Today, with antiques and collectables available everywhere from garage sales to the Internet, collectors need authoritative advice more than ever. This comprehensive reference puts it at their fingertips. Essential questions in all categories are answered instantly in the A-to-Z section: What is Aurene glass? When was Tiffany & Co. founded? What's the difference between soft- and hard-paste porcelain? In the back of the book the collector will find extensive charts and tables to help identify the styles of feet on furniture, the forms of glass objects, dolls' bodies and heads, and hundreds of makers' marks on glass, ceramics, and silver. Plus, the eye-opening chapter on buying and selling antiques is essential preparation before attempting any sale or purchase.