —
Warman’s Civil War Collectibles Identification and Price Guide – Loaded with identification and value information for just about any type of civil war collectible you have, and 1500 photos in color.
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