An eye for old treasures

Those doodads, doohickeys, doilies and doorstops in your attic may be worth something. You’ll be able to get a feel for the value of old objects in this book by renowned antiques and collectibles experts Ralph and Terry Kovel. Yes, they’re the Kovels of the annual price guide, monthly newsletter, weekly newspaper column and more than 90 reference books.

The book focuses on items made or used in America before 1900, from tin Coca-Cola signs to Roseville pottery, with chapters on furniture, pottery and porcelain, jewelry, silver and glass, among others. It includes more than 700 illustrations of decorative arts and marks (400-plus are color photographs).

The text includes stories of discoveries, tips on care, interesting historical facts (for example, some early alarm clocks set off gunpowder charges), and warnings about fakes. The information should prove valuable to the curious collector and the discerning antiques dealer alike.

Samantha Bonar