For the beginner in the field. Explains the basic background information a buyer needs in order to judge the authenticity of antiques.

You don't have to look far these days to find someone who says they can make you rich. Work from home, Pyramid Schemes, Chain Letters, Catalogue Delivery. You'll find all these jobs advertised in your local newspaper all the time. Do they work? Well yes for some people. But for most people, they just end up getting burned. Paying a joining fee and never making any money out of it at all. Frustrating isn't it?

Marks are one of the collector's most important tools when it comes to identifying and dating antiques. Of course, it is important to understand that they should never be relied upon completely, as many have been copied or faked. What you should rely on is experience. Handle as many antiques as you can and learn to combine your knowledge of marks with the knowledge of how an authentic piece looks and feels. Whether you are buying at auction, flea market or antique shop this is the book you need to identify and date what you find. More than 6,000 marks are organized for quick, at-a-glance reference with full-colour sections on silver, Sheffield plate, bronze figures, ceramics, glass, costume jewellery, toys and dolls. This comprehensive guide can be kept handy to identify antique finds and valuate them from a catalogue of the most common marks that you will encounter, as well as any unidentified treasures you already own.

Features directions and diagrams for paper folding and tearing, and paper puzzles, tricks, games, scientific stunts and more.