Collectible Aluminum/an Identification and Value Guide Including by Everett Grist (1993, Paperback)

The Guide has helped me identify my hammered aluminum pieces I have collected. The information about each artist was informative. The 1883 copyright is outdated, but there seems to be nothing more recent. The prices listed are obsolete. The pictures were not very clear, but the reference supplied many numbers and identification codes. I purchased the guide for my own personal use and it is an useful tool. I have loaned it to a friend and would recommend it to anyone who collects hammered aluminum from 1940 to 1960.

I collect 3 patterns of aluminum giftware and hoped this book would be a comprehensive catalog of all items within each line. I was disappointed that photos were only generically labeled without hallmark numbers. The quality of the black and white photos is average. I was also disappointed in the quality of the photos. Spend a year tracking designs of aluminum giftware on ebay and you can learn more about styles/designs. Prices listed for various pieces are not relevant. Value depends upon the condition of the piece, and who is selling versus what a buyer is willing to pay. On the plus side, this book does give a good history of the manufacturers and some background of the industry. I'm glad I have it, but it is by no means the definitive book on aluminum giftware.