Collectible Glassware from the 40's 50's 60's by Gene Florence (1993, Hardcover)

I am the owner of far too many Collectibles guides. I admit it. I just can’t leave them alone, even when there are just one or two items of mine in the guide, I’ll buy it. This book is no different.

As expected, I discovered many new patterns in this second edition not found in any of my other similar glassware guides. Mr. Florence has done it again. Just when I think I have seen and know all patterns, he delights me with new treasures to be on the lookout for.

The beautiful shots of the glassware are incredible. As an eBay Seller, I really appreciate a nice photograph of glassware; it is so very difficult to capture the pieces correctly. The worst ones are the crystal pieces with small embossed flowers and designs. The ones Gene shows in this book are some of the clearest photos I have seen.

The variety is incredible too. He has elegant glassware, expensive in its day, and even more so now. There is simple Jadeite, made famous lately by becoming one of Martha Stewart’s favorites. Plain solid colors, banded glassware, and painted scenery… It’s all represented here.

Do you need to identify your grandma’s heirloom? Are you going to choose which pattern to collect? You can learn which patterns are hardest to come by, and which pieces are rare to find. I am still looking for a pattern to complement Mom’s china set, but with this book, I stand a good chance of coming to a decision.

If you want to sell on eBay, be sure you know what you are about to unload; it could be a rarity, so use this book to look up that mid-century pattern. The more you know, the better your glassware will sell. Swankyswigs are still going strong. What are they? Read the book.

The only negative thing I ever find in a Florence guide: The prices here are always way too low for me in my area, and I have to adjust. Gene tells you right off, this may be the case, but he does travel to many shows, and he has a great feel for prices and trends. The book is easy to use, and it will be an invaluable resource for me for years to come.

I have many other glass guides. Where are the pictures? I prefer this book. This guide was born of years of experience, and many miles traveled. Thanks again to Mr. and Mrs. Florence for a fantastic book; get it, you’ll be glad you did.

This is a great reference book for the casual or serious collector of glassware. Pattern names history of the makers is very valuable for buyer or seller of glassware from the 40's through 60's. I found that I saw many items that I have owned in the past and didn't realize how old they were and most likely sold at a garage sale for 50 cents.

The edition date is irrelevant because the identifications won't change over time. I have several different reference books from this publishing company and the quality is always good and information is accurate. Any of these books listing values cannot really be used for today's market since most were written before eBay changed the market on all things collectible.

I would recommend you add this book to your collector's research library.

I, the writer, was a third party in the purchase of this book. I have become friends with an Amish lady who called me to help her find books that would help her son-in-law better know the glassware as he is an auctioneer. We spent a couple of hours looking and comparing. Finally decided on these. We have talked since, and she found them interesting herself. Her son-in-law was pleased to have received them.

Book is great, it helps me with the Estate Sales I go to.It did take a while to get the book, first time through media mail it took over 3 weeks but the seller said it might, and he was right. I will keep checking his auction to see if he gets other glass books.